Highlights | Chennaiyin FC Beat ATK 2-0 To Enter Hero Super Cup Final

51’ This game needed a goal. And it has one. If you’re an early riser and an Indian football fan, you may want the score to stay this way. But then, why not have some more goals.

52’ ATK are looking interested. They’ve suddenly woken up. A cross from Lanzarote has caused a bit of havoc in the Chennaiyin box, and Karanjit Singh has bravely come out and cleared, only to get a bit of a clattering. Good on him though. Took it like a champ.

56’ ATK are growing into the game now, but somehow one cannot help get the feeling that Chennaiyin are still the better side. They also have pace for the counter. John Gerogry should consider bringing on Jeje now. Complement Vineeth and Thapa. Pace, pace, precision.

58’ Oh wait!! He doesn’t need to. Anirudh Thapa has got Chennaiyin’s second!! And it’s a brilliant goal off a super counter. Nelson finds him inside the box far to the left and he takes a superb first touch to slot home with his left. Low and true. Super finish. 

The calm in that finish was hugely reminiscent of his finish against Thailand. All chill after the first touch. Some awful dancing though Anirudh. Get some lessons mate.

Of all the things that should not happen, an Anirudh Thapa goal is not one. Pandit was talking to U23 India boss Derrick Pereira the other day and he was unequivocal about how good a player Thapa is and what sort of a role he could have for the national team. Have to say, for me, he was the best Indian player at the 2019 Asian Cup. And his finishing is a part of the game we haven’t really seen from midfield (even in a False 9 role) in a while. Strikers or not, a good midfield can only mean good things for India. -- Siddhanth

63’ Andre Bikey goes flying in the Chennaiyin box. He claims he’s been fouled, but he looked a bit like a stuntman in a Tom Cruise film there. Good dive, but we all know it wasn’t real. He was flagged offside too. Tch.

65’ And Mailson Alves goes better, falling melodramatically after Karanjit gives him a tap on the cheek. Seriously. For the record, both of these boys are over six feet tall.

That little bit of back and forth between Paul Masefield and Anant Tyagi on the comms is the best thing I’ve experienced in the last 68 minutes. Oh, wait, no. I had a bathroom break.

-- Siddhanth

71’ Karanjit fluffs a fairly routine save and ATK have a corner.

71’ They do nothing with it. Nothing.

73’ Back to square one. Chennaiyin hold the ball, drift it out to their left. ATK hold strong though. The game has dropped into the mire again.

75’ ATK have a freekick in a promising position on ATK’s right and Lanzarotte whips it to the far post. Karanjit does the job though.

It’s pretty interesting listening to the commentary on games that are produced through the AIFF’s commercial partners. There are pretty clear cut no-go areas. Players: All good. Refs: meh. The League: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Makes Jack a pretty dull boy.

-- Siddhanth

78’ ATK are taking potshots from distance and it must be said they’re doing a fantastic job of it. Eugenson takes on from a little overt 35 yards out and its dipping in the top corner, but again Karanjit tips it away. From the corner nothing happens.

79’ That shot by Eugenson was unbelievable. But wait, Lanzarotti does beter on the volley. And Karanjit does too. What a save. What is going on?!!! Suddenly the game has picked up.

80’ Chennaiyin break on the counter. Its three on two but they waste it. It's end-to-end action now

82’ ATK really have to go for it. They should throw on every striker they have for these remaining minutes now.

Blow the whistle now ref. I promise, main #fanbannapadega apna lunga. Please mujhe jaane do?

-- Siddhanth