The build-up to the 2019-20 Indian Super League final between ATK and Chennaiyin, was dominated by the attacking riches at the two teams’ ...
The build-up to the 2019-20 Indian Super League final between ATK and Chennaiyin, was dominated by the attacking riches at the two teams’ disposal and the potential fireworks they could produce.
The hype was to an extent justified as Chennaiyin FC had outscored FC Goa, the league’s most prolific team in the semi-finals, while ATK had pumped three goals past Bengaluru FC, the competition’s most stingy defence, becoming just the second team this season to do so in a single game against them.
ATK’s Roy Krishna and Chennaiyin’s Nerijus Valskis were locked in a close race for the ISL’s Golden boot award and the final was to be the last lap of this exciting duel. The Fatorda stage, although devoid of spectators, was all set to host this great shoot-off between the two famed strike forces.
However, what the build-up largely underestimated was ATK’s ability to more than hold their own in defence, and stand up even to Chennaiyin’s rampant brigade that had won seven out of their last ten matches, scoring 27 goals in the process.
Antonio Habas’ side was the second-best defensive unit in the ISL coming into the final both in terms of goals conceded and clean sheets. ATK had nine shutouts this season, a tally equal to...
