New Delhi, April 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel showered praise on England tearaway pacer Mark Wood, who picked up the first fifer of the IPL 2023 season, and applauded the plans he executed in rattling Delhi Capitals batters, especially with the way he got out opener Prithvi Shaw.

In defence of 193 for the Lucknow Super Giants, Wood, playing just his second IPL game, delivered one of the most scorching spells of fast-bowling in T20 cricket in recent times, as his 5/14 left Delhi in disarray and restricting them to 143/9, to set up a 50-run victory for his team.

At the start of his spell, Wood began by softening Shaw with the bouncer. After two more back of the length deliveries in the fifth over, Wood went fuller and stormed through Shaw's defence with a beautiful in-ducker and then got out Mitchell Marsh on the very next ball in the same fashion to leave Delhi in trouble early in the game.

"We must applaud Mark Wood's plans and the way he dismissed Prithvi Shaw, as we have seen him get out like this in previous IPLs and international matches as well where there is always a gap between his bat and pad, and Wood bowled at him in that length continuously. You are given 24 bowls in total and taking five wickets in a T20 match is equivalent to scoring 100 runs," Patel was quoted as saying by JioCinema.

Apart from Wood, West Indies all-rounder Kyle Mayers slammed an explosive 38-ball 73 and was well-supported by cameos of 36 and 18 from Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni.

Suresh Raina, the former India cricketer who won four IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings, highlighted how Pooran and Badoni proved to be crucial in getting a match-winning score for Lucknow.

"The way he (Kyle Mayers) was hitting the ball, powerful shots off Axar Patel and Kuldeep (Yadav), who are both very successful bowlers, was truly admirable. It was a good fifty to score. In spite of that, the way Badoni and Nicholas Pooran finished the game, with these small cameos of 25-30 runs helped them get from 155 runs to near 190 runs (193)," Raina said.

Patel also pointed out how Delhi missed their star player Rishabh Pant during the match against Lucknow.

"Delhi must have missed Rishabh Pant - the batter, the wicketkeeper and the captain. You cannot replace a player like him. But from Delhi's perspective, they will need to figure out who will come and inspire them after this huge defeat. This will put a huge dent on their net run rate as well," he said.

Lucknow's next match in IPL 2023 will be against Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, while Delhi will play their first home game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium against defending champions Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.

Source: IANS

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Mumbai, Aug 16 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to be staged in Goa for the season 2020-21, starting November.

The ISL, in its seventh edition will be played behind closed doors at three venues - Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda; GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim; and Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco.

Nita Ambani, Founder & Chairperson, Football Sports Development Limited, said: "I am delighted to bring the ISL Season 7 to the state of Goa, from where we had left the action last season.

"Congratulations to the beautiful state of Goa and their passionate fans of football, as they once again become the epicenter of the beautiful game in India!

"Over the last six years, ISL has played a key role in helping Indian football find its rightful place in the global arena. In this short period, we have crossed several remarkable milestones - ISL's recent membership of the World League Forum, City Football Group's investment in Mumbai City FC, ATK's merger with Mohun Bagan, and ISL's emergence as the fourth most popular league on social media with 38 million fan interactions, are all indicators of the phenomenal rise of Indian football.

"Sport is one of the greatest expressions of solidarity and a source of happiness for people around the world. My gratitude to all our clubs, players, and staff for their fortitude and resilience during these unprecedented times. I look forward to the upcoming season of ISL as we showcase, through football, the triumph of human spirit in fighting the pandemic with hope and courage."

Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) will be working closely with the Sports Authority Of Goa, Goa Football Association and the State administration to ensure a safe and secure season.

FSDL recently concluded a recce of the available infrastructure in Goa and has drawn up an extensive plan to undertake upgradation from pitch and drainage refurbishment/ maintenance, floodlights and competition area uplift including players dressing rooms at each of the three stadiums.

FSDL wishes to provide an individual training pitch to each of the clubs.

Ten such training pitches have been identified in the state of Goa, which will see upgrades over the next month before handing it over to the respective clubs.

The league believes that the infrastructure upgrade at the three main venues and training pitches will go a long way to further establish Goa's emphasis in promoting football as the main sport in the State, and provide viable options to host key national footballing events in future.

ISL 2020-21 promises to be one of the most intriguing seasons headlined by the introduction of Kolkata powerhouse ATK Mohun Bagan FC along with a rejuvenated City Football Group-led Mumbai City FC.

Source: IANS

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Bengaluru, Oct 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Defending Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC will be keen to pick up from where they left at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium the last time.

The Blues registered a come-from-behind win against NorthEast United FC in the two-legged playoff en route the final in 2018-19.

