Title favourites ATK Mohun Bagan put up a dominating display, sounding warning bells across the league at the very outset. The Calcutta giants defeated Kerala Blasters 4-2 in the opening game of ISL VIII at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Friday.

Hugo Boumous (third, 39th) and Liston Colaco (50th), roped in during the summer, delivered. Roy Krishna (27th penalty) too did not fail to capitalise from the spot.

Former FC Goa and Mumbai City FC star Boumous became the league’s fastest scorer in an opening encounter, finding the net from outside the box within three minutes. ATK Mohun Bagan suddenly struggled to cope with the Blasters’ retaliation. Rahul KP did well down the right flank, picking out an inch-perfect cross towards Sahal Abdul Samad just near the box, who drove in with aplomb.

That joy was short-lived as Krishna won and converted the penalty just minutes after. Albino Gomes got nowhere close to the Fiji-born forward after Boumous slipped in a delightful pass.

The first half was sealed and delivered as Boumous capitalised on being left unmarked. He ventured out with precision, hit it across and through the keeper’s legs to deliver a two-goal cushion.

“It’s a nice feeling to make a winning start. We prepared well for this match and it showed on the field. Yes we made a few silly mistakes but that gives us a chance to work on those,” Man of the Match Boumous told the official broadcaster after the match.

Boumous also praised teammates Krishna and Joni Kauko. “We all know the quality Krishna brings to the table. He was superb today and that helped me. Kauko also was brilliant in the midfield and allowed to me thrive at the opponent’s half,” Boumous added.

After the change of ends, Colaco curled in a delectable fourth goal, bending it over rival goalkeeper Gomes to the far right corner much to the delight of coach Antonio Lopez Habas. The game entered into an even contest thereafter even though ATK Mohun Bagan kept teasing the Blasters defenders. Jorge Diaz (69th) pulled a goal back out of nowhere for Blasters as ATK Mohun Bagan appeared a tad complacent in maintaining their shape.

ATK Mohun Bagan would be happy with the performance considering Kerala Blasters entered the game with a robust pre-season. Bagan play the Calcutta Derby on November 27 while Blasters face NorthEast United on November 25.