The Indian Super League kick-started a new chapter in the history of the ‘Beautiful Game’ in India in the year 2014. The tournament was launched with much fanfare and media attention and went on to create a niche for itself in the Indian sporting calendar. Here’s a small throwback on the first two seasons of the Indian Super League.
2014
The inaugural season saw big name signings throng the ISL which resulted in a lot of excitement and anticipation amongst football fans in the country. French World Cup and European Championship winners Robert Pires and David Trezeguet signed up for FC Goa and Pune City FC respectively. While Italian World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero signed up for Delhi Dynamos, former England goal keeper David James was the key man for Kerala Blasters FC.
The season started with Atletico de Kolkata thrashing Mumbai City FC 3-0 in the first match of Indian Super League at the Salt Lake stadium. As the season progressed, Kolkata along with Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters FC became the frontrunners for a place in the semi-finals. Legendary Brazilian Zico’s FC Goa made a late surge to eventually finish second in the points table. Marco Materazzi’s Chennaiyin FC topped the table while Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters FC finished third and fourth respectively to qualify for the semi-finals.
Semi-Final 1 – Chennaiyin FC vs Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters demolished Chennaiyin FC in the first-leg of the first semi-final at home to all but seal a place in the final. Chennaiyin made a grand comeback at home in the second-leg of the first semi-final. Jeje Lalpekhlua scoring in the last minute of regulation time to take the match into extra-time. Stephen Pearson scored for Kerala in the 117th minute to take the Blasters to the final
Semi-Final 1 – FC Goa vs Atletico de Kolkata
Atletico de Kolkata and FC Goa played out 2 goalless draws in the second semi-final. Atletico de Kolkata made it through to the finals after winning the penalty-shootout 4-2.
Final - Kerala Blasters FC vs Atletico de Kolkata
The final of the inaugural tournament pitted two Indian cricket legends against each other. Sachin Tendulkar, co-owner of Kerala Blasters FC, was facing off against former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly, who co-owned the Kolkata franchise.
It was an evenly contested final at Mumbai’s DY Patil stadium with both teams failing to find the back of the net but coming close. The moment of the match came in the last minute of regulation time as Mohammed Rafique scored for Atletico de Kolkata to make the champions of the inaugural season.
2015
The second season of the ISL saw bigger names reaching the Indian shores to be a part of the footballing extravaganza. Brazilian World Cup winner Roberto Carlos was the marquee player cum coach for the Delhi Dynamos. Frenchman Nicolas Anelka was brought in to first season strugglers Mumbai City FC, while Brazilian defender Lucio took charge at FC Goa. FC Goa, Atletico de Kolkata and Chennaiyin FC were once again the teams that started the season with a bang and eventually guaranteed themselves a spot in the semi-finals. Delhi Dynamos under Roberto Carlos managed to break into the top four to seal a maiden semi-final berth.
Semi-Final 1 – FC Goa vs Delhi Dynamos
A Robin Singh goal gave the Dynamos a 1-0 win in the first-leg at home, raising hope of an entry into the finals. But Zico’s FC Goa hammered the Dynamos 3-0 in the second-leg to clinch a maiden finals berth for themselves.
Semi-Final 1 – Atletico de Kolkata vs Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin were in the semi-finals for the second season running and they knew they had to make amends for the loss at the same stage last season. But reigning champions Atletico de Kolkata were a tough opposition. Chennaiyin though romped home to a 3-0 first-leg win at home with goals from Bruno Pelissari, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Mendoza Valencia. Atletico staged a comeback at home but a 2-1 win was not enough to stop Chennaiyin FC from a maiden finals appearance.
Final – FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC
A partisan crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda cheered for the home team FC Goa in the all important final clash. But Bruno Pelissari silenced the crowd by putting Chennaiyin FC infront in the 54th minute. Thongkhosiem Haokip restored parity for FC Goa in the 58th minute and the crowd went berserk as Joffre put the home team in front in the 87th minute to raise hopes of a title triumph. But an own goal from Kattimani tied the match at 2-2 in the last minute. Mendoza Valencia broke Goan hearts with an injury-time winner to give Marco Materazzi’s team the title.
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