ISL Highlights: Atletico de Kolkata Beat Chennaiyin FC 3-2
The Indian Super League kicked off in Chennai on October 3 with hosts Chennaiyin FC losing to last year's winners Atletico de Kolkata. Catch all the highlights here.
Chennayin FC lost 2-3 to Atletico de Kolkata in the first match of the 2015 edition of the Indian Super League. Catch all the highlights here (Matchcentre | Photos | Videos | Fixtures) (All Times in IST):
21:01 It's all over! Kolkata hold on to the lead and win 3-2.
20:52 GOAL! Elano converts the penalty to make it 3-2. Chennaiyin FC still in the game.
20:43 Penalty missed and Kolkata fail to convert the corner resulting from it.
20:41 GOAL! Valdo fires in a third for Kolkata and Chennai wilting under pressure.
20:33 GOAL! Postiga capitalises on an error and puts the ball in the back of the net. However, he is injured and a stretcher is out there to take him off.
20:22 Elano tries to penetrate the Kolkata defence but is thwarted once again.
20:17 Kolkata advance and have another corner in the 55th minute. However, it is headed out by the Chennai defence.
20:09 The second half is underway with both teams aiming to break the deadlock.
19:53 The first half comes to an end with the score at 1-1.
19:46 Both teams fighting hard to keep possession as they look to take the lead.
19:37 GOAL! Jeje puts Chennai on the scoresheet. It's 1-1 after 31 minutes.
19:26 Fikru making yet another good run in the 22nd minute but loses the ball as he nears the box.
19:20 Fikru almost draws Chennai level in the 16th minute as he narrowly misses the post.
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19:18 GOAL! Postiga makes the best of a defensive lapse to put Kolkata ahead in the 13th minute.
19:15 Fikru makes a good run in the 10th minute but is not bale to convert. Kolkata respond with a good counterattack to force the first save of the match.
19:08 Kolkata have a freekick in the fifth minute. It is deflected out and will be taken again. Khabra picks up the first yellow card of the season. The ball is sent over the bar.
19:05 The man kicks off and Elano makes an early run for Chennai. Early corner for the hosts but the ball is wide.
18:59 The National Anthem is played and now the players exchange handshakes ahead of the match.
18:53 The players are coming onto the field and the crowd are waiting in anticipation.
18:47 Kolkata are using a 4-2-3-1 formation with Jaime Gavilan and Borja Fernandez in front of the back four. Chennai going with the 4-4-2 diamond formation. Elano is playing behind the two strikers and Khabra is a midfielder.
18:31 The opening ceremony comes to an end and now the teams are all set for on-field action.
18:28 Rajnikanth comes on stage and the fans go into a frenzy.
18:25 Kerala Blasters co-owner Sachin Tendulkar is greeted with a round of applause.
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18:21 Aishwarya Rai Bachchan takes the stage and dances to a Bollywood medley
18:17 Abhishek Bachchan co-owner of Chennaiyin FC renews his pledge to uphold the spirit of football in India.
18:15 The names of the eight teams are announced as the flags come onto the field.
18:13 Alia Bhatt dances to the tune of Bollywood and the crowd cheers.
18:07 Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor gets the crowd geared up ahead of the opening game
18:04 The opening ceremony begins in Chennai with a classical Indian dance.
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Chennaiyin FC Eye Home Advantage
Strong title contender Chennaiyin FC would be hoping to cash in on home advantage when they take on defending champions Athletico de Kolkata in the inaugural match of the second season of Indian Super League. The home team's star mid-fielder and golden boot winner last year with nine goals, Elano Blumer of Brazil would play a significant role in determining Chennaiyin's fortunes this year as well. The icing on the cake for Chennaiyin turned out to be the signings of Ethiopian striker Fikru and Cameroon's goalkeeper Apoula Edima Edel Bete, both of whom migrating from Ahteltico de Kolkata. (Read More)
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Ganguly to Miss Opener
Sourav Ganguly will not be able to attend Atletico de Kolkata's opening match as he will be travelling to Mumbai for BCCI's special general meeting. Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar is widely expected to be elected as the next chief in the Board SGM which has been called after the demise of Dalmiya who passed away in Kolkata on September 20. (Read More)
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Atletico de Kolkata Coach Harps on Team Effort
Atletico de Kolkata's coach Antonio Lopez says he wants his side to collectively play well as a team to win the Indian Super League trophy again. Habas also added that the league is short and if one makes mistakes it will be difficult to recover, also sounding confident of going into their season opener against Chennaiyin FC. (Read More)