Today FC Pune City coach Antonio Habas said that the last four matches in Indian Super League are the “most important” as teams keep their fingers crossed and work towards a place in the semi-finals.
The top four teams in Hero ISL will qualify for the knock-out stage at the end of 14 league matches. Delhi Dynamos are at the top with 17 points and FC Goa are at the bottom with 10 points but with four matches still left to be played, no team is guaranteed of a place in the play-off and no team can be ruled out at this stage. In today’s match, anything less than a win could severely dent Chennaiyin FC chances of qualifying for the Indian Super League (ISL) football’s semi-finals as they are lying at the seventh position currently.
FC Pune City, on the other hand, are back in the race for a top four finish after winning two consecutive matches against Atletico de Kolkata (2-1) and Mumbai City FC (1-0).
FC Pune City are the only side in ISL 2016 who are yet to lose an away game. They have won two and drawn one of their three away matches and with FC Pune City playing four out of their remaining five matches in the group stages away from home, it will be vital for them to maintain their standards, in its quest for a top four finish.
Marco Materazzi’s side was known for their rigid defence earlier but they have been thrashed 4-1 by Delhi Dynamos and 3-1 by Kerala Blasters in their last two matches. “We have good chances to make it to the qualifiers. Goa (placed at the bottom) is also hoping, (and) if they do, we can also hope to make it,” said Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi.
A good shot taken by Lucca when he steps up to take a free-kick from the left wing and Mendy nervously clears the ball out for a corner. FC Pune City with the early attacking impetus.
The first real moment of excitement begins when Raphael dribbles past multiple challenges in midfield, before exchanging a swift 1-2 with Jeje. The Brazilian has the chance to reverse the ball to Succi, but holds on, resulting in his eventual pass being moot as Succi had drifted offside.
A Great play from Raju Yumnam as he does well to get pass from Mendy and send in a cross, but Traore is on his heels and the ball flashes across goal. whereas Zakeer fires in the corner, with the clearance falling to Mendy on the edge of the box. He tries to dribble his way through, but the tackles fly in to dispossess him.
Chennaiyin FC got their first chance of the match when Augusto charged into the box from the right and tried to pass the ball to Succi but Succi couldn’t get to the ball and the linesman would have called off side anyway.
GOAL: Chennaiyin FC 1-0 FC Pune City (JejeLALPEKHLUA)
A Superb play from the Super Machans. Mulder sends Jerry through on the left wing and he crosses the ball into the box. Succi twists acrobatically to flick the ball on to Jeje and the unmarked Indian striker heads into the bottom corner from about two yards out! Chennaiyin FC 1-0 FC Pune City.
In the start of 2nd half, Lucca collects the ball near the left edge of the box, and rifles a low drive to the near post, but Karanjit collects with ease. Moments later, Pune have a free-kick in a similar position, but Lucca’s delivery is cleared.
GOAL: Chennaiyin FC 2-0 FC Pune City (Davide Succi 50′)
A superb goal for the Super Machans, when Raphael Augusto chips the ball from deep on the right and Succi rises above Eduardo to guide a header into the top corner, with Edel having no chance despite diving at full stretch. He manages to connect with the head and puts the ball in the back of the net. Chennaiyin FC 2-0 FC Pune City.
Jeje has kept up his 100% scoring record against FC Pune City and that would give Chennaiyin some breathing space. However, Jonathan Luca took a shot from near the left touchline and the ball bounced off the goalkeeper. There was no Pune player nearby and he was able to retain the ball.
A good save from Pune when, they keep up the pressure with multiple balls into the box, the ball falls to Lucca on the edge of the box, and his shot deflects of Mendy, wrong footing Karanjit and looks set to trickle into the net, only for the Chennai keeper to react well and palm the ball off the line.
ATTACK INDEX:
Chennayin fc (2-0) Pune city fc
50% Ball possession 50%
7 shots 6
16 fouls 12
1 corners 6
In the last(90+2′) Tato heads a cross from the left onto Lyngdoh in the box, and the midfielder tries to chip the ball over his head only for the ball to strike Mendy’s arm and roll away from danger. The referee waves away penalty appeals.
Chennayin fc secured 5th position with 13 points whereas fc pune city at 6th position with 12 points in the isl points table.
#FT: Chennaiyin FC 2-0 FC Pune City
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