The same opponents come calling in their 2019-20 season opener and Bengaluru FC could rewrite history by becoming the first team to win consecutive Hero ISL titles.

While coach Carles Cuadrat admitted that it's "strange" that none of the teams have been able to retain their title, Bengaluru's focus is to ensure that they make it to the play-offs first and only then focus on clinching the silverware.

"I tell my players to be competitive so that we can reach the play-offs. Then one bad game and you are out. It is not abnormal. No team has won it twice. It is a strange thing. It's not our job to defend the title but right now (the job is) to reach the play-offs. After that we will do our best to win the title," said the Spaniard.

Despite the departure of the stars of the previous season, NorthEast United have made substantial acquisitions and Cuadrat remains wary of the Highlanders.

"NorthEast United is a completely different team with a different coach and so I am expecting a lot of competition. It is going to be a tough game for us. We have no idea about what NorthEast is going to offer. They have made some good signings like Asamoah Gyan. They also have other good players in their squad but it makes no sense for us to think about that. We have to focus on how we are going to prepare," he pointed out.

Though they are the defending champions, Cuadrat is under no illusions that it is going to be an easy season for them. The Spaniard felt that other teams have upped their game and expects the race to the playoffs to be a close one.

"It is going to be difficult for us this season. A lot of teams have spent a lot of money and they are going to be very competitive so I think that we have to keep working but not feel the pressure."

The Blues have made several additions to the squad in the summer such as striker Manuel Onwu who would have the unenviable task of replacing the prolific Miku.

"We had to leave Miku because of economics. But the new players have all the skill-sets we want. Miku is good for one thing and our current players suit different dynamics," he explained.

Meanwhile, NorthEast United coach Robert Jarni also felt that the changes Bengaluru FC have made to their squad will pose some trouble for the Highlanders.

"Bengaluru FC have made some changes from last season. Also, we have some new players. We believe that we can do something good against them. We are confident and will try to bring the three points," signed off the former Croatia Under-19 coach.

Source: IANS

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By Jaydeep Basu

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Ever since the launch of cash-rich Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has often been accused of playing the role of "chowkidar", who protects the interest of newly-found franchises and remains completely indifferent in its attitude towards traditional I-League clubs.

Recently, several I-League clubs came together to "boycott" the Super Cup and alleged the national body was playing in the hands of its marketing partners, FSDL, who were actually calling the shots in all policy matters of the AIFF.

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das though has rubbished the claims and said that Indian football could have been in "deep trouble" without the presence of the marketing partners.

Speaking to IANS, Das said: "Let me give you the real picture. In 2010 when our previous marketing partners walked out of the contract, the federation was in dire straits.

"It then had no money, had no television coverage and the creditors were calling up every second day. I am telling you that had not IMG-R come forward and supported us, then Indian football could have been in deep trouble.

"We must not be uncharitable to IMG-R or FSDL. They have invested money and yes, while the model they have brought in is a franchise based model, there are big corporates coming forward.....there is JSW, there is CESC, there are others.

"They have come in and have joined hands to support football. It was not happening earlier. They have created a buzz. The start of the ISL has definitely helped. The buzz may have gone down a little bit as we are trying to find ways but it is definitely the right model," Das said.

He also said that the common belief that ISL was introduced to "finish off" the I-League was wrong. Instead, every effort was made to make I-League financially sustainable but no sponsor or broadcaster showed interest.

"While IMG-R signed the deal with AIFF in 2010, they started the ISL only in 2014. For five years they tried all the possible ways if the existing structures could be revamped.

"They spoke to broadcasters and sponsors. But the fact of the matter is people were not interested. They all said the model would not work. By that time several other leagues in other sports were franchise-based.

"That is when Star (television) came in. They said if the new model could be adopted, then they can be the broadcasters.

"We have to understand the fact that the clubs were anyway suffering. I-League clubs were losing money. There is absolutely no truth in the allegation that federation is indifferent to clubs and support only the franchise teams.

"At the same time, we must acknowledge and appreciate the fact that our marketing partners have brought in many investors. We have to respect that," Das said.

"We must wake up and smell the coffee. We cannot deny the best national players play in the ISL. But I am glad there is still importance of I-League because it has moved to various regions from north to south to northeast.

"However, to be honest, had the I-League created the value everyone was looking for, then there was no need to bring in anything else. You have to understand without the commercial value and the money coming in, it won't work," Das said.

The general impression that AIFF is now being actually run by its marketing partners is completely wrong, Das said. The FSDL, according to Das, only airs its opinion on marketing matters.

