Saturday 3 October 2015 21:34, UK
Founding chairperson Nita Ambani was delighted by the start to this year’s Indian Super League (ISL) after Atletico Kolkata and Chennaiyin played out a five-goal thriller.
The opening match of the second edition of the Indian Super League saw Chennaiyin - the team that topped the regular season standings last year - lose 3-2 to reigning champions Atletico Kolkata at the Marina Arena.
Ex-Tottenham and Porto striker Helder Postiga netted twice on debut as Kolkata raced into a 3-1 lead, but there was a nervy finish as Chennaiyin keeper Edel saved a penalty before Elano pulled a goal back with a spot-kick for the hosts.
Last year's inaugural edition became the fourth best attended league in world football behind only the Premier League, La Liga and the Bundesliga, and Ambani believes the ISL has picked up where it left off in 2014.
"I thought it was fabulous," Ambani told Sky Sports.
"It was a cracker of a game. All of us were sitting on the edge of our seats and I thought it was a wonderful match. Both the teams played so well."
"It went down to the wire," added Ambani, who is also co-owner of IPL cricket franchise Mumbai Indians.
"And looking at the way it's trending [on Twitter] I think it's exactly what we needed."
Former Preston and Tranmere striker Ian Hume, who joined Kolkata after impressing for Kerala Blasters last term, is pleased to have got off to a winning start with his new side.
"We're extremely satisfied," the Canada international said.
"It's a tough to place to come as we know. These guys were top of the league last year. So it's a nice little victory and three points is three points."
