Kerala Blasters FC's narrow escape makes for amazing drama

Stephen Pearson and Michael Chopra of Kerala Blasters tackle Chennaiyin FC captain Bernard Mendy

Some games are worthy of being dubbed as having ‘everything’, and the second leg of the ISL semifinal between Chennaiyn FC and Kerala Blasters proved just to be just that. A match built around Chennaiyin FC’s failed first leg and a mammoth task at hand, this second leg of the first semi-finals included moments of pure brilliance, talent, skill and of course some theatrics.

Thre sending offs. A missed penalty. An own goal. A last-minute leveller. Extra time. And a late winner. At the end of a dramatic semi-final second leg in Chennai, Kerala Blasters FC became the first Hero Indian Super League finalist with a 4-3 aggregate win after losing the second leg 3-1 to Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday night.

Drama from the very beginning

The game started at a frenetic pace as Chennaiyin set about overturning the 3-0 first-leg deficit, with captain Bernard Mendy being deployed in an advanced role. Kerala’s counter-attacking strategy was working well, and they nearly stretched their first-leg lead when Chopra and Iain Hume had a neat exchange of passes on a breakaway, but Chennaiyin keeper Shilton Paul was quick off his line to clear the ball.

The complexion of the tie soon changed dramatically when Blasters defender Jamie McAllister, who had been booked for time-wasting in the eighth minute, received his marching orders for a second yellow card after a foul on Mendy in the 28th minute.

Kerala’s defence were finally undone just before half-time. Marco Materazzi’s free kick from the left in the 28th minute was met in the box by Mikaël Silvestre, with the Frenchman’s header perfectly placed past Kerala goalkeeper Sandip Nandy.

Chennaiyin capitalize on opportunities

The home side started the second half on the front foot, and nearly clawed one more goal back when Maurice was knocked down by Kerala defender Sandesh Jhingan in the box. Materazzi had to re-take his penalty kick after his first attempt had beaten Nandy all ends up, as it was ruled out due to Chennai players encroaching into the box. The Italian sent his spot-kick wide the second time around.

Kerala Blasters gifted Chennai a second goal. Substitute Bruno Pelissari’s long ball drifted over all of Chennai’s attacking players, and Jhingan chested it back towards his keeper, only to find that Nandy had come off his line to collect the ball himself and the ball went into an untenanted net for an own goal. Nandy, who had been carrying an injury for the previous ten minutes, was substituted immediately after, with Luis Baretto being thrown into a high-pressure situation in his first tournament appearance.

Chennai grabbed the lifeline handed to them with both hands, as they drove forward in search of the goal that would level the aggregate scores. And right in the dying minutes, they got it. Mendy’s quick feet on the left wing took him into the box, and his floated cross was turned in at the far post by Jeje Lalpekhlua with his chest. It was 3-0 and Chennaiyn had done the unthinkable and tied up the aggregrate.

Materazzi’s sending off crucial to flow of game

The edge of the seat match was tied up at 3-3 which led, the second leg of the semifinal into extra time, and the drama was far from over. Materazzi was soon packed off after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, meaning that both teams were now down to ten men. His sending off seemed to take the sting out of the game, as chances in both the first and second half of extra time were few and far between.

However, with penalties looming, Kerala midfielder Stephen Pearson stunned the Chennai crowd with a determined finish. Latching on to Jhingan’s lob, the Scotsman drove towards goal and, despite pressure from three Chennaiyin players, came up with a superb finish to send his side into the final. Scotsman Stephen Paul Pearson's 117th minute strike made all the difference at the end.

At the end, Kerala Blasters FC survived a tremendous onslaught from hosts Chennaiyin FC to win 4-3 on aggregate in the first semi-final play-off to enter the final of the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) football competition at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday.David James’ side will now await the winner of the second semi-final between FC Goa and Atletico de Kolkata which will be played on Wednesday.

Swift Moment of the Match and Amul Fittest Player of the Match was also bagged by Stephen Pearson. The Scottish has been a livewire and just does not seem to get tired.

Jeje got the ISL Emerging Player of the Match.

Hero of the Match went to Colin Falvey for his brilliant performance throughout the game.