ISL 2016: A look at the best home records
The 2016 edition of the Indian Super League has been underwhelming for many because the league suffered from a dearth of goals, especially in the initial stages of the tournament. But while some may see it as a lack of quality, others have been equally impressed with the sheer competition among the teams this season. Very little has separated one side from the next and it is painfully evident in the final standings of the table.
The season has been memorable for more than a few reasons, and with the final between Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata coming up this Sunday, we take a look at the teams who have performed well on their home grounds. Here are the sides ranked in order of their home record:
#8 Atletico de Kolkata
Considering the fact that Atletico de Kolkata find themselves in the final, it is a little shocking that they are last on the list of teams ranked according to their home record. To be more specific, ATK has won just one match in the league stage at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium – a record the Kolkata side will definitely not be proud of. They played a total of seven games at home, of which they drew five and lost just one.
However, ATK’s poor home record isn’t inexplicable since the side had to shift bases from the Salt Lake Stadium, their home ground in the previous two seasons to their new facilities in South Kolkata. Even the home crowd found it difficult to get behind their team as the limited resources of the new stadium is a far cry from the electric atmosphere of their original home.
#7 FC Goa
FC Goa’s current ISL season is best forgotten for their poor performance and the general air of discontent that permeated the side after the debacle that took place during their final against Chennaiyin FC last year. Even though the Goan side finished last, their home record wasn’t quite as bad as ATK’s as they managed to win two of their games at the Fatorda Stadium.
It took the Gaurs some time to settle into the tournament this year and their home victories didn’t come until the end. They beat Northeast United before they inflicted a heavy injury time defeat on Chennaiyin which ended 5-4. However, they also lost four of their home matches at the start of the season and drew level in one.