Spanish midfielder Javier Hernandez scored in the 10th minute to give ATK the lead in the Hero Indian Super League final against Chennaiyin FC. The summit clash of the 2019-20 season is being played behind closed doors at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa, because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hernandez scored the only goal of the half when he received a cross from Roy Krishna on the left. Hernandez was unmarked and slammed a half volley into the ground and it bounced past the outstretched Chennaiyin keeper Vishal Kaith. It was the midfielder's first goal of the campaign.
Incidentally, the Chennai side had the first chance of the night, just four minutes into the game. But sharp shooter Nerijus Valskis's mishit smacked the bar after taking one too many touches in the box.
ATK grew in confidence with their first goal, and in the 23rd minute, Krishna raced into the opponent's box once again but his shot was saved by the keeper, as were two rebounded shots by Hernandez with Chennaiyin defenders clearing the ball from the goal line.
At the other end, Chennaiyin's top scorer Valskis continued to pepper his target with shots, all of which were saved by Arindam Bhattacharja. Even a sharp header by Andre Schembri from a free kick was kept out by the in-form shot stopper.
Despite the lead, ATK suffered a crucial blow with half-time approaching, as captain and tournament top scorer Krishna had to be taken off after picking up an injury. Going into the second half, Chennaiyin will look to capitalise on ATK's setback, as Valskis' teammates will hope that he finds his scoring boots.
Playing XIs:
Chennaiyin FC:
Vishal Kaith (GK), Eli Sabia, Lucian Goian (C), Jerry Lalrinzuala, Laldinliana Renthlei, Germanpreet Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Anirudh Thapa, Rafael Crivellaro, Nerijus Valskis, Andre Schembri
ATK:
Arindam Bhattacharja (GK), Sumit Rathi, John Johnson, Pritam Kotal, Prabir Das, Regin Michael, Javier Hernandez, Michael Soosairaj, Edu Garcia, David Williams, Roy Krishna (C)
