Chennaiyin FC vs Mumbai City FC

Chennaiyin FC 5-1 Mumbai City FC

Chennaiyin FC: Shilton Paul(gk), Jairo Suarez, Marco Materazzi, Gouramangi Singh, Mikael Silvestre, Bernard Mendy(c), Denson Devadas, Harmanjot Khabra, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Elano Blumer, Stiven Mendoza

Mumbai City FC: Subrata Paul(gk), Peter Costa, Raju Gaikwad, Manuel Friedrich(c), Syed Rahim Nabi, Johan Letzelter, Jan Stohanzl, Subhash Singh, Lalrindika Ralte, Andre Moritz, Nicolas Anelka

Overview:

Marco Materazzi and his Chennaiyin FC drubbed their Mumbai counter parts, as the team from south went second on the table after three wins from four games. Nicolas Anelka who was suspended for three games, made a disappointing return to the game as he played for his twelfth football club. The game saw the return of another legend and a world cup winner, Marco Materazzi. Materazzi’s last appearance as a professional was three years back, since then he has retired and done his coaching badges.

Two goals each from Elano Blumer and Stiven Mendoza and a goal from Indian international Jeje rounded of the drubbing at the Marina Stadium. With owners - Vita, Abhishek Bachan and Dhoni in full force, Chennaiyin FC gave good reasons to their owners to celebrate. There was a consolation goal for Mumbai which was scored by Nabi, to make look the score line more respectable.

Chennai lined up with 3 man defence after their defeat at the hands of Delhi, whereas Mumbai played Nicolas Anelka as the lone striker. Two goals for Elano makes him the league’s top scorer. Chennai took the lead at 9th minute through Elano as Mendoza was brought down in the box. Elano easily finished to take the lead. The second of five coming Jeje as the Indian finished a great through ball from Elano, as the Mumbai defence was again caught napping.

The first half was rounded of by a terrific performance from the Columbian, Medoza as his blistering pace couldn’t be matched by the hapless Mumbai team who were in sixes and sevens whenever he had the ball. The score at half time was 4-0 to Chennai.

Mumbai was in damage control mode as Peter Reid changed things, as he introduced Tiago. Already half way through the tournament Mumbai have just 3 points from four games, as the maximum city side look on the verge of going out. Mendoza was again causing problems as he was pulled back for a foul on him. Elano lined up a free kick as he again managed to place the ball in the net. Five-Nil Chennai. With game going dull, Mumbai managed to get a consolation through Nabi in the 89 minute of the game. As the game finished 5-1 to Chennai.