ISL 2020-21 news: Albino penalty save earns Blasters point against Chennaiyin

ISL 2020: Chennaiyin had the best chances to take home all three points but were foiled by a resolute Kerala Blasters defence in the Indian Super League.

Published : Nov 29, 2020 22:27 IST

Kerala Blasters' Albino Gomes stands tall after saving Jakub Sylvestr's penalty in the 0-0 draw against Chennaiyin FC in the ISL.

Chennaiyin FC was left to rue a missed penalty as it was held to a goalless draw by Kerala Blasters in an evenly fought contest at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Sunday.

In the 75th minute, Jakub Sylvestr’s strike was guessed right by Blaster ’keeper Albino Gomes, who dived to his left to stop the Slovakian’s strike.

The penalty was won, thanks to a brilliant run from Reagan Singh on the left as he set it up for Crivellaro inside the box. The latter was brought down by Blasters skipper Sergio Cidoncha, giving Chennaiyin a golden chance to go ahead. However, that was not to be.

AS IT HAPPENED

Earlier, in the first half, Chennaiyin got off the blocks quickly the way it did against Jamshedpur, putting Blasters under pressure for the first 20 minutes.

In the seventh minute, Lallianzuala Chhangte produced a sizzling run on the right off a long ball and passed to Anirudh Thapa, but the latter’s shot went wide.

Kone to the rescue

In the 16th, Chennai had its best opportunity of the first period when Gomes slipped, providing Crivellaro a chance to fire a shot. However, Bakary Kone saved Blasters’ blushes with a timely clearance.

Once the Kerala side found its rhythm in the second part of the first half, it started to dominate possession and also exerted pressure on the Chennai outfit. 

At the half-hour mark, Rohit Kumar came up with the only shot on target from either team from outside the box, but an acrobatic Chennaiyin ’keeper Vishal Kaith pushed the ball wide.

In the second half, both sides failed to break the deadlock as they hardly created any chances.