Chennai vs Kerala (2)

Chennaiyin have a tough task ahead of them. They have a trail over them of three goals. They have been one of the best teams of the league but a lose here would send them out of the competition. They were the first team to qualify for the knockouts but if they fail today, all will be nugatory. Chennaiyin changed their tactics. They put five defenders to contain Kerala's forward while Elano was not in the starting line up. The Brazilian was not at his best in their earlier encounter.

Chennaiyin FC (3) - Kerala Blasters (1)

Formation: 4-3-3 and 4-1-3-2

Courtesy:ISL

Chennaiyin started their home game with a mighty spirit. They looked fierce and confident. Chopra could have upset Chennaiyin heart but was off side. A corner and a yellow card to the men in yellow. The game maintained its pace since the beginning. The home side's manager put in a cross for Maurice but the Frenchman's shot was saved by Sandip who excelled in the previous game. Djemba- Djemba headed the ball, led by Dhana, towards the goal. Forcada stopped it clearly with his hands but instead of a hand ball, ref gave a yellow to Djemba- Djemba. The visitors looked rather infuriated with the decision. Materazzi and Jeje troubled Sandip with their moves. Abhishek came in for injured Dhana. That was a thing to worry for the home team. Chopra and Hume on counter attack but Hume's second touch allowed Shilton to collect the ball. Hume is Kerala's favorite but at times we have seen the Canadian commit some serious mistakes. McAlister received a second yellow card for kicking Mendy and was sent off the field. The visitors were down to 10 men! Romey for Forcada. Mendy with telling run and a cross but none of the teammates was present to tap the ball in. Romey gave away free kick at a dangerous position. Materazzi took it and Silvestre sent it straight at the back of the net. Goal for Chennai.

It was a laborious first half for the teams and Chennai solely ruled the attack index but they needed to push harder in the second half if they wanted a place in the finals.

Courtesy:ISL

Jhingan pushed Maurice and gave away a penalty to the home team in the dawning minutes of the second half. Materazzi took it and it was goal but wait, how can a semi final progress without some drama. The ref ruled out the goal as Maurice ran inside the box. Materazzi took it again but it was a wide shot. Unbelievable that was! Nesta picked up a hamstring injury and was substituted by Elano. A roar there. Another hamstring injury. Sandip was on the ground, received some treatment and the game progressed. Some push and pull, Elano booked. A tussle between Mendy and Jhingan. Gurwinder came in from nowhere and kicked Mendy to give another free kick to Chennai. That was stupid. Jhingan, who gave away a penalty, scored for the opposite team. He tried to chest the ball to Sandip but as the keeper struggled with his hamstring, he failed to collect the ball and it went straight inside the net. Own goal. Pelissari for Djemba- Djemba and finally, Luis for Sandip. Milagres for Hume. Yellow for Maurice. Jeje scored the third goal for Chennai at the 90th minute. In the added time, Elano took Luis by surprise. He was far away from the box but took a shot which forced Luis to run . Brilliant from the Brazilian.

Courtesy:ISL

Chennai evened the score with Kerala through Jeje in the dying minutes of the game. The referee signaled towards the extra time. It was a 120 minutes long game. Both the teams tried hard. There were some challenges and tackles,  yellow card and telling chances but the final and glorious goal came from Stephen Pearson. Kerala made to the finals by a margin of one goal.
It was the  most game of the League so far. Chennai ruled the attack index for the entire match and scored three unthinkable goals but Pearson's final strike shattered the home team's dream of being the first champion. Tears in the eyes of the crowd and the player but this how football is. Chennai dominated the league but one lose here and the journey ended.

                                                          *read about Kolkata vs Goa in our next article.