Chennai's Stiven Mendoza (L) scored his 10th goal of ISL 2015 against Delhi, while Jeje Lalpekhlua (C) scored twice in the game. ISLChennai: Chennaiyin FC produced another superlative performance to overwhelm Delhi Dynamos by a whopping 4-0 margin in the ISL here on Tuesday and put themselves in contention for a playoff spot.
With this win, Chennai jumped to the fourth spot and pushed NorthEast United and Pune City to fifth and sixth positions respectively.
Chennai, last year's semifinalists, will play Mumbai City in their last league tie on December 1.
Marco Materazi's decision to go in for a 4-4-2 formation was too much for the Delhi forwards to create any ripple in the Chennai territory throughout the game.
John Stiven Mendoza opened the scoreboard for Chennai in the 17th minute. After goalkeeper Toni Doblas saved a Mendonza shot, the star striker with bundle of energy ran for the ball and booted home for his tenth goal of the season.
Bruno Pelissari, who scuffed a chance in the 19th minute, increased the lead in the very next minute, latching on to a rebound off Doblas, and in the 40th minute Jeje made it 3-0.
After the break, the jubilant Chennai continued their aggressive game, and in the 57th minute, Jeje, who has been in superb form, scored the team's fourth goal.
The hosts' defenders had the gumption to challenge with their skills and kept up their good work to prevent any damage to their citadel. Wadoo was dominant at the back and also played upfront when necessary, while Rafael was too good in his tackling.
Likewise, Mendonza was instrumental in causing problems to Delhi's defence. For example, the manner in which Mendonza deceived the defenders to get the second goal for Chennai was noteworthy.
Mendonza picked a pass from Pelissari from the left and, in a trice, gave a swift pass to Jeje, whose shot was blocked by Doblas, which Pelissari latched on to score.
At the same time, Chennai stopper Edel Apoula was in great form, and with sheer confidence, he came up with three saves including one from Chicao in the 18th minute following a corner. He was swift to tip a shot from agile and nippy Robin Singh over the bar in the 29th minute.
In fact, Chennai dominated the game almost throughout the 90 minutes, though there were a few counter attacks by Delhi Dynamos.
(with agency inputs)
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