"They do not interfere in any other policy matter. Sadly, it is a perception that has been created and is not helping Indian football. In the last five-six years, Indian football has moved ahead... youth leagues have been created and it is progressing in under-13, under-15, baby league etc.

"The national team is doing well, their ranking has improved, the viewership has increased. There is hardly any reason to create this negativity. It is not even helping anyone -- not even those who are spreading it," Das said.

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Kolkata, April 3 (IANS) Former Indian Super League champions ATK on Wednesday announced the signing of East Bengal striker Jobby Justin on a three-year contract starting from June this year.

The 25-year-old from Kerala scored nine goals, the most by an Indian, in East Bengal's runners-up finish in the I-League.

The club also announced the extensions of Spanish duo (captain) Manuel Lanzarote and Edu Garcia along with Englishman John Johnson.

ATK Squad:

Foreigners: Manuel Lanzarote, John Johnson, Everton Santos, Andre Bikey-Amougou, Gerson Vieira, Edu GarcAa; Indians: Aiborlang Khongjee, Arnab Mondal, Ricky Lallawmawma, Komal Thatal, Avilash Paul, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Balwant Singh, Jayesh Rane, Pronay Halder, Hitesh Sharma, Pritam Kotal, Sena Ralte, Debjit Majumder, Ankit Mukherjee, Arindam Bhattacharya, Ashish Pradhan.

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Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Full-back Rahul Bheke scored in second half of extra time as Bengaluru FC edged past FC Goa 1-0 to lift their first Indian Super League (ISL) title, here on Sunday.

Local boy Bheke headed in from a Dimas Delgado corner in the 118th minute after both teams were locked goalless in regulation time at the Mumbai Football Arena.

This is Bengaluru FC's sixth trophy in as many seasons. "We feel on top of the world," skipper Sunil Chhetri said after the match.

"We topped the league table like last year. We lost the final that time, but this year's story is different. We knew our power was in attack. Had to work hard in defence as they attacked very well," striker Miku said.

"We pushed so much in extra time, got a red card and that changed the game. We did really well throughout the season. We deserved to win but it was our bad luck," a dejected Goa skipper Mandar Rao Desai said.

After no goals separated the teams at the end of normal time, Bheke headed home as Goa were left to rue the red card Ahmed Jahouh picked up in the first half of extra-time. Their wait for the first ISL title continue.

Bengaluru came well prepared and threatened the Goa defence as early as the sixth minute. Nishu Kumar and Chhetri combined well on the left flank before the latter found Miku at the edge of the box. The Venezuelan striker shimmied his way past a crowd of defenders inside the box but a unsteady touch at the end of his spectacular solo run allowed goalkeeper Naveen Kumar to block his efforts.

Minutes later, Jahouh picked out Jackichand Singh's run down the right flank with a delightful diagonal as Goa countered from their own half. The Indian wingers delivered a brilliant cross to the far post where an onrushing Ferran Corominas skied his volley wide.

Bengaluru had the better of the early exchanges as the trio of Miku, Chhetri and Udanta Singh found joy in the attacking third.

But Goa were dealt a blow before the break as Mandar Rao Dessai, in an attempt to get to a through-ball by Edu Bedia, succumbed to a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by young Saviour Gama at left back.

After a sluggish start to the second half, FC Goa slowly took control of the game and started to dominate possession. They created chances at will and one such move saw Jackichand's effort from a tight angle go straight into the gloves of Gurpreet Singh.

A few minutes later, Jackichand found Jahouh at the edge of the box. The Moroccan midfielder's first-time shot, however, was saved by Gurpreet in goal. Cuadrat responded to Goa's growing influence by making an attacking change as Luisma replaced Alejandro Barrera.

The Blues went ever so close in the 81st minute when Chhetri's layoff inside the box was cleverly heeled into the path of Miku by Xisco Hernandez. The striker, with just the goalkeeper to beat, curled his strike onto the bar before seeing another strike blocked by Mourtada Fall in injury time.

The tempo slowed as the game moved onto extra time with both teams unwilling to take risks going forward. Bengaluru did, however, get their first shot on the target when Xisco found space and time on the ball to hit a piledriver from outside the box.

Goa were reduced to 10 men in the 105th minute when Ahmed Jahouh retaliated to a challenge by Miku. The midfielder picked up a second yellow and had to take the lonely walk back.

That turned out to be a game-changer as Bengaluru assumed control of the game. They got the precious goal they were looking for in the 116th minute. Dimas delivered a corner-kick into the box for Bheke who produced a spectacular looping header that Naveen Kumar could only push on to the post and inside the goal as the Bengaluru supporters went into delirium.

