Defending champions Chennaiyin FC picked up their first point of the 2018-19 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) with a 0-0 draw against Delhi Dynamos at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.

• Carlos Salom was awarded the best chance of the game in the 70^th.
• Francisco Dorronsoro was Delhi’s saviour on the night, producing a string of impressive saves.
• Both Chennaiyin and Delhi are still in search of their first victory of the season.

Within two minutes of the start, Chennaiyin created their first real chance of the game when Andrea Orlandi forced a smart save from Francisco Dorronsoro from a header. That would prove to be the only real chance for the next 20 minutes of the game as the majority of the action was played out in midfield.

Near the halfway mark of the first period, Francisco Fernandes was afforded a half chance to break the deadlock. The midfielder got on the end of the cross from the left flank, but he failed to get a proper connection on the volley as Dorronsoro saved comfortably.

The hosts slowly started making inroads into the Chennaiyin defence and could have broken the deadlock, had it not been for some last-ditch defending from Inigo Calderon. The Spaniard was at the right place to clear away a dangerous cross from Rene Mihelic.

Towards the end of the first half, Chennaiyin created arguably the best chance when Carlos Salom released Thoi Singh down the right-hand side of the penalty box. The winger’s shot seemed destined for the near post, but Dorronsoro was again alert enough to keep out the danger. With that save, both sides went into the tunnel all square at half-time.

From the onset of the second half, John Gregory’s troops managed to get a grip on the game. The Marina Machans nearly broke the deadlock a few minutes past the hour mark when Orlandi tried his luck from the edge of the box. However, the midfielder was unable to keep his shot on target as the ball sailed over the bar.

A few minutes later, Delhi’s custodian produced the save of the game when he denied Salom from close range. A lightning counter attack ended in the Palestinian forward one on one with Dorronsoro. The big keeper produced a splendid stop from point-blank range to prevent an almost certain goal.

Chennaiyin continued knocking on Delhi’s door, but the Spanish keeper did his best to ensure that the match remained goalless. Substitute Gregory Nelson weaved his way to the edge of the box before striking a fierce shot with his weaker foot. The ball seemed destined for the bottom corner, but Dorronsoro was at hand again to save.

Despite Chennaiyin’s repeated efforts to find the all-important goal, Delhi held on till the final whistle to mark the first goalless draw of the campaign.

HERO OF THE MATCH

Had it not been for Francisco Dorronsoro, Chennaiyin would have come away from this game as comfortable winners. Delhi’s summer recruit produced a host of saves to keep out the likes of Raphael Augusto and Gregory Nelson. His performances undoubtedly merited the Hero of the Match award.

CLUB AWARDS

Club award – Chennaiyin FC and Delhi Dynamos

Swift Limitless Player of the Match – Raphael Augusto

DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Lallianzuala Chhangte

ISL Emerging Player of the Match – Isaac Vanmalsawma

Hero of the Match - Francisco Dorronsoro

WHAT’S NEXT?

The defending champions travel to the home of rivals ATK on October 26, while Delhi face Mumbai City on October 27 with the intent of collecting all three points.

Visit our videos section to view the match highlights and the photos section for exclusive images from the match.