ISL: Atletico de Kolkata 1-1 Kerala Blasters FC – 5 talking points

Missing players for both sides did not help the intensity of the contest as Atletico de Kolkata played out a draw with Kerala Blasters at home. The result means Atletico will stay at the top of the ISL table as Kerala struggles to find their footing in the competition.The game started on a positive note for the home side but ended up being one of those scrappy encounters that we will see more frequently as we move forward in this tournament.Here are the five key takeways from the game: 

#1 Top vs bottom of the table clash

The league leaders Atletico Kolkata were up against Kerala Blasters who lie at the extreme bottom of the table, making this a mismatch on papers. The highflying Kolkata who haven’t tasted defeat this season were in superb form with three wins and a draw in their four outings.

But, the absence of the head coach Antonio Lopez Habas and the star striker Fikru Teferra, who were suspended by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) following the dirty incidents that took place in the previous game against Goa FC, meant that the Kolkata side were not in their best possible outfit. The Spanish forward and marquee player Luis Garcia who is also the captain of their side was also unavailable courtesy a hamstring injury.

The absence of the deadly duo of Luis Garcia and Fikru Teferra up front saw the Spanish forward Arnal Carbo and Cavin Lobo making their first ever start on the season. While on the other side, Blasters who are yet to open their account on points had displayed heart winning performances in all their previous outings, dominating on the possession and creating chances on goal, only failing in their finishing part. Though, just a mismatch on papers, both sides looked similar in quality and had enough of what it takes to win all three points.