It was worth it in the end.
120 minutes of attritional football, energy sapped out of every limb, sinews straining, the mental fortitude to ensure there wasn't a mistake, and Pritam Kotal struck the decisive penalty to send ATK Mohun Bagan through to the Indian Super League final. The Salt Lake stadium specializes in roars, and the one that erupted after their captain ran over to them was deafening.
For much of the game though, silence reigned as Hyderabad and ATK Mohun Bagan slugged it out in a tactical battle. Juan Ferrando termed it a 'pleasure' to play against Hyderabad FC, but the 390 minutes that the two teams have played this season have resulted in just two goals. The first leg of this semifinal had its share of redeeming qualities, but it's fair to say that this second leg would have editors scrambling for footage for their highlights package.
KOLKATA ERUPTS!