The second game of the ISL Season- 3 saw inaugural champions, Atletico de Kolkata taking on Chennaiyin. The game saw both teams opt for a 4-3-3 formation, which meant a host of attackers were on display. Chennaiyin though missed John Stiven Mendoza, with David Succi replacing him along side Jeje and Jayesh Rane.
Rabindra Sarobar, the home ground of Atletico de Kolkata this ISL also made its debut in the ISL, as both teams looked to get off to a flying start. An eventful first half saw Atletico dominate proceedings using the passion of the home crowd to drive themselves forward.
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However, the game exploded into life, in the second half as both teams found their scoring boots. Doutie’s lead was cancelled out by Jayesh Rane. A wicked deflection though ensured Chennaiyin took the lead through a goal from Mulder. However, a penalty in the 86th minute helped ATK draw level.
The game also saw multiple bookings for both teams with three yellow cards for both sides.
#1 Sameehg Doutie’s efforts deserved better rewards
The first half saw Doutie deliver umpteen numbers of crosses for the likes of Postiga and Hume. The midfielder took the onus upon himself to run at the Chennaiyin defence and it was only some desperate defending that prevented the midfielder’s crosses from being converted.
From the onset, ATK looked to get the ball to the wings and use the presence of their star strikers to get them ahead. However the determined defending from Wadoo, with assistance from the others helped the side go in level at half-time.
The South African, playing in his second ISL season was instrumental in the first half as ATK looked to make their home advantage count. However, the goal to give Atletico the lead was a brilliant goal. A gem of a first touch, ensured that he had little to do, as he slotted the ball past Kerr.
He was again at the centre of the action as a shove by Jerry in the box earned his side the penalty.
#2 Chennaiyin’s wasteful finishing cost them the game
Chennaiyin took the lead through Mulder in the 70th minute and after that had enough chances to put the game beyond ATK. Dudu’s miss in the 83rd minute, turned the game on its head, as ATK broke at the other end to earn a debatable penalty.
The Nigerian replaced Succi in the 67th minute and played some lovely football. The play to open up the ATK defence almost resulted in a goal for the Nigerian, but for his poor touch. However, the Nigerian should have done better when he was only 3 yards out as he failed to tap in the ball.
Materazzi will hope that he doesn’t dwell on such a miss as he looks to find an adequate replacement for the goal-threat provided by Mendoza last season.
#3 ATK strikers need to gel in order to reap benefits
Having signed two excellent forwards last season, ATK will hope to reap the benefits this season. Postiga who was injured on debut last season after scoring two goals here started alongside Ian Hume. The Portuguese looking to make up for lost time was aggressive from the start and came dangerously close to being sent off for dissent.
He was rightfully livid at the linesman’s decision to call him for offside as the Portuguese had made a smart run in the right anticipation. Hume was impressive last season leading the line in the Portuguese’s absence.
On the day though, Hume’s lethal finishing deserted him, as he seemed to snatch at scoring opportunities. Molina needs to find the balance which will help both his strikers flourish instead of them getting in the way of each other. Hopefully, as the season progresses, one will see them develop a better understanding.
#4 Chennaiyin’s youthful squad will look to make their mark
The goal by Jayesh Rane to equalize was against the run of play. While Jeje did good to get the shot off, it fell kindly into the path of the youngster, who applied a calm finish to put it past the ATK keeper. The silence that engulfed the stadium at the time was quite noticeable.
Chennaiyin continued to concentrate on keeping things simple as Mulder kept things ticking for his side. The introduction of 18-year-old Jerry, was also quite encouraging. While the youngster was at fault for shoving the forward Doutie in the back, it was heartening to see them play with such confidence.
The distraught look on Jerry’s face as the referee pointed to the spot was there for everyone to see. The team’s youthful bench and the performances of these two youngsters will help the others in the squad also build confidence.
#5 Defensive mistakes made for an entertaining game
Both teams, playing their first game of the season, played with great vigour. At times though, adrenaline got the better of the players as they gave away the ball cheaply. If Riise, played the role of the elder statesman in Chennaiyin defence, it was Tiri and Kotal at the other end.
Wadoo who started off the match slowly grew as the game progressed and there were some vital clearances and blocks on his part to help the team maintain the lead. He was rightly named as the Man of the Match.
Tiri was at the wrong place at the wrong time, as the ball took an unlucky deflection of him to give Chennaiyin the lead. As the match petered out to an end, some excellent defending by both defences ensured that there were no further goals.
