Day 54 and 55, Match 52 and 53

Mumbai's final home game of the league and they must win it if they want to qualify for the knockouts, although, their chances are bleak. A win for Kolkata will assure their birth in the knockouts. It is an important game for both the sides.

Delhi had a tough nut to crack as they flew to Chennai. Chennai have been defeated only once at the home ground (by FC Goa). If Delhi win, they can expect a place in the final four. If they lose, they will be out of the League and if it is a draw, then, it will depend on other matches. Del Piero has not scored yet in the League and surprisingly (or not!), he is not in starting eleven again.

Mumbai City FC (2) - Atletico de Kolkata (1)

Formation: 4-4-1-1 and 4-2-3-1

Courtesy:ISL

Kolkata started the game by giving away a foul as Borja brought down Stohanzl on to the turf. The Spaniard then sent the ball off post. Anelka replied to the visitor's attack but Edel made an impressive save. Nabi picked up an injury yet again. He pulled his hamstring's muscle and was substituted by Asif. Mumbai's captain started his journey with an injury and has struggled a lot since. He has hurt himself in every game against Kolkata! Luis Garcia hit his knee but continued. The home team dominated the attack index for the first period. Anelka displayed great skills. He was able to turn the ball towards the box even when it was way out of the reach. Paul was conscious of Kingshuk's strike. He came charging to deny him. Didika received a yellow for a stupid and a rather unnecessary tackle. Tiago with the ball and Didika's left footed shot gave shrills to the home audience as Mumbai successfully opened their account for the evening. In the added time, Fikru looked into momentum for the first time but the shot he took was a mediocre one. Kolkata started the second half of the game. Fikru, who once threatened every defender, was easily contained by Cmovs. Didika just saved himself from giving away a penalty. His tackle on Fikru was very serious. Garcia played a perfect playmaker by providing the ball to Borja who, in turn, passed it on to Sahni. The Indian forward made no mistake and the visitors cancelled Didika's goal. Kolkata led the attack index. Fikru's shots have started to go wide than to find the net.  Didika took a free kick away from the post, Friedrich did not miss it and scored. Although it were Kolkata who dominated the attack index of the second half, Mumbai managed to win the game from set pieces.

Chennaiyin FC (2) - Delhi Dynamos (2)

Formation: 4-3-1-2 and 4-2-3-1

Courtesy:ISL

With the kick off, Chennai asserted why they deserve to be at the top. Attack by Pelissari and counter attack by another Brazilian, Dos Santos. As we set ourselves to witness Pelissari taking the corner kick, the crowd roared and it was then that we realised that Pelissari has sent his curling ball straight at the back of the net. Brilliant! Absolutely Brilliant! It takes skills to score by defeating a 6'10'' tall keeper. Delhi led the attack index but it was the home side that ruled the score board. Junker's injury 'forced' Veldhoven to bring Del Piero on the field. There was some cheer for that. Jeje's goal gave shivers to the visitors. Chennai had lead by two goals before the half time and they looked content while walking towards the dressing room. The second half started on a positive note for Delhi as it was their Marquee player who netted his first goal of the League. Del Piero received a free kick. He measured the distance and it was a goal. Simple and Effortless! Materazzi looked animated on Balwant's fault of being hasty in taking an otherwise easy shot. Attack index in Delhi's favour. After a few substitutions and set pieces, Mulder's equalizer stole the lime light of the match. When Mulder received the ball back from Dos Santos, he did not care for anything. It was 88 minute on the clock; he came charging and scored Delhi's second goal. Dos Santos with a final strike in 90th minute but the post denied him and Skoubo received a red card. Tough luck! The game ended in a draw. This will not affect the home team but can ruin Delhi's chances of playing in the semi finals.

Courtesy:ISL

Fikru has failed to keep up with the name he created for himself before the ban. He will always be remembered for scoring Hero ISL's first goal but will not be called 'one of the best players' of the League. The assurance that he once provided has lost now. Didika's fouls were uncalled for. Mumbai still stands a chance for the knockouts.
Along with Fikru, there is another striker that has failed to shine despite having ample opportunities. Balwant, we think, has been struggling to maintain a consistent form. Del Piero proved why he is the Italian stallion. His precision helped to recourse a low spirited Delhi. Wish he had seen him more in action during the League. This draw landed Delhi in a tricky situation. It all depend on the following matches.