CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC handed Delhi Dynamos their biggest defeat in the second season of Hero Indian Super League and moved to the top four with a stunning 4-0 victory in Chennai on Tuesday.
Chennaiyin FC were helped by a brace from Jeje Lalpekhlua (40th and 54th) after goals from Stiven Mendoza (17th) and Bruno Pelissari (21st minute).
Chennaiyin FC were not too long ago at the bottom of the ISL table after they lost three matches in a row. But two consecutive victories has done them a world of good and taken them to the top four with 16 points from 12 matches. NorthEast United (16 points with goal difference of minus five) and FC Pune City (15 points) both have a match in hand.
Delhi Dynamos manager Roberto Carlos fielded the same squad that won their last game and it appeared like Carlos was spot on with his choices as the visitors went close in the 12th minute. Adil Nabi played a through ball for Florent Malouda but the Chelsea winger’s effort missed the target narrowly.
Chennaiyin FC soon regained their composure and surged ahead in the 16th minute. It all started with the ball being carelessly given away in midfield and Jeje lobbed the ball forward where Delhi Dynamos goalkeeper Toni Doblas left his charge, tried to head the ball away but Mendoza pounced on the chance and slotted the ball into the goal.
The second goal came four minutes later. Pelissari played another ball forward for Mendoza who squared it across for Jeje, whose shot at goal was initially blocked but Pelissari did well to curl it into the goal again with a pile of defenders on the line.
Chennaiyin FC made it 3-0 in the 40th minute with Jeje opening his account. A quick counter-attack saw Mendoza make a dash on the left and cross it for Jeje who timed his run well and got the better of Doblas with a smart tap.
The doors for Delhi were sealed early in the second session as Chennaiyin FC got their fourth goal of the match in the 54th minute. Raphael Augusto, who has been in incredible form for Chennaiyin FC, came up with a killer pass to find Thoi Singh. The midfielder then spotted Mendoza whose shot was cleared on the line by Delhi defender Anas Edathodika but Jeje was within handshaking distance to put the game beyond Delhi’s reach.
With such a big lead, Chennaiyin FC were never really going to panic and they played the remainder of the match without hitting the top gear.