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Mumbai, March 17 (IANS) Full-back Rahul Bheke scored in second half of extra time as Bengaluru FC edged past FC Goa 1-0 to lift their first Indian Super League (ISL) title, here on Sunday.

Bheke scored in the 117th minute after both teams were locked goalless in regulation time.

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Fatorda (Goa), March 12 (IANS) A narrow 1-0 win in the second leg was nowhere near enough for a desperate Mumbai City FC who were knocked out by FC Goa 5-2 on aggregate in the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here on Tuesday.

Goa will now meet Bengaluru FC in the final at Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday.

Rafael Bastos scored the only goal of the match in the sixth minute, but struggled to take advantage of their early lead and score more goals. A resolute Goa stood firm to ensure a place in the final and will battle Bengaluru FC for the coveted trophy.

Mumbai got off to a promising start and took the lead in the sixth minute. Arnold Issoko intercepted a sloppy pass from Ahmed Jahouh and dribbled forward through the centre. Issoko picked out Bastos' run into the box from the left and the Brazilian slotted the ball past goalkeeper Naveen Kumar.

Goa soon took control of the game and passed the ball in and around the Mumbai box in search of an equaliser. The Islanders' defence, led by Lucian Goian, stood firm and closed down gaps.

Jahouh was pickpocketed again midway through the first half and Bastos sent Modou Sougou clear into the box. Naveen pulled off a good save and the rebound was cleared by a recovering Mourtada Fall.

A Paulo Machado strike from outside the box was deflected off target by Jahouh and a Bastos free-kick flew over the bar before the break as Mumbai piled the pressure on Goa and sought more goals. At the other end, a Jackichand Singh cross was headed wide by Hugo Boumous, leaving the Mumbai defenders on their toes.

Ferran Corominas who had been silent in the first half tried to influence the flow of the game after the break. The Spanish striker's shot from outside the box three minutes after the restart was saved by Amrinder Singh.

In the 56th minute, Jackichand's cross from the right was punched by Amrinder into the path of Corominas whose shot rattled the crossbar.

Mumbai looked to increase their lead as the second half progressed, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a stable Goa defence and an alert Naveen.

Machado split the defence with a through-ball into the box for Bastos in the 70th minute but a sliding challenge from Seriton Fernandes and a clearance by Naveen denied the visitors.

Sougou came agonisingly close to scoring a goal late in the game but the striker's effort missed the post by a whisker.

A curling Matias Mirabaje free-kick was kept out by Naveen but a miraculous comeback was already out of sight by then as Goa marched into the final.

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Bengaluru, March 11 (IANS) Bengaluru FC sealed their place in the Indian Super League (ISL) final for the second successive year with a 3-0 win over NorthEast United FC in the second leg of the semi-final play-off at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, here on Monday.

Bengaluru were made to work hard by a resilient NorthEast United who were finally outdone by a 72nd minute goal from Miku. Late strikes from Dimas Delgado (87th) and Sunil Chhetri (90+2) followed as Bengaluru overturned the 2-1 defeat in the first leg.

The aggregate score read 4-2 in favour of Bengaluru, which will now look to land their first ever ISL title on Sunday.

After a dominant first few minutes by Bengaluru, NorthEast threatened first against the run of play. Federico Gallego nicked the ball off Dimas's feet and charged at the Bengaluru defence. The Uruguayan fed Juan Mascia into the box who, with just Gurpreet Singh to beat, shot straight at the goalkeeper from a narrow angle.

With NorthEast posing a threat from counter-attacks, Miku missed two glorious chances to score in the space of two minutes. In the 23rd minute, Nishu Kumar delivered a delightful cross into the centre of the box from the left flank but Miku headed it over the bar.

Two minutes later, Udanta Singh was released down the right flank and the winger's cut-back from the byline was sent wide from close-range by the Venezuelan striker.

Miku nearly made amends for his misses with a terrific solo run after the half an hour mark. The striker shimmied past several NorthEast players on his way into the box, but sent a weak effort straight into the gloves of Pawan Kumar.

The visitors rang the alarm bell again before the break as Mascia's thunderous strike from outside the box swerved towards goal but Gurpreet kept his eyes on the ball to make a good save.

Bengaluru got off the blocks quickly after the restart and put pressure on NorthEast United defence but brilliant saves from Pawan Kumar kept NorthEast in the game.

As Bengaluru chased a goal, NorthEast were pushed further back into their own half as the second half wore on. A cross from the right flank by Xisco Hernandez was flicked into the path of Juanan by Harmanjot Khabra but the defender blasted the ball over the bar from close range.

