Williams hands perfect X-Mas gift as ATK pip Bengaluru FC 1-0

Two-time former champions ATK made ir Christmas celebrations special, pipping Bengaluru FC by a David Williams solitary strike to secure ir first-ever win over defending champions in Indian Super League here on Wednesday. On a day Sunil Chhetri-led side had better ball possession, Williams scored winning goal with an explosive finish in 47th minute after being set up by ir captain Roy Krishna. Fijian's pass was so clear that Rahul Bheke failed to clear it away and lost possession to Jayesh Rane who slided it to surging Williams. Australian forward made a couple of touches before an explosive finish at far post, giving a diving Gurpreet Singh Sandhu chance.

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Williams hands perfect X-Mas gift

This was ATK's first-ever win over Bengaluru FC from five attempts and it could t have come on a better day as Antonio Habas side climbed to top of table, ahead of FC Goa on goal difference, both having 18 points each. re was little to differentiate between two teams as Bengaluru FC had 58% ball possession at goal-less halftime. Michael Soosairaj was exceptional for home team but final touch was missing as y played some smooth passing games and were unlucky t to go ahead.

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Bengaluru FC forward line failed to penetrate opposition citadel in a thrilling first 45 minutes. win also meant that ATK remained only team to be unbeaten at home, while this was first loss away from home for Carles Cuadrat's Bengaluru FC this season. Blues had chance to equalize on hour mark when Harmanjot Khabra's cross in ATK box came off head of a red shirt and fell kindly to Dimas Delgado.

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But Spanish midfielder, under pressure, fired agonizingly wide on volley. Cuadrat soon made his first change, introducing Ashique Kuruniyan for Bheke, as Bengaluru switched shape, going with four at back. With home side continuing to keep things tight at back, Bengaluru made a second attacking change by bringing on striker Semboi Haokip for Augusto. Udanta and Ashique attacked flanks with Semboi focal point, but Blues could do little against a resolute ATK defence that held fort to secure full three points. 

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