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The group stages of the second season of the Indian Super League have finished, and Atletico de Kolkata, Delhi Dynamos, FC Goa, and Chennaiyin FC have booked their places in the playoffs. With the first leg of the semi-finals also done, one thing that has been certain is that the ISL has been very entertaining this season.It has been raining goals in the this season with 179 goals scored in 59 games. The second season of the Indian Super League has been entertaining, unpredictable and teams have played an attacking brand of football.Here, we take a look at the top 3 attacks in the Indian Super League.
#3 Atletico de Kolkata - 26 goals
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The defending champions were the first team to qualify for the semi-finals this season, and scored 26 goals in the group stages. Canadian striker Iain Hume found the back of the net 10 times for them, while Indian international Arata Izumi also got on the scoresheet 5 times.
South African winger Sameehg Doutie has been a revelation for Atletico de Kolkata this season, having scored thrice and assisting six more in just 11 games. Marquee signing Helder Postiga has featured just once for Habas’ side, scoring a brace, and is yet to return from his injury.
The team need to get their attacking swagger back in time for the 2nd leg of their semi-final, having lost 3-0 to Chennaiyin in a meek display.
Unlike last season, when the team was carried by Luis Garcia most of the time, Atletico looked like a better attacking unit this season. They played some slow football last season and often relied on the brilliance of Luis Garcia but the team management have done well to get a few quality attacking players in, and that has paid off.
Atletico de Kolkata have taken fewer shots than any other side in the tournament, but have scored more goals than the rest. They have also played some direct and counter-attacking football this season.
The likes of Iain Hume, Sameehg Doutie, Arata Izumi, and Jaime Gavilan have combined really well up front, and that can be demonstrated by the big wins they registered against the likes of Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, FC Goa, and Pune City FC.
#2 Chennaiyin FC - 28 goals scored
Chennaiyin FC were the best attacking unit in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League, and they haven't let us down this time as well. They were the last team to qualify for the playoffs after beating FC Pune City 1-0, and have scored scored 28 goals in the 15 games they have played so far.
The team from Chennai has some big names in their attack with the likes of Mendoza, Elano, Bruno Pelissari and Jeje present. Mendoza has scored 12 goals so far in the tournament, more than any other player, while Elano has also found the back of the net four times.
Indian international Jeje has been in brilliant form scoring 6 goals in just 9 games while Pelissari has also made his presence felt in the limited time he has spent on the field, combining well with his teammates.
They took the 1st leg of the semi-final by storm, thrashing Atletico de Kolkata 3-0 and would be looking to continue in the same manner in the 2nd leg.
Chennaiyin FC have won big against a few teams with the first coming against FC Goa, when they defeated them 4-0. They scored 12 goals in their last 4 group stage games to seal a place in the semi-finals, including a 4-1 win against Kerala Blasters, a 4-0 win against Delhi Dynamos and a 3-0 win over Mumbai City FC.
They played delightful attacking football at times, and are one of the very fews teams who have successfully implemented their own brand of football.
The MS Dhoni co-owned team have taken more shots on goal than any other team in the tournament so far, and also have the most shots on target. They have also completed the second highest number of passes, trailing only Delhi Dynamos.
#1 FC Goa - 29 goals
The highest goalscorers in the league so far, FC Goa have pumped in 26 in the tournament, and it has been quite the team effort from the Goan outfit. They secured their place in the playoffs due to their team effort and go into the 2nd leg of their semi-final against Delhi Dynamos trailing by a goal.
Brazilian star Reinaldo has scored 7 goals in just 10 appearances for them while the likes of Mandar, Dudu Omagbemi, Jonatan Lucca, and Haokip have found the back of the net thrice. Leo Moura has been in brilliant form for FC Goa having scored twice and assisted another 8 in 14 games so far in the tournament.
Zico’s team registered some big wins on their way to top spot, with the first coming against NorthEast United when they won 3-1.
They then marked the biggest win in the history of the Indian Super League with a 7-0 win against arch-rivals Mumbai City FC. Dudu and Haokip scored a hat-trick each in the game. They didn’t stop there, going on to defeat Kerala Blasters 5-1 away from home.
Needless to say, Zico has introduced an attractive brand of football, and FC Goa have one of the best free-flowing teams in the country. Players have flourished under the Brazilian manager and if they can continue their brilliant form in the 2nd leg, they have a great chance of winning the league this season.
