Kolkata: A double strike from Brazilian striker Marcelinho helped FC Pune City stun reigning champions ATK in an ISL encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday. The visitors took an early lead through Marcelinho in the 13th minute. The home team fought back well to score the equaliser in the second half through Bipin Singh (50th minute). Pune took the lead in the next minute again through Rohit Kumar due to some sloppy defending from the two time champions. Marcelinho was again on the score-sheets in the 60th minute as his powerful left foot volley deflected off Jordi to find the back of the nets. The Brazilian again featured in the fourth goal, as Alfaro hammered home from a deft pass from Marcelinho.
The result saw Pune bag their first three points after losing 2-3 against Delhi at home. ATK remained on just one point from two games.
The opening exchanges saw both teams getting early corners, both wasted. Just when the home side looked like taking the lead, Pune surged ahead against the run of play.
The defence of Teddy Sheringham’s side was sloppy to say the least. Former Manchester United central defender Tom Thorpe erred in clearing the ball with Emiliano Alfaro pouncing on it to dart inside the box and square for Marcelinho who stabbed home from close range.
ATK clearly missed their marquee signing Robbie Keane who was watching the game from the stands, Portuguese midfielder Zequinha made a solo run before taking aim at the goal with a powerful shot from outside the box.
The visitors went into the breather with a 1-0 lead.
Much to the joy of the 33000 odd crowds, ATK scored the equaliser through Bipin Singh whose powerful free kick rammed off the crossbar to go in.
Within seconds of drawing parity, the hosts were behind again. Marcelinho swung in a corner which Rohit headed in.
There was more misery in store for Teddy Sheringham’s side when skipper Jordi Montel deflected a Marcelinho shot into his own net.
The final nail in the coffin was handed by Alfaro who made no mistake from a Marcelinho assist, as he slammed the ball past the outstretched hands of Debjit Majumder.