Chennai: Chennaiyin FC produced another superlative performance to overwhelm Delhi Dynamos by a whopping 4-0 margin and put themselves in contention for the play off in the second Hero Indian Super League football championship here on Tuesday.
With this win, Chennaiyin jumped to the fourth spot and pushed North East United FC and Pune City FC to fifth and sixth positions respectively. Last year semi finalists, Chennai will be playing Mumbai in their last league tie on December 1.
Marco Materazz's decision to go in for a 4-4-2 formation was too much for the Delhi forwards to create any ripple in the Chennaiyin territory throughout the game.
As his wont, Stiven Mendoza opened the scoreboard for Chennaiyin in the 17th minute. After goal keeper Toni Doblas headed Mendoza shot, the star striker with bundle of energy ran for the ball and booted home for his tenth goal of the season.
Bruno Pellissery, who muffed with a chance in the 19th minute, increased the lead in the very next minute latching on to a re-bounder off Tony Doblas and in the 40th minute, Jeje made it 3-0.
After the break, the jubilant Chennaiyin continued their aggressive game and in the 57th minute, Jeje, who has been in superb form, capped with the fourth goal.
The hosts’ defenders had the gumption to challenge with their skills and kept up their good work to prevent any damage to their citadel. Wadoo was dominant at the back and also played upfront when necessary, while Rafel was too good in his tackling.
Likewise, Mendoza was instrumental in causing problems to Delhi defense. For example, the manner in which Mendoza deceived the defenders to get the second goal for Chennai was noteworthy.
Mendoza picked a pass from Pellissary from the left and in a trice gave a swift pass to Jeje, whose shot was blocked by Tony Doblas, which Pellissary latched on to score.
At the same time, goal tender Edel Apoula was in great form and with sheer confidence came up with three saves including the one from Chicao in the 18th minute following a corner and then he was swift to tip over the bar a shot from agile and nippy Robin Singh in the 29th minute.
In fact, Chennaiyin dominated the game almost throughout 90 minutes though there were a few counter attacks by the Delhi Dynamos.
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