#3 Delhi Dynamos 2 - 1 Kerala Blasters (0-3 pen.)
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Probably the most important semifinal this season, this match was set to be one blockbuster and it turned out as expected. Delhi had played some amazing football throughout the tournament and the home fans were expecting the same in the Lions' den.
Trailing by a goal from the first leg scored by Kervens Belfort, Delhi had to win this fixture by a margin of at least one goal to even go into extra time. Starting with unbridled attacking intent, the Dynamos showed their ability, with Marcelinho scoring in the 18th minute. Much to the dismay of the home crowd, Duckens Nazon scored in the 26th minute and made it difficult for the Lions.
With lots of drama unfolding on the pitch, 8 minutes of additional time was given for the first half. Ruben Gonzalez Rocha, the Spanish centre-back, scored from a free kick from Marcos Tebar deep into the first half's injury time.
The second half saw some great attacking intent from both sides, which saw them making move after move. The coaches knew that just one goal would've done the trick, and tried all their tactical changes.
The game went into extra time, both teams trying to get that one elusive goal. At the end of the 30 extra minutes, the aggregate score read 2-2. The game went into penalties. It was baffling to see the highest scorer Marcelinho being substituted, but it was later revealed that he had an injury.
A World cup finalist, who has won the Champions league and numerous other titles in his club career as captain and two creative Brazilians who were known for their footballing art came to convert for the Lions. Malouda and Pelissari rocketed their shots into the crowd, while Memo's was blocked by an experienced Sandip Nandy. On the other hand, Josu Currais, Kervens Belfort and Mohammad Rafique converted for the visitors to send them to the finals.
The game will be remembered for its intensity, tempo and attacking vigour shown by both teams. If there's one team which deserved to be in the finals, it was Delhi Dynamos this season. Sadly, the entertainers were out and Steve Coppell's enterprisers were in.
