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{{Infobox football match
| title = 2014 Indian Super League Final
| image = DY Patil Stadium (2014 ISL Final).jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = The final venue, [[DY Patil Stadium]], before the match
| event = [[2014 Indian Super League season]]
| team1 = [[ATK (football club)|ATK]]
| team1association = {{fbaicon|IND}}
| team1score = 1
| team2 = [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
| team2association = {{fbaicon|IND}}
| team2score = 0
| details =
| date = 20 December 2014
| stadium = [[DY Patil Stadium]]
| city = Navi Mumbai
| man_of_the_match1a = [[Mohammed Rafique (footballer)|Mohammed Rafique]]
| man_of_the_match1atitle =
| man_of_the_match1b =
| man_of_the_match1btitle =
| referee = [[Ravshan Irmatov]] ([[Uzbekistan Football Federation|Uzbekistan]])
| attendance = 36,484
| weather = Clear Night<br>{{convert|29|°C|°F}}<br>48% [[humidity]]
| previous =
| next = [[2015 Indian Super League Final|2015]]
}}

The '''2014 Indian Super League Final''' was an [[association football]] match between the [[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]] and [[Atlético de Kolkata|ATK]] played on 20 December 2014, at the [[DY Patil Stadium]] in [[Navi Mumbai]]. The match was the final match to determine the inaugural champion of the [[Indian Super League]] for the [[2014 Indian Super League season|2014 season]].

The Kerala Blasters had qualified for the final through defeating the first-place regular season side, [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]], 4–3 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite web|title=ISL: Kerala Blasters FC beat Chennaiyin FC 4-3 on Aggregate to Enter Final|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/234639-isl-kerala-blasters-fc-beat-chennaiyin-fc-4-3-on-aggregate-to-enter-final|website=NDTV Sports|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217021819/http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/234639-isl-kerala-blasters-fc-beat-chennaiyin-fc-4-3-on-aggregate-to-enter-final|archive-date=17 December 2014}}</ref> ATK qualified after defeating [[FC Goa|Goa]] in a penalty shoot-out 4–2.<ref>{{cite web|title=ISL: Atletico de Kolkata beat FC Goa to reach final|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Atletico-de-Kolkata-beat-FC-Goa-to-reach-final/articleshow/45553641.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217230942/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Atletico-de-Kolkata-beat-FC-Goa-to-reach-final/articleshow/45553641.cms|archive-date=17 December 2014}}</ref> Prior to the final, during the regular season, both sides played to a 1–1 draw at the [[Salt Lake Stadium]] while Kerala Blasters won the return match 2–1 in [[Kochi]].<ref name="Blasters First Point">{{cite web|last1=Mitra|first1=Atanu|title=Atletico de Kolkata 1-1 Kerala Blasters FC: James' side earn their first point|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/atl%C3%A9tico-de-kolkata-vs-kerala-blasters/1931579/report|website=Goal.com|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229030432/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/atl%C3%A9tico-de-kolkata-vs-kerala-blasters/1931579/report|archive-date=29 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Kerala Home">{{cite web|title=ISL As it Happened - Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 Atletico De Kolkata, Match 37|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/233396-isl-live-score-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-atletico-de-kolkata-match-37|website=NDTV Sports|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218071144/http://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league-2014/news/233396-isl-live-score-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-atletico-de-kolkata-match-37|archive-date=18 December 2014}}</ref>

ATK won the final to win the inaugural title of the league, with late substitute [[Mohammed Rafique (footballer)|Mohammed Rafique]] scoring the only goal in added time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/2014122013849-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-atletico-de-kolkata|title=Match Report|work=Indian Super league|access-date=20 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220172247/http://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/2014122013849-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-atletico-de-kolkata|archive-date=20 December 2014}}</ref>

