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Xtra Time Web Desk: ATK Mohun Bagan kick started their AFC Cup campaign in style with a convincing 2-0 win over Bengaluru FC in the opening Group D fixture at Male on Wednesday. Roy Krishna scored the opening goal for the Mariners in 38’ while birthday boy Subhasish Bose extended the lead in the 46’.

Antonio Lopez Habas side was far more superior than their opponents on the field as they dominated from the start, creating opportunities to score. They finally managed to go ahead in the 38^th minute. A corner taken by Hugo Boumous found Subhasish Bose who took a powerful header which was deflected into the goal by Roy Krishna.

It was expected the Blues will come hard in the second half after trailing by a goal. But the Mariners scored yet again in the first minute after the interval. A cross from the left by David Williams found Subhsish Bose who took a left footer that beat the outstretched hands of Gupreet Singh Sandhu.

The result meant that Sunil Chhetri-led Bengaluru FC have not been able to beat familiar rivals ATK Mohun Bagan since the 2019 Indian Super League season. Chhetri himself could not do much in the match and was substituted in the 68th minute by Leon Augustine.

ATK Mohun Bagan, who qualified for the group stages of the competition by virtue of the erstwhile Mohun Bagan's victorious 2019-20 I-League campaign, will face Maziya Sports & Recreation of Maldives in their second group match on Saturday. Bengaluru, who made it to the group stage after defeating Club Eagles of Maldives 1-0 in the play-off here on Sunday, Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh in their next match, also on Saturday. Only the winners of the four-team group will qualify for the Inter-zone playoff semifinals.