ISL 2017/18 Final: Chennaiyin FC hold a statistical advantage over Bengaluru FC
The fourth season of the Indian Super League is waiting for a perfect finale as the sides which finished one and two in the league stages meet each other in the final. Both the encounters between these two teams in the league stages saw late goals that decided the contest with Sunil Chhetri scoring in both the meetings. Another interesting fact that was observed was that all the seven goals were scored by Indians.
Another characteristic that has defined each of the previous finals was the fact that each of those contests was decided by late drama. The final of season 1 was decided in extra time when in the last minute of stoppage time, ATK substitute Mohammed Rafique headed home a corner from Podany to win the match and the championship.
The trend was followed in season 2 as well when FC Goa thought that they had won the game and Jofre scored in the 87th minute. Just after the start, as the players were running inside the penalty box, Wadoo delivered a long ball inside and Kattimani came running to clear it out, but unfortunately, it went back in the net and Chennaiyin found their equaliser through an own goal in the 90th minute. Then straight after the start, Jayesh Rane chipped the ball towards Mendoza, who dribbled 3 players in one run and swapped the ball in the net with what would be one of the best comebacks in the history of football.
In season 3 as well, after two set-piece goals in the first half and the scores levelled after extra time, the tie went to penalties, with Jewel Raja scoring the winning penalty as ATK won 4-3.
However, with these finals being decided late on, there is one team that would surely feel confident - Chennaiyin FC. They have scored a massive 13 of their 28 goals in the last 15 minutes of matches this season. In fact, their percentage of late goals this season (43) is the best by any side. They will take confidence from that and look to beat Bengaluru in the final.