==Road to the final==
{{details|2014 Indian Super League season}}

The [[Indian Super League]] is a franchise league started between [[IMG (company)|IMG]]-[[Reliance Industries|Reliance]] and [[Star Sports (Indian TV network)|STAR Sports]] with the objective of making football one of the main sports in India, as well as make it a known name in the world of football.<ref>{{cite web|title=RELIANCE, IMG WORLDWIDE AND STAR INDIA, LAUNCH 'INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE' FOR FOOTBALL |url=http://img.com/news/news/2013/october/reliance,-img-worldwide-and-star-india,-launch-%60in.aspx |website=IMG |access-date=17 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008194259/http://img.com/news/news/2013/october/reliance%2C-img-worldwide-and-star-india%2C-launch-%60in.aspx |archive-date=8 October 2014 }}</ref> The 2014 edition was the inaugural season of the Indian Super League.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Iyer|first1=Krishnan|title=Kerala Blasters FC vs Chennaiyin FC, Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2014 Semi-final First Leg Preview: Blasters aim to draw first blood against Marco Materazzi’s boys|url=http://us.india.com/sports/kerala-blasters-fc-vs-chennaiyin-fc-hero-indian-super-league-isl-2014-semi-final-first-leg-preview-blasters-aim-to-draw-first-blood-against-marco-materazzis-boys-219964/|website=India.com|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218065203/http://us.india.com/sports/kerala-blasters-fc-vs-chennaiyin-fc-hero-indian-super-league-isl-2014-semi-final-first-leg-preview-blasters-aim-to-draw-first-blood-against-marco-materazzis-boys-219964/|archive-date=18 December 2014}}</ref>

The Indian Super League, which started its inaugural season with eight franchises, acted in a round-robin format, with each team facing each other twice, home and away.<ref name=Format>{{cite web|last1=Shah|first1=Harsh|title=What is the Indian Super League (ISL) – A complete guide|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/7083/isl/2014/10/08/5164208/what-is-the-indian-super-league-isl-a-complete-guide|website=Goal.com|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229184540/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/7083/isl/2014/10/08/5164208/what-is-the-indian-super-league-isl-a-complete-guide|archive-date=29 December 2014}}</ref> The top four teams at the end of the 14-game regular season would qualify for the play-offs. The play-offs would feature a two-legged semi-final which would pit the first place team against the fourth place team, while second and third would face off against each other. The final would then be a one-legged affair at a neutral venue.<ref name=Format/>

===Kerala Blasters===
{{see also|2014 Kerala Blasters FC season}}

The Kerala Blasters played their first ever game in the Indian Super League on 13 October 2014 against [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]] at the [[Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium]]. They lost the match 0–1 after [[Koke (footballer, born 1983)|Koke]] found the net in the 45th minute.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nandwani|first1=Abhishek|title=ISL 2014: Koke's goal gives NorthEast United FC 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/isl-2014-kokes-goal-gives-northeast-united-fc-10-win-over-kerala-blasters/505912-5-21.html|website=IBN Live|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103153458/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/isl-2014-kokes-goal-gives-northeast-united-fc-10-win-over-kerala-blasters/505912-5-21.html|archive-date=3 January 2015}}</ref> It took till 26 October 2014, the Blasters' third game, before they gained their first ever point in the Indian Super League. It was against their future final opponents, ATK, at the Salt Lake Stadium. [[Iain Hume]] scored the equalizer for the Blasters after [[Baljit Sahni]] gave the Kolkata side the lead.<ref name="Blasters First Point"/> In the next game, four days later, the Blasters recorded their first ever victory against [[FC Pune City|Pune City]] at the [[Balewadi Sports Complex]]. [[David Trezeguet]] gave Pune City the lead in the 15th minute before [[Chinadorai Sabeeth]] scored a 41st-minute equalizer. [[Penn Orji]] scored the winner for the Blasters in the 65th minute as they ran out with a 2–1 scoreline.<ref>{{cite web|title=ISL: PUN vs KER: Blasters emerge triumphant with season's first win|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141030/sports-football/article/isl-pun-vs-ker-fc-pune-city-eager-thrive-home|website=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218081927/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141030/sports-football/article/isl-pun-vs-ker-fc-pune-city-eager-thrive-home|archive-date=18 December 2014}}</ref>

The team played their first home match of the season on 6 November 2014 against Goa. A goal from [[Milagres Gonsalves]] helped the Kerala Blasters win 1–0 in front of over 55,000 fans.<ref>{{cite web|title=ISL: Kerala Blasters edge past FC Goa with 1-0 win|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/football/isl-kerala-blasters-edge-past-fc-goa-with-1-0-win_1495075.html|website=Zee News|access-date=17 December 2014}}</ref> In the end, the Kerala Blasters managed to just qualify for the finals of the Indian Super League when they defeated Pune City 1–0 at home with Iain Hume scoring his fourth goal of the season.<ref>{{cite web|title=ISL: Kerala beat Pune 1-0, book semifinal spot|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Kerala-beat-Pune-1-0-book-semifinal-spot/articleshow/45440490.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213132704/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Kerala-beat-Pune-1-0-book-semifinal-spot/articleshow/45440490.cms|archive-date=13 December 2014}}</ref>

