NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin FC played out a goalless draw in Match 26 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Sunday. Both sides showed defensive resilience but were unable to convert any of their goal-scoring opportunities. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Marina Machans head coach Csaba Laszlo rued missing out on full three points.

“If we were clinical, we could have won the game 2-0 or even 3-1. Jakub Sylvestr should have scored and even the shot from [Lallianzuala] Chhangte was from five meters but it went over the crossbar. If we had scored these goals, then definitely we could have won the game, but this is what we are missing,” Laszlo said.

However, the fact that Chennaiyin managed to get a point without some of their star players lessened Laszlo’s disappointment a little. “I am never happy with a draw or even if we lose a game but since we played just four days ago and without Isma [Esmael Goncalves], [Enes] Sipovic and Anirudh Thapa [who though came on as a substitute in the 75th minute], I think one point was a fair result,” he said.

Watch Csaba Laszlo's Post-Match Press conference here:

NorthEast United FC head coach Gerard Nus had similar observations to make in relation to his team’s performance up front. “We created a lot of chances and this speaks very highly of the team. But we have to put those balls into the goal and today was not that day. So, we need to keep working and be ready for Jamshedpur,” Nus said after the game.

“I am disappointed. We wanted to win. We came with the tactics and plans prepared to get the three points but I am disappointed with the result. But I am happy with the effort and the commitment. We kept trying till the very end and that is something that I am proud of. Now we need to prepare for the next game.”

With the result, the Highlanders remained unbeaten in the league with two wins and four draws so far. Nus was a proud man. “To be unbeaten in six games is not that easy. Not many teams can say that. We are proud of it,” he said.

Watch Gerard Nus' Post-Match Press conference here: