ISL: Atletico de Kolkata 0-0 Chennaiyin FC - 5 Talking Points

Chennaiyin FC played out their fourth consecutive draw after a game which was full of sparring but no end product as Atletico de Kolkata stayed top of the ISL on goal difference. In a game that was becoming increasingly physical by the minute, both teams stifled each other, and clear cut chances were few and far between.The previous clash between Chennai and Kolkata was marred by some debatable refereeing decisions. This game did absolutely nothing to match that either in terms of action or excitement, but it brought the relief that there was no controversy. Here are 5 of the major talking points from the game.

#1 Elano and Fikru stifled

In a game, which was billed as the battle of the midfields, Kolkata’s Borja Fernandez and Ofentse Nato were snapping at Elano’s heels at all times. The Brazilian did not find the space or time on the ball to weave his magic.

After all, he had 8 goals in the first half of the tournament, and Kolkata needed no warning of the danger that he could cause.

Also, Fikru was closely marked by Marco Materazzi who went into the game with no holds barred. Arms were flailing in all directions from the Italian, and at one point, he even left Kolkata’s top scorer with the back of his head bloodied.

#2 The Lights go off!

Regular watchers of Indian football would have been waiting for the ISL game in which the floodlights at the Salt Lake Stadium would give in. After holding firm for the first four games, the lights went off in the 36^th minute.

For the football watchers of Kolkata though, this is no new occurence. In 2011, the floodlights failed in what is Indian football’s biggest game – the derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

Even during a few IPL matches, the floodlights at the iconic Eden Gardens have failed.

The authorities have a serious issue to look into at India’s most iconic football stadium, especially with the FIFA U-17 World Cup less than three years away.

#3 Jofre had a splendid game

At the start of the game, the threats that Kolkata possessed were obvious. Fikru is the second leading goalscorer in the league, and a player with the credentials of Luis Garcia can never be under-estimated. Chennai did their best in preventing both Fikru and Garcia from causing too much of a threat, but there was one man who was very difficult to be stopped.

Jofre Mateu was sent off in the return fixture earlier this month, and he had a point to prove. With silken feet, and amazing movement, Jofre was sometimes playing like a man possessed. How Kolkata would wish he found some end product for his efforts.

#4 Subhashish had a mixed outing.

In the initial stages of the league, Kolkata built their game around a tight defense and reaped their rewards. Instrumental in that run, was the goalkeeper, Subhashish Roy Chowdhury. Today again, while Kolkata’s attackers could not find the finish, Subhashish denied Chennai all three points, with a fantastic save from Elano’s header, which came from point blank range.

But, Subhashish did have his share of scares too, as he dropped the ball in the area once, and was caught flapping at many of Elano’s set pieces. Luckily for him, he did not have a price to pay.

#5 Both sides denied

Kolkata should have had the lead in the 60th minute when a challenge on Fikru gave Luis Garcia an inviting opportunity from a free kick. The Kolkata captain though was desperately unlucky as his shot cannoned back off the crossbar, with Gennaro Bracigliano rooted to his spot.

At the other end, Chennai thought that they had broken Kolkata hearts late on, when good work from Jean Eudes Maurice down the right flank saw Balwant Singh steer the ball into the back of the net. Chennai celebrations though were cut short by the raised flag of the assistant referee, and Balwant was booked for handling the ball. This was as close as the sides came to finding a goal on the night.