In the semi-finals, the Kerala Blasters were set to take on the regular season winners, [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]].<ref>{{cite web|title=ISL semi-final: Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin FC - Preview|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/football/isl-semi-final-kerala-blasters-vs-chennaiyin-fc-preview_1513773.html|website=Zee News|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214125947/http://zeenews.india.com/sports/football/isl-semi-final-kerala-blasters-vs-chennaiyin-fc-preview_1513773.html|archive-date=14 December 2014}}</ref> The first leg took place at home for the Kerala Blasters, the [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] in [[Kochi]], on 13 December 2014. The match could not have been any better for the Kerala Blasters as goals from [[Ishfaq Ahmed]], Iain Hume, and [[Sushanth Mathew]] gave the Kerala Blasters a 3–0 advantage heading to Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|title=ISL: Kerala Blasters Beat Chennaiyin FC 3-0|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/ISL-Kerala-Blasters-Beat-Chennaiyin-FC-3-0/2014/12/14/article2570192.ece|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224084503/http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/ISL-Kerala-Blasters-Beat-Chennaiyin-FC-3-0/2014/12/14/article2570192.ece|archive-date=24 December 2014}}</ref> The second leg took place three days later at the [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Chennai)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] in Chennai. Despite heading into the game leading 3–0 on aggregate, the Blasters managed to concede three goals to Chennaiyin in the second leg and thus bring the game into extra-time. Just as it looked like the game was going to be settled in a penalty shoot-out, the Blasters managed to steal the tie when [[Stephen Pearson]] scored in the 117th minute and thus help the Kerala Blasters win 4–3 on aggregate.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala Blasters FC Beat Chennaiyin FC 4-3 to Advance to ISL Final|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/Kerala-Blasters-FC-Beat-Chennaiyin-FC-4-3-to-Advance-to-ISL-Final/2014/12/16/article2574588.ece|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224082958/http://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/Kerala-Blasters-FC-Beat-Chennaiyin-FC-4-3-to-Advance-to-ISL-Final/2014/12/16/article2574588.ece|archive-date=24 December 2014}}</ref>

=== Atlético de Kolkata ===
{{see also|2014 Atlético de Kolkata season}}
Atlético de Kolkata played in the first ever Indian Super League match on 12 October 2014 against [[Mumbai City FC|Mumbai City]] at the Salt Lake Stadium. Goals from [[Fikru Teferra]], [[Borja Fernández (footballer, born 1981)|Borja Fernández]], and [[Arnal Llibert|Arnal]] helped Kolkata win the inaugural match 3–0.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dhar|first1=Pulasta|title=Atletico de Kolkata's Spanish Armada destroys Mumbai City 3-0 in ISL opener|url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/atletico-de-kolkatas-spanish-armada-destroys-mumbai-city-3-0-in-isl-opener-1753643.html|website=FirstPost|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218124339/http://www.firstpost.com/sports/atletico-de-kolkatas-spanish-armada-destroys-mumbai-city-3-0-in-isl-opener-1753643.html|archive-date=18 December 2014}}</ref> They played their first road match four days later against [[NorthEast United FC|NorthEast United]] at the [[Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium]]. Kolkata won the match 2–0 with goals coming from Fikru Teferra and [[Jakub Podaný]].<ref>{{cite web|title=ISL: 10-man Atletico de Kolkata outshine NorthEast United FC 2-0|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/isl-match-5-atletico-de-kolkata-vs-northeast-united-live-indian-super-league/1/396091.html|website=India Today|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205203233/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/isl-match-5-atletico-de-kolkata-vs-northeast-united-live-indian-super-league/1/396091.html|archive-date=5 December 2014}}</ref>

