In what turned out to be a nail-biting encounter, ATK Mohun Bagan was held to a thrilling draw against Chennaiyin FC during their 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the GMC Stadium in Telangana, on Tuesday. The draw allowed ATKMB to rise to the top of the table, while Chennaiyin stayed at the seventh spot.
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The opening half was an attacking one, which saw a total of 11 attacks from the sides. It also included three shots on target being saved, including twin for the host, Chennaiyin, as both the teams hardly had anything to divide them, moving into the half-time break, with the deadlock in place.
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The second half saw a similar approach from both the sides, with 12 attacks being registered. Meanwhile, the half saw the most shots on target being attempted, with as many as five for Chennaiyin being denied by ATKMB goalkeeper, Arindam Bhattacharya, as Chennaiyin had to settle for a goalless draw, while ATKMB considers itself lucky.
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Following the game, Chennaiyin head coach, Csaba Laszlo, said, "We had 55% possession and seven shots on target, but we couldn't score. I'm actually proud of my team because they played a team like ATKMB after just two days' rest. Today, it was a very good football game. It was enjoyable for the fans. We had the chance to finish the year with a victory. But, you saw their goalkeeper was the best player on the pitch. However, tactically this was one of the best games for my team. If two teams play like this, you have to be happy for Indian Football, immaterial of the result."
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Meanwhile, ATK head coach, Antonio Lopez Habas, was contained with the result, as he reckoned, "I think a draw is a good result for us. Today, we didn't perform to our best ability and I'm not entirely happy with my team. I think Chennai was the better team. They had more chances to score than us. I can't expect my players to always be at their best because this is a long league. But, hopefully, they do better in the next match. If you can't win, it's always important to get a point. So, I'm happy about that aspect. I'm glad that we've moved to the top of the 2020-21 ISL standings. Hope the fans are happy."
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Both the sides would now shift their focus to their upcoming game in the weekend. While ATK takes on fifth-placed NorthEast United FC on Sunday, Chennaiyin faces eighth-placed Hyderabad FC the next day.
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