Defending champions Chennaiyin FC and Atletico de Kolkata were involved in a thrilling encounter, which witnessed four goals in the second half, with the two clubs scoring twice each. As a result of which, both teams started their ISL 2016 campaign with a point.
With five minutes left to play, Chennaiyin FC were leading 2-1, and were hoping to seal three points, but the home team earned a late penalty in the 86th minute, which was converted by Ian Hume.
The game got off to a bright with both teams playing swift football during the initial exchanges. Chennaiyin FC came close to a goal in the seventh minute as former Liverpool star John Arne Riise, who struck his trademark powerful left-footed shot into the cross bar.
Atletico's approach was simple in the first 10 minutes as they were playing a high-pressing game, and not giving Chennaiyin players much time on the ball. The home side were also trying to break quick on the counter.
But, it was the defending champions, who looked threatening. Jeje forced the home team goalkeeper Debjit Majumder to make a huge save in the 21st minute after the Indian forward unleashed a powerful drive.
Both the teams could not make much penetration into the danger area, and were hence trying to take long shots. Kolkata's Helder Postiga also did the same, but the Portuguese man blasted the ball well over the bar few minutes later. Postiga was working hard for the home team, going back to defend when required.
The home side enjoyed great possession in the first half, but Atletico de Kolkata could not find the back of the net. While Chennaiyin FC, who received their fair share of the chances, also could not make much impact offensively.
The second half witnessed a high-tempo play, with both the teams keen to break the deadlock, leading to end-to-end stuff as well, making it a joy to watch for the gathered fans. And it was in the 59th minute that Atletico's Sameehg Doutie scored the first goal of the match, which was made possible after a fine aerial pass from Postiga.
Chennaiyin FC responded brilliantly as they scored in the 66th minute. The visitors should consider themselves fortunate as Jeje, who had originally taken a shot at goal from distance, scuffed it and the ball somehow made way to Jayesh Rane, and the player slotted the ball home to draw the game level.
The visitors, who were trailing 0-1 at one point of time, scored the second of the night in the 70th minute to help Chennaiyin FC take lead. This was another lucky goal as Hans Mulder's shot struck a player before the ball went in.
With Atletico in search of an equaliser, they were playing some aggressive football, and Hume came close to goal, but the star player could not convert the goal. Chennaiyin FC were required to play some solid defencive football to clinch three points, but the home team earned a penalty, which was converted by Hume to make it 2-2 in the 86th minute.
Despite both the teams going full tilt in the final few minutes, the entertaining game ended in a draw.