ATK qualified for the play-offs after they drew Goa at the Salt Lake Stadium 1–1 on 10 December 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=ISL: Atletico de Kolkata sneak into semifinals after Fikru's equaliser|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Atletico-de-Kolkata-sneak-into-semifinals-after-Fikrus-equaliser/articleshow/45457340.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211045228/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Atletico-de-Kolkata-sneak-into-semifinals-after-Fikrus-equaliser/articleshow/45457340.cms|archive-date=11 December 2014}}</ref> [[Edgar Marcelino]] scored first to give Goa the lead before Fikru scored the equalizer for Kolkata. In the semi-finals, Atlético de Kolkata once again took on Goa. The first leg at the Salt Lake Stadium ended in a 0–0 draw.<ref>{{cite web|title=Atletico de Kolkata squander home advantage to draw goalless with FC Goa|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Atletico-de-Kolkata-squander-home-advantage-to-draw-goalless-with-FC-Goa/articleshow/45514844.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216092621/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Atletico-de-Kolkata-squander-home-advantage-to-draw-goalless-with-FC-Goa/articleshow/45514844.cms|archive-date=16 December 2014}}</ref> The second leg at the [[Fatorda Stadium]] also ended 0–0 and after the tie could not be settled in extra-time that meant the game went into penalty-kicks. Atlético de Kolkata won the shoot-out 4–2 after [[André Santos]] and [[Zohib Islam Amiri]] missed their penalties for Goa and Kolkata converted all four of theirs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Atletico de Kolkata beat FC Goa to reach final|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Atletico-de-Kolkata-beat-FC-Goa-to-reach-final/articleshow/45553641.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=17 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217230942/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/ISL-Atletico-de-Kolkata-beat-FC-Goa-to-reach-final/articleshow/45553641.cms|archive-date=17 December 2014}}</ref>

==Pre-match==
===Officials===
Uzbekistani referee, [[Ravshan Irmatov]], was selected as the referee for the final. He had previously officiated the match between the Kerala Blasters and Atlético de Kolkata almost a month before the final on 21 November. He booked seven players that night as the Kerala Blasters won 2–1.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala Blasters 2-1 Atletico de Kolkata|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/11/21/india/indian-super-league/kerala-blasters/atletico-de-kolkata/1931497/|website=Soccerway|access-date=30 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820133612/http://us.soccerway.com/matches/2014/11/21/india/indian-super-league/kerala-blasters/atletico-de-kolkata/1931497/|archive-date=20 August 2016}}</ref>

===Venue===
[[File:DY Patil Stadium.jpg|thumb|DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai|alt=The inside of the DY Patil Stadium.]]
In early December 2014 it was announced that the [[DY Patil Stadium]] in [[Navi Mumbai]] would host the final of the Indian Super League.<ref name=Venue>{{cite web|title=TICKET SALE ON FOR HERO INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE FINAL|url=http://www.chrispd.de/wordpress/2014/12/08/ticket-sale-hero-indian-super-league-final/|website=Chris PD|access-date=18 December 2014}}</ref> It was also announced that tickets for the final would be available online from 8 December 2014.<ref name=Venue/> On 18 December 2014, one day after the semi-finals had concluded, it was reported that a packed crowd was expected for the final.<ref name="Full House">{{cite web|last1=Nayak|first1=B B|title=Full house expected for ISL final at Nerul stadium, over 400 cops on duty|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/Full-house-expected-for-ISL-final-at-Nerul-stadium-over-400-cops-on-duty/articleshow/45555940.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=18 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219022717/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/Full-house-expected-for-ISL-final-at-Nerul-stadium-over-400-cops-on-duty/articleshow/45555940.cms|archive-date=19 December 2014}}</ref> According to the owner of the DY Patil Stadium, Vijay Patil, the stands during the Indian Super League final will be just as full as they were during the [[2008 Indian Premier League Final]].<ref name="Full House"/>

Due to the strong celebrity influence expected at the Indian Super League final it was reported that over 250 police officers would be in attendance at the stadium to maintain order of the crowd. It was also reported that over 150 personnel would be brought in to man the streets outside the stadium.<ref name="Full House"/>

===Analysis===
Going into the final, former [[India national football team|India national team]] captain, [[Baichung Bhutia]], predicted Atlético de Kolkata to go on and win the final.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bhaichung Bhutia Picks Atletico de Kolkata to Win Indian Super League Final|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/234718-bhaichung-bhutia-picks-atletico-de-kolkata-to-win-indian-super-league-final|website=NDTV Sport|access-date=18 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218204316/http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/234718-bhaichung-bhutia-picks-atletico-de-kolkata-to-win-indian-super-league-final|archive-date=18 December 2014}}</ref>

