ISL 2017/18, 2nd Semifinal, 1st Leg: FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC, 5 Talking Points

#3 Chennai happy to absorb pressure in the first half

Chennaiyin did well to absorb the pressure.

The visitors came into this clash in good form but little did they expect to be defending for large parts of the first half. Chennai were pegged back but they never looked nervous.

The southern outfit looked like a well drilled defensive unit and they did well to keep The Gaurs at bay for the opening 45 minutes. The likes of Francis, Calderon, Jeje and Augusto had to be content with playing on the counter.

When they did have the ball, Chennaiyin did well to keep hold of it. They didn't create too many clear-cut openings but their ability to stay calm amidst wave after wave of attacks from Goa held them in good stead. John Gregory's men looked a mature and solid unit despite not dominating.