Chennaiyin FC players celebrate their 3-0 win over Atletico de Kolkata in their ISL-2 semi-final first leg in Pune on Saturday. — ISL
Chennaiyin FC shredded defending champions Atletico de Kolkata 3-0 in their first-leg ISL semi-final at Balewadi Sports Stadium here on Saturday. This was the fifth win in a row for Chennaiyin, a remarkable recovery after being at the bottom of table at one time. It was also their first win ever over Atletico de Kolkata.
Brazilian midfielder Bruno Pelissari’s free-kick gave Chennaiyin the lead in the first half. Jeje Lalpekhlua doubled the lead after the break with Stiven Mendoza’s assist and Mendoza later made strong case for golden boot award with his 12th goal of the tournament this time on Jeje’s assist.
Mendoza has a two-goal advantage now over Kolkata striker Iain Hume who failed to make a mark on Saturday.
It was a home match for Chennaiyin FC after the recent floods forced the game out of Chennai. But the vociferous Pune football fans turned out in good numbers to make them feel at home. Marco Materazzi’s boys returned the gesture with professional display.
A clean sheet meant they will carry a three-goal advantage to the second leg in Kolkata on Wednesday. Incidentally last year they had conceded a three-goal advantage to Kerala Blasters in the first-leg semi-final.
Chennaiyin FC were handicapped by the absence of marquee player Elano Blumer and defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo who were suspended for the semi-final after accumulating four yellow cards during the league phase. Midfielder Raphael Augusto injured himself and is ruled out of the league.
Kolkata survived an initial scare when Mendoza aimed at goal from outside the box but goalkeeper Amrinder Singh blocked it and the Colombian striker’s second try off the rebound was blocked as well.
The visitors created few chances but had a first sniff when Arata Izumi released a through ball for Hume from the left. The striker darted in but was smartly tackled by defender Mailson Alves inside the box.
Bruno along with Jeje and Thoi Singh kept pressing hard to support Mendoza. Bruno won a free-kick in the 38th minute and made it count with a knuckle-ball kick, moving it in the air to deceive Amrinder.
After the break, Kolkata made some abortive attempts in search of an equaliser. Mendoza looked threatening on the counter and forced Amrinder to come out of his position twice. On the first occasion the ’s decision proved smart one but it was then Mendoza’s turn as he unselfishly passed to Jeje and the talented Indian striker tapped the ball for an easy goal in the 57th minute.
The Jeje-Mendoza combo proved menacing again with another move and this time Jeje returned the favour with nice floating chip to catch Mendoza free and he slotted the ball in to put his team 3-0 up.