Before this match, the Kerala Blasters and Atlético de Kolkata had played each other twice during the regular season. Their first match against each other, on 26 October 2014, ended in a 1–1 draw at the Salt Lake Stadium. Baljit Sahni scored the opening goal in the 22nd minute before Iain Hume equalized for the Blasters to earn the Blasters their first point of the season.<ref name="Blasters First Point"/> In the second game, on 21 November 2014, it was the Kerala Blasters who came out on top as 2–1 winners. Iain Hume and [[Pedro Gusmão]] gave the Blasters the 2–0 lead before [[Fikru Teferra]] scored the consolation for Kolkata.<ref name="Kerala Home"/>

==Match==
===Team selection===
Coming into the match, the Kerala Blasters made a couple necessary defensive changes from the squad that faced [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]] in the semi-finals. David James replaced the injured [[Sandip Nandy]] in goal, while [[Saumik Dey]] and [[Nirmal Chettri]] replaced the suspended pair of [[Jamie McAllister]] and [[Gurwinder Singh]] in the middle of defense.<ref name="Final Review">{{cite news|last1=Bali|first1=Rahul|title=Kerala Blasters FC 0-1 Atletico de Kolkata: Rafique wins the ISL for Ganguly’s outfit|url=http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-atl%C3%A9tico-de-kolkata/1974793/report|access-date=29 July 2016|work=Goal.com|date=20 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310081500/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-atl%C3%A9tico-de-kolkata/1974793/report|archive-date=10 March 2016}}</ref> [[Atlético de Kolkata]] head coach, [[Antonio Lopez Habas]], meanwhile decided to bench the team's marquee player, [[Luis García (footballer, born 1978)|Luis García]], and instead started Arnal in central midfield. Habas also decided to switch to playing four defenders instead of three, which meant that [[Kingshuk Debnath]] started the match while [[Lester Fernandez]] moved to the bench.<ref name="Final Review"/>

===Summary===
The first opportunity of the match came in the fifth minute when Kerala Blasters midfielder, Iain Hume, put [[Michael Chopra]] through on goal only for [[Josemi]] to deny Chopra with a last-minute tackle.<ref name="Final Review"/> The Blasters then had the second realistic chance of the match five minutes later when [[Pulga (footballer)|Pulga]] received the ball in the box from [[Saumik Dey]] but his shot went out for a corner after a deflection off Atlético's Borja Fernández. The pressure continued to mount on Atlético de Kolkata as their goalkeeper [[Apoula Edel]] was forced into action; first he had to punch away a direct free-kick from Stephen Pearson before [[Ishfaq Ahmed]]'s shot moments later was caught by the keeper. Atlético de Kolkata had their first major chance of the match in the 26th minute when Arnal put [[Mohammed Rafi (footballer)|Mohammed Rafi]] through on goal, only for [[Nirmal Chettri]] to make a last-ditch tackle to keep the score level. The score would remain 0–0 going into half time.<ref name="Final Review"/>

Atlético de Kolkata had the first major opportunity of the second half when Jakub Podaný crossed the ball into the box with both Baljit Sahni and Arnal looking to head it in before David James came out to catch the ball. The Kerala Blasters soon had three chances in three minutes but could not convert any of those into goals. Just after the 60th minute, Kerala Blasters defender [[Sandesh Jhingan]] almost headed the ball into his own net while trying to clear it. The Kerala Blasters continued to have the most chances throughout the match, which was compounded in the last minute of regulation time when Michael Chopra had his point blank range shot saved by Apoula Edel. Four minutes later, in the final minute of stoppage time, Atlético de Kolkata substitute [[Mohammed Rafique (footballer)|Mohammed Rafique]] headed home a corner from Podaný to win the match and the championship.<ref name="Final Review"/>

