As the ISL resumed after the first international break of this season, Delhi hosted an ATK with the familiar face of Kalu Uche starting for the other side. Pritam Kotal lead the Dynamos after a good showing in Indian colors against China. The game started off at a brisk pace with both teams building plays and making whistle-able tackles on each other in the midfield. Delhi had no intentions of playing a defensive game, but the re-chiseled defense of Steve Coppell kept everything out.
The first chance of the game came to ATK in the 11th minute when Uche found himself at the end of a cross from Lanza which he failed to control and over powered beyond the nets. Uche immediately when Vinit Rai made a mistake. Rai’s day would go on to get worse when he would give away the ball which would give Balwat to curl one into the goal to take ATK up near the 20th minute.
The second half saw a the Dynamos looking to break from the beginning as they starting playing more players in advanced positions. Delhi scored as early as the 54th minute off a set piece when Kotal found himself at the end of a free header that bounced of heads.
ATK created a fair few opportunities of breaks from the midfield, but both Santos and Lanza failed to convert or set one up for goal. With the clock ticking away and both sides pushing in pursuit of the winner. The winner came from the foot of super sub Mimouni when ATK broke free from a failed Delhi free kick. Lanza saw an opening and sent a through ball straight into the box for Rane. Rane notices Mimouni in the open and passed it back right into Mimouni’s feet which he promptly put behind the net as the games neared the end.
At present in the ISL this season, apart from Bengaluru and Mumbai, no other game has been won by the home team. This is surely a boost for all the visiting teams, who are looking to get something out of the games on their travel.
Another plus point for all the teams this term will be the fact that last season’s champs are really struggling at present and are at the bottom of the table (Chennaiyin FC). If things continue as they are, it won’t take long for the fans to understand that they are out of the race and that there surely will be a new winner this time.
Editor’s Take-
Whatever be the case, I personally feel that Mumbai City FC (the team I support) has a good chance to win the tournament this time, if they can really up their game and continue to play like they did against FC Pune City.
For the rest of the games, tune in to the live telecast of the games. The pre-show starts on the Starsports network at 7 PM. Kick off at 7:30 PM IST. Are you a fan of the Indian Super League yet?
