Kerala Blasters FC and Atlético de Kolkata come into the final of the inaugural Hero Indian Super League to be played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on December 20 with contrasting records. Kerala scored three goals in their first leg semi-final at home before conceding three away to Chennaiyin, only to win thanks to a sensational strike late in extra-time by Stephen Pearson and storm into the title game by a 4-3 aggregate score. Prior to that, Iain Hume scored from a free kick to hand Kerala a dramatic 1-0 win over an inspired Pune City at home in a must win last round league game to confirm their slot in the semis. On the other hand, Kolkata couldn’t score over two semi-final legs plus extra time against FC Goa. But neither did they concede, before romping into the final with a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout. Behind that denouement lies an alarming run of form. Kolkata have won only once in their last 13 games after starting their campaign with three straight victories. They also scored only five goals in the second half of the league phase, after 11 in the first seven games. If the league phase is any indication, Kerala might have a slight advantage. They earned a 1-1 draw in Kolkata early on in the season, and won the home fixture 2-1 in heated circumstances. When it comes to defence, both sides are on the same page. Defence is the strong suit for both teams, who lead the tournament (along with Goa) in clean sheets (7). Kerala had conceded the least number of goals in the league phase, letting in only 11, though the 3-0 semi-final second-leg loss to Chennai blotted the copybook somewhat. Kolkata have relied on their formidable defence to reach the final as the goals started to dry up during the latter half of the league campaign. Both teams have allowed opponents to score more than one goal against them in only three games. James McAllister’s first-half sending off in the second leg of the semi-final, for two bookable offences, was Kerala’s first red card of the tournament. They did have a raft of bookings over the two legs of the semi-final, however, as they lost of some of the discipline that had been a hallmark of their play during the league phase. On the other hand, Kolkata’s aggressive, physical style of play has become their trademark, and they have the dubious distinction of having committed the highest number of fouls. The mark of three red cards is joint-highest with two other teams. Although they tend to walk a disciplinary tightrope during games, the style has suited them well as it disrupts their opponents’ rhythm.