===Details===
{{football box
|date=20 December 2014
|time=19:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
|team1=[[Kerala Blasters FC|Kerala Blasters]]
|score=0–1
|aet=
|report=[http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/kerala-blasters-vs-atl%C3%A9tico-de-kolkata/1974793/lineups?ICID=MP_MS_2 Report]
|team2=[[Atlético de Kolkata]]
|goals1=
|goals2= [[Mohammed Rafique (footballer)|Rafique]] {{goal|90+5}}
|stadium=[[DY Patil Stadium]], [[Mumbai]]
|attendance=36,484
|referee=
}}

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}}
|{{Football kit
| pattern_la = _kolkata1415h
| pattern_b = _kolkata1415h
| pattern_ra = _kolkata1415h
| pattern_sh = _kolkata1415h
| pattern_so = _am0809h
| leftarm = FFFFFF
| body = FFFFFF
| rightarm = FFFFFF
| shorts = 008000
| socks = FF0000
| title = Atlético de Kolkata
}}
|}

{| style="width:100%"
|style="vertical-align:top; width:50%"|
{| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|-
!width=25| !!width=25|
|-
|GK ||'''70''' ||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[David James (footballer, born 1970)|David James]]
|-
|RB ||'''5'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Nirmal Chettri]]
|-
|CB ||'''15'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Sandesh Jhingan]]
|-
|CB ||'''32''' ||{{flagicon|IRE}} [[Colin Falvey]]
|-
|LB ||'''29'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Saumik Dey]] || {{suboff|90+3}}
|-
|DM ||'''14'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Mehtab Hossain]]
|-
|RM ||'''11'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Ishfaq Ahmed]]
|-
|AM ||'''85'''||{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Pulga (footballer)|Victor Pulga]] || {{suboff|78}}
|-
|LM ||'''25'''||{{flagicon|SCO}} [[Stephen Pearson]]
|-
|CF ||'''10''' ||{{flagicon|CAN}} [[Iain Hume]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|CF ||'''8''' ||{{flagicon|ENG}} [[Michael Chopra]]
|-
|colspan=3|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|GK ||'''24'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Sandip Nandy]]
|-
|DF ||'''22'''||{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Raphaël Romey]]
|-
|DF ||'''44'''||{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Erwin Spitzner]]
|-
|MF ||'''6'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Renedy Singh]]
|-
|MF ||'''18'''||{{flagicon|NGA}} [[Penn Orji]] || {{subon|78}}
|-
|MF ||'''21'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Godwin Franco]]
|-
|FW ||'''7'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Sushanth Mathew]] || {{subon|90+3}}
|-
|FW ||'''9'''||{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Pedro Gusmão]]
|-
|FW ||'''88'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Milagres Gonsalves]]
|-
|colspan=3|'''Manager:'''
|-
|colspan=4|{{flagicon|ENG}} [[David James (footballer, born 1970)|David James]]
|}
|style="vertical-align:top"|
|style="vertical-align:top; width:50%"|
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size:90%; margin:auto;"
|-
!width=25| !!width=25|
|-
|GK ||'''25''' ||{{flagicon|ARM}} [[Apoula Edel]]
|-
|RB ||'''4''' ||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Kingshuk Debnath]]
|-
|CB ||'''5'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Arnab Mondal]]
|-
|CB ||'''17''' ||{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Josemi]] ([[Captain (association football)|c]])
|-
|LB ||'''21''' ||{{flagicon|CZE}} [[Jakub Podaný]]
|-
|DM ||'''8''' ||{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Borja Fernández (footballer, born 1981)|Borja Fernández]]
|-
|DM ||'''23''' ||{{flagicon|BOT}} [[Ofentse Nato]]
|-
|CM ||'''24'''||{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Arnal Llibert|Arnal]]
|-
|RM ||'''6'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Baljit Sahni]]
|-
|LM ||'''15'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Sanju Pradhan]]
|-
|CF ||'''14''' ||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Mohammed Rafi (footballer)|Mohammed Rafi]] || {{suboff|74}}
|-
|colspan=3|'''Substitutes:'''
|-
|GK ||'''1'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Subhasish Roy Chowdhury]]
|-
|DF ||'''3'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Nallappan Mohanraj]]
|-
|MF ||'''22'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Lester Fernandez]]
|-
|MF ||'''10'''||{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Luis García (footballer, born 1978)|Luis García]]
|-
|MF ||'''11'''||{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Jofre]]
|-
|MF ||'''18'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Mohammed Rafique (footballer)|Mohammed Rafique]] || {{subon|74}}
|-
|FW ||'''7'''||{{flagicon|IND}} [[Cavin Lobo]]
|-
|colspan=3|'''Manager:'''
|-
|colspan=4|{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Antonio López Habas]]
|}
|}
{| style="width:100%; font-size:90%"
|-
|style="width:50%; vertical-align:top"|
'''Hero of the match'''
*{{flagicon|IND}} [[Mohammed Rafique (footballer)|Mohammed Rafique]] (Atlético de Kolkata)

