Day 12, 13 and 14, Match 10, 11 and 12. Some Bans!

'Ye Diwali, Football wali'... It's the most beautiful time of the year but it surely kept us from posting regularly. We apologise for not updating you but hey, its festive season. Right! So, following is a brief summary of what happened during the three days.

FC Goa  (1) - Atletico de Kolkata (2)

When FC Goa met Atletico de Kolkata, everyone wanted to see if Goa can enter the race by finally winning a game or will Kolkata continue to annihilate its opponents. After a fabulous start, Goa became the latest victim of the City of Joy.

Courtesy:ISL

The game started on a rough note with Jofre challenging Pires, Fikru blowing Gregory's face and Borja challenging Santos. Fikru ended up with a rough chat with the ref and Borja received a yellow (received a red in a prior game). Borja is a great player but is way too rugged. Cavani is the Indian midfielder who impressed big time in the game. The Brazilian, Santos, gave the home team its lead. Pires tiring legs got noticed by the commentators. Fikru was booked a yellow card for fouling Gregory. It was a useless charge that ISL's top scorer made. His frustration was clearly visible. The series of head butting continued between No. 9 and No.15 till the defender's started oozing blood. In the second half, the game got even more dramatic. Gabriel received a yellow for over reacting when Jofre tried to calm him down by patting on his cheek. Miranda hurt his head really badly. Gabriel intentionally fell on the turf in search of a penalty but was denied (Guess, some people never learn). Cavani and Santos were booked for attack and counter attack. Martins received a warning for a pretend dive (inspired by Robben?). Finally, Cavani scored an equalizer through Fikru's assist and later the winning goal because of Borja's brilliance.

Courtesy:ISL

The game was more theatrical than skills. A rivalry seems to be rising. Gabriel, Fikru, Gregory and Borja did not live up to the expectations. Santos and Cavani played well. Cavani was 'Hero of the Match' but none of the players impressed us as none was consistent. It was a game that really spoilt the futball spirit!

Mumbai City FC (0) - North East United FC (2)

Mumbai invited North East United to the city of Dreams for the latter's first away game. North East United has produced some brilliant legs but has failed to show its full potential in the League. What remains to see is that will the team be able to live up to the expectations?

Courtesy:ISL

The home team looked strong during the entire first half, keeping the ball in the possession for most of the part. Chansa was substituted early in the game for Felipe because of an injury. Mumbaians had their money on Moritz who impressed with his game and his one-two play with Letzelter but couldn't find the net. Robin was successful in confusing Nadong. Do fetched the ball into the box various times but was unsuccessful in cashing on his long runs. The young Korean midfielder is either not understanding Herbert's style or is not fit for the 4-2-3-1 formation. The winger initially looks promising with the ball but always ends with a whimper. A goal was expected from Mumbai but the game ended with 'nil' on both the sides. The second half welcomed Ljungberg. Do wasted a great opportunity as he went to receive Koke's pass a bit early. Koke again made an effort and assisted Mtonga to give their team a lead. Ljungberg's injury left the home team, that has already lost the possession, in trouble as the team had no substitution left. Their adversity is furthered by Cmovs second yellow that reduced the team to nine pair of legs only! Do fails to utilize an empty left flank. Didika and Nadaya tried to equalize the game but failed. Koke's replacement, Keene, filled his shoes well and provided an amazing assist for Felipe to assure their teams victory.

Courtesy:ISL

Ranbir's team looked promising in the beginning but dwindled. 'Hero of the Match' was Mtonga. Both the teams put up a good play as compared to the previous match. Mumbai has a creative midfield and Do needs to brush up his skills!

Delhi Dynamos FC (4) - Chennaiyin FC (1)

This time the Italian friends, Del Piero and Marco Metarazzi stood on the opposite sides as the home team, Delhi, prepared for a kick off against Chennai. Chennai has won the previous two matches while Delhi settled for continuous draws. Both the teams are strong and this would be survival of the fittest.

Courtesy:ISL

A corner came for Delhi right in the first minute that Raymaekars converted into a goal within two minutes of the game. Delhi' s front three gave a tough time to the infamous Chennaiyin defenders. Elano and Balwant tried to build up a play for the visitors but the Brazilian failed to replicate his previous form. Mads Junker beautiful header brought him appreciation and comparison with the Dutch Skipper, Robin van Persie (he is our favourite #9 too!). Delhi's defence is not as creative as that of their opponents. Both the teams received yellow cards, van Hout for wasting time and Dhana for a rash tackle on Junker. Balwant Sing who has been an eminent part of the team was replaced in the starting of the second half. Valencia looked sharp enough to break Delhi's defence but Raymaekars kept the back line tight. Mulder built up an opportunity to add another star for the home side but failed. Mendy disappointed. Valencia broke Raymaekars line but Delhi was saved by van Hout. Elano finally scores to give visitors some hope for atleast a draw. Arias gave the home team a two goal lead once again. Mendy's angst made him push Dos Santos but the Frenchman was quick to accept his fault and readily apologised to the Brazilian. Dos Santos 90th min brilliant goal was cherry on the cake for the home team.

Courtesy:ISL

Van Veldhoven's team registered their first win by living up to their tag line 'Thok Denge'. Delhi proved to be a strong team by defeating a team like Chennai. The visitors looked sloppy and it was highly unexpected that they will let four goals pass their defence. 'Hero of The Match' was Wim Raymaekars. The Belgian really proved his worth!

** Habas, Fikru and Pires will miss 4, 2 and 2 matches respectively following ban!