ISL 2015: Chennaiyin FC 3-0 Atlético de Kolkata - 5 talking points

The first leg of the second semifinal of the HERO ISL 2015 was played out between Marco Matterazzi's Chennaiyin FC and Antonio Habas' Atletico de Kolkata at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune. Due to the inclement weather conditions in Chennai, the Super Machan's home leg was moved to Pune.Bruno Pelissari, Jeje and Stiven Mendoza were all on the scoresheet as Chennaiyin felt all at home in Pune. A 3-0 first leg victory all but assures their place in the finals, while Atletico have an uphill task to try to continue defending their title.

#1 Bruno Pelissari\'s stunner that changed everything

Pelissari's free kick bamboozled opposition keeper Amrinder Singh (Photo courtesy ISL)

The game was going on well for both the teams until the 38th minute, when Bruno Pelissari provided a stunner as he scored an exquisite goal from a free kick. It took a viciously curving trajectory as it curled past Amrinder Singh’s flailing arms and into the bottom corner of the goal.

Chennaiyin FC got the opportunity when Manuel Blasi was caught by Kolkata’s Spanish midfielder from Valencia, Gavilán. This mistake on the part of the Kolkata midfielder presented Chennaiyin with a brilliant chance, which Pelissari converted brilliantly.

The goal changed the mood of the play and perhaps worked as a mental setback for Atletico de Kolkata, since after the goal Kolkata seemed to be lacking in concentration.

#2 Borja Fernndez injury hampered Atletico\'s midfield

Borja is a vital cog in Kolkata's midfield (Photo courtesy ISL)

Atletico de Kolkata suffered another major blow minutes after the goal from Bruno Pelissari. This blow came when Borja Fernandez got injured and had to be replaced.

Last year, Borja had the record for the maximum number of tackles and was crucial for Atletico de Kolkata as they won the HERO ISL 2014. This time too he has been a key creative midfielder.

However, unfortunate as it was, Borja had to be taken off and Lekic brought in his place. Iain Hume was made to drop back and play behind the striker and Lekic played up front. Gavilan played as the holding midfielder. It was initially conjectured that Lekic would use the advantage of his height (6 ft 4 inches).

But much to everyone’s disappointment Hume and Lekic couldn’t combine all that well as they were thwarted by a dogged Chennaiyin FC defence.

#3 Lack of creativity in Kolkata\'s attack

Hume struggled to create any chances of note (Photo courtesy ISL)

The Kolkata front three consisting of Doutie, Hume and Arata were unsettled after Borja went off. Once Hume had to fall back and Lekic took his place, Kolkata lost its tempo.

They were not able to create enough chances as they lacked creativity. Hume, Doutie and Lekic all tried to create chances but their attempts were intercepted by a brilliant Chennaiyin defence.

The best Kolkata chance fell to Hume following a superb Arata through ball but Dhanachandra made an excellent tackle and was succesful in putting off the attack. Atletico got another chance from a free kick which was awarded to them due to a foul on Doutie. Gavilan, from the left side of the box, tried to square the ball to Doutie but his shot was blocked.

Wave after wave of Kolkata attacks were stopped by the defensive shield of Materazzi’s side, who swatted away the opposition’s efforts with ease.

#4 Mendy and the solid Chennaiyin defence

Mendy’s defensive performances have made him a fan favourite

Chennaiyin FC’s coach Marco Materazzi played in the Inter Milan squad under the managerial leadership of Jose Mourinho. Thus it is quite natural that Materazzi would have something of the ‘park the bus’ philosophy in a team that he manages. However it would be unfair and untrue to say that the Chennaiyin defence parked the bus but they truly had a solid defence that refused to leave spaces for the Atletico strikers.

Their defense consisted of Mendy, Alves, Dhanachandra and Khabra on the night. Bernard Mendy, the captain of the team seemed to have taken on the responsibility alone, and he led the defence with aplomb.

Mendy was instrumental in defence right from the start, when Arata had played a pass to potentially put Rino Anto clean through on the right but Mendy came and headed it clear. Mendy also had the habit of arriving at the right place in the right time throughout the match, such as when he twice cleared excellent crosses from Hume aimed at Lekic

Mendy and his defensive colleagues left their mark on the field and didnt provide the Kolkata forward line the opportunity to create enough chances.

#5 The Pocket Rocket Mendoza

Mendoza continued his sparkling form into the semifinal

The man that made the most prominent mark in the first leg of the semi final has to be Stevin Mendoza. The Columbian international is the highest scorer of the HERO ISL 2015, having scored 12 goals so far for Chennaiyin FC.

Throughout the match the Kolkata defence seemed to be lacking in ideas when it came to stopping Mendoza and resisting his threat. The Columbian always managed to evade their attentions and slip through.

Aided by Jeje Lalpekhlua, Mendoza tore apart the Kolkata defense. The second goal for Chennaiyin came from an assist by Mendoza which Jeje calmly converted. A long ball from the back found Mendoza who was in an onside position as Augustin failed to check him. Chennaiyin keeper Amrinder came off his line but failed to thwart Mendoza. With Amrinder being unable to clear it, Mendoza squared the ball to Jeje who slotted it into the far corner.

The third goal was scored by Mendoza himself, this time aided by his teammate Jeje. The Columbian played the ball back for Jeje who scooped the ball into Mendoza’s path, allowing him to slot it into the net.

Mendoza had to be taken off for a possible sprain that he suffered during the later part of the game. The news may concern Chennaiyin, who will surely hope that their Columbian talisman is fit for the second leg.