'''Match officials'''
*Assistant referees:
**[[Abdukhamidullo Rasulov]] ([[Uzbekistan Football Federation|Uzbekistan]])<ref name="Final">{{cite web|title=Kerala Blasters 0-1 Atletico de Kolkata|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/12/20/india/indian-super-league/kerala-blasters/atletico-de-kolkata/1974793/?ICID=PL_MS_01|website=Soccerway|access-date=30 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820172414/http://us.soccerway.com/matches/2014/12/20/india/indian-super-league/kerala-blasters/atletico-de-kolkata/1974793/?ICID=PL_MS_01|archive-date=20 August 2016}}</ref>
**Bakhadyr Kochkarov ([[Football Federation of the Kyrgyz Republic|Kyrgyzstan]])<ref name="Final"/>
*Fourth official: [[C. R. Srikrishna]] ([[All India Football Federation|India]])<ref name="Final"/>
|style="width:50%; vertical-align:top"|
'''Match rules'''
*90 minutes.
*30 minutes of extra time if necessary.
*Penalty shoot-out if scores still level.
*Seven named substitutes, of which three may be used.
|}

==Post-match==
Atlético de Kolkata head coach Habas lauded his players after the final: "I must thank my players for they have been magnificent. I cannot ask them for anything more, for they have given me the ultimate gift."<ref name="Habas response">{{cite news|last1=Khatri|first1=Binayak|title=Habas Unable to Hide Delight as Atletico de Kolkata beat Kerala Blasters to Become First ISL Champions|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/indian-super-league-final-habas-unable-hide-delight-atletico-de-kolkata-beat-kerala-blasters-617861#es2ktyqhpUrm5h1W.97|access-date=29 July 2016|work=IB Times|date=21 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815224720/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/indian-super-league-final-habas-unable-hide-delight-atletico-de-kolkata-beat-kerala-blasters-617861#es2ktyqhpUrm5h1W.97|archive-date=15 August 2016}}</ref> He also praised his backroom staff: "I must thank my entire support staff, for without them, I would not have been able to function. The owners have been fantastic and have supported us through thick and thin. This title is for the fans as they have been our strength." Habas was also delighted that the match was won from a goal scored by an Indian player, saying, "I think it is marvellous that Rafique got the winning goal. It is fantastic that an Indian player settled the contest."<ref name="Habas response"/>

Despite the defeat, David James expressed his opinions over them match while also suggesting that the match would most likely be his last in the Indian Super League.<ref>{{cite news|title=David James says he may not play Indian Super League 2015|url=http://www.sportsmirchi.com/david-james-says-he-may-not-play-indian-super-league-2015/|access-date=29 July 2016|work=SportsMirchi|date=22 December 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827225412/http://www.sportsmirchi.com/david-james-says-he-may-not-play-indian-super-league-2015/|archive-date=27 August 2016}}</ref> After scoring the winning goal for his side, [[Mohammed Rafique (footballer)|Mohammed Rafique]] was very happy while also singing the praises of his coach, saying, "I cannot describe what I am feeling in words," said the midfielder. "I would like to thank my coach, who had faith in me. It was he who decided to bring me on and what happened next was surreal. People dream of scoring in a final and I am very fortunate that I got to experience that in the flesh."<ref name="Habas response"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{2014–15 in Indian football}}
{{Indian Super League}}
{{Atlético de Kolkata}}
{{Kerala Blasters FC}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2014 Indian Super League Final}}
[[Category:2014 Indian Super League season|1]]
[[Category:Indian Super League finals]]
[[Category:Kerala Blasters FC matches]]
[[Category:ATK (football club) matches]]
[[Category:2014 in Maharashtra]]

2014 Indian Super League final - Revision history

WikiDwarfBOT at 15:52, 21 July 2023