Chennaiyin FC’s winless run prolonged to 5 video games because it settled for a goalless draw towards ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) in an Indian Super League fixture on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium right here on Saturday.
The dwelling facet dominated the early exchanges, with ATKMB’s attacking menace largely restricted to set-piece alternatives.
The first massive likelihood of the sport got here within the first half for Anirudh Thapa, after a flighted cross by right-back Ajith Kumar discovered him unmarked on the ATKMB again submit. But the Chennaiyin skipper may solely place his side-footed volley vast of the objective.
The recreation opened up within the second half, with each groups discovering it simpler to bypass their opponent’s defence.
ATKMB’s greatest second of the sport got here quickly after the restart when Liston Colaco mixed with Hugo Boumous to undergo on objective. The winger managed to get his shot away, but it surely was saved by Chennaiyin goalkeeper Samik Mitra, who had a composed day between the sticks,
Chennaiyin attacker Vincy Barretto was the first attacking outlet for his facet, because the Mariners’ defence discovered it laborious to deal with the relentless operating of the Goan.
Both managers tried to shake issues up with modifications, however a objective couldn’t be discovered, for both facet, as the sport dragged out right into a stalemate.
“Before the season, if you told me we will take four points from ATKMB, I would have been a happy man. I am proud we are competing with teams like them. A draw is not bad, but we can improve. We have six games left and I believe we will get opportunities to win matches,” mentioned Chennaiyin coach Thomas Brdaric within the post-match press convention.
The draw meant Chennaiyin continued to be eighth within the league, with a three-point hole between it and the final play-off spot, at the moment occupied by FC Goa. With the purpose earned immediately, ATKMB inched nearer to Kerala Blasters in third, with a degree separating the 2 sides.
“This was a difficult match for us. We had some chances. Chennaiyin also had three or four clear chances. Both teams wanted the win and the three points. But it is a draw and one point for everybody. It is not good for us, because we are not in the best shape right now,” mentioned ATKMB coach Juan Ferrando, whose facet has failed to attain for the second recreation operating.
