ISL 2017/18, Match 72: NorthEast United FC vs Delhi Dynamos, 5 Talking Points

#2 Players are not playing for pride

Pride barely seemed to be at stake on the night. (Photo: ISL)

Two teams slotted way down the bottom of the points table, players from NEUFC and Delhi Dynamos did not play for pride. That cliched adage was thrown out of the window because there was no pride left to play for.

Several poor performances and heavy losses have left both sides damaged and irreparable this season. Their combined wins till date (5) is still less than half the number of wins table toppers Bengaluru have registered by themselves.

What they were playing for was a contract extension. The ISL is a lucrative league and a player that does manage to feature in it has the opportunity to not only make a name but also fill his coffers. Leaving passion aside, players from both sides realise that among them, only a select few will be retained next season. They worked their socks off to impress tonight.