Football
ESPN staff 9y

Atletico de Kolkata remain on top of ISL after draw against Chennaiyin

Atletico de Kolkata remain top of the Indian Super League (ISL) after a 0-0 draw against second-placed Chennaiyin FC in front of 46,288 fans at Salt Lake Stadium.

Both teams have 13 points from eight matches but Kolkata maintained their top position in the standings by virtue of a superior goal difference.

The evening's scoreline, however, did not reflect the intensity of the contest. The high-tempo match was largely an end-to-end affair, interspersed with some tactical midfield battles inspired by Luis Garcia of Kolkata and Elano of Chennai. 

The game also witnessed some superb defending, which reduced scoring opportunities. The visitors' centre-back pairing of Mikael Silvestre and Marco Materazzi proved to be a solid partnership once again before both were substituted in the second half. Cameroon holding midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba -- Silvestre's former Manchester United teammate -- continued the good work at the heart of Chennai's defence after the Frenchman and Italian starters retreated to the bench. Kolkata's goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Chowdhury also impressed.

Even so, both sides had chances to claim maximum points but failed to finish them off.

Chennai forward Balwant Singh managed to beat Kolkata custodian Chowdhury in the 81st minute. Singh guided a pass from substitute Jean Eudes Maurice neatly into the net before the goal was disallowed as Singh had used his hand during build-up play.

Kolkata created the first clear-cut opportunity in the 21st minute. A slick passing move between the club's Ethiopians -- forward Fikru Teferra and holding midfielder Ofentso Nato -- opened up the Chennai defence before Teferra shot wide.

Kolkata then had a couple of close shaves. Chowdhury failed to read a clever free kick from the tournament top scorer Elano but Balwant Singh failed to take advantage.

Chennai's former Brazilian midfielder had an opportunity to score his ninth tournament goal before his powerful header off a corner was saved superbly by Chowdhury.

Elano was in the thick of affairs in the second half In the 56th minute the former Manchester City midfielder nicely set up Singh, who was thwarted by an onrushing Chowdhury.

However, Kolkata had the best scoring opportunity after the break. The hosts' former Liverpool midfielder Luis Garcia rattled the crossbar with a left-footed free kick after Chennai's Italian goalkeeper Gennaro Bracigliano was well and truly beaten.

Kolkata won the free kick after Silvestre fouled Teferra just outside the box. The home team's Ethiopian striker and Materazzi were involved in several tangles but matters did not get out of hand.

Former Manchester United star Silvestre was full of praise for Chennai's resolve. "It wasn't easy for us when Marco [Materazzi] went out. Today, we showed that even when some players are injured, others can step up," said Silvestre.

Djemba-Djemba also praised Chennai's determination. "If we show this attitude for the upcoming games, we will reach the semifinals," he said. "Atletico are a very good team. I hope to see them again in the semifinal."

Kolkata host NorthEast United FC at home on Nov 18. Chennai will take on FC Pune City the next day.

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