Bengaluru finally found the net in the 72nd minute when Khabra found Xisco on the right flank. The Spaniard passed to Udanta who whipped a brilliant cross into the box for Miku who guided the ball into the net with a faint left-footed finish and broke NorthEast United hearts.

NorthEast desperately sought an equaliser and were caught out on the break by Udanta in the 87th minute. He charged into space from his own half and attempted a chip that ricocheted off the post into the path of an onrushing Dimas who slotted home.

A desperate NorthEast were punished again in added time. Chhetri played a one-two with Udanta and dribbled into the box. With just Pawan Kumar to beat, the Indian international skipped past the goalkeeper and caressed the ball into the net to spark jubilant scenes in the stands.

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Fatorda, March 11 (IANS) Mumbai City FC seem to have given up their hopes of qualifying for the Indian Super League (ISL) final after a 1-5 hammering at home in the first leg semi-final. Now, as they prepare for the second leg against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, here on Tuesday, coach Jorge Costa is hoping for an unlikely miracle.

No team has ever overcome such a deficit in Indian football and Costa knows his chances of creating a massive upset is almost impossible.

"In football and in life, we can never say never but the reality is it is difficult to change this result. To be honest, yes, we have a small chance to change this result. If you want me to say that I'm (Mumbai City FC) here to score six-to-seven goals to change the result, I will try to do this. I have seen things in football that no one would believe, but normally it is difficult to change the result from the first leg," said Costa.

Mumbai were in the game till the first half an hour when they took the lead. Even at 1-2 down in the first half, they seemed to have a chance until Goa turned on the magic in the second half.

When Mumbai visited Fatorda during the league stage, they were hammered 5-0. After the first leg, Goa have now scored 12 goals against the Islanders in three matches and 24 goals overall since the start of the Hero ISL, compared with Mumbai's nine. But despite all that has happened in the past, FC Goa coach Sergio Lobera is not taking this game lightly.

"I approach this game out of respect because we are facing a great team. I don't see ourselves in the final yet. If we think we are (in the final), it's a mistake by us. We must be at our 100 per cent," said Lobera.

While Mourtada Fall restricted Modou Sougou's runs in behind, Paulo Machado struggled to dominate the midfield against Ahmed Jahouh who was at his best. Arnold Issoko, on the other hand, was a bright spark down the right wing but Mumbai's poor finishing meant whatever chances he created went begging.

With 16 goals and 7 assists, Corominas remains Goa's most dangerous player. On the other side is Sougou who has 12 goals to his name but Costa will demand the best from his key striker after he struggled to make an impact in the first leg.

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Bengaluru, March 10 (IANS) Bengaluru FC have fought and won many battles at home, but the biggest one awaits them on Monday night when they take on NorthEast United FC in the decisive second leg semi-final of the Indian Super League at the Sree Kanteerava stadium here.

In what was a game of two halves at Guwahati in the first leg, Carles Cuadrat and his men were handed a 1-2 loss by the Highlanders. The defeat meant the Blue's poor run of late has continued with their last five fixtures yielding just the single victory and three defeats. A draw now won't do.

"We're ready for a big game. We're in a good mood and we have the feeling that here in Kanteerava in front of supporters, we can give them one of the nights that we will remember through the years," said Cuadrat.

Bengaluru will be buoyed by the crucial away goal scored by Xisco Hernandez at Guwahati as they look to enter the final for a second year in a row. The away goal means a solitary goal victory should be fine for the Super Cup champions. Anything less will see the favourites crash out.

The Bengaluru coach will look towards Miku and Sunil Chhetri to step up at home as the Blues look to overturn a one-goal deficit.

For NorthEast United, coach Eelco Schattorie will need to stretch his resources to the hilt after a fine victory that came at a cost. Having made it to the play-offs for the first time, NorthEast will have to make do without services of their star forward Bartholomew Ogbeche in Bengaluru.

The Nigerian forward picked up a hamstring injury in the first-leg and he will be missed by the visitors on Sunday. The visitors are also sweating on the fitness of their midfielder Rowllin Borges who was replaced in the second-half at Guwahati due to an injury.

With Ogbeche out, NorthEast will look towards Federico Gallego for inspiration with the industrious Uruguayan playmaker being one of the driving forces behind the side's march to the play-offs. Gallego's partnership with compatriot Juan Mascia up top will be crucial to the visitors' chances with the latter likely to start in Ogbeche's absence after his late winner from the penalty spot in Guwahati.

"I know exactly how Bengaluru FC play and they know how we play. In the last game, we dominated the first half. We lost two key players. Second half was way more difficult. But it had to with the changes we did in the team. But coming here we know this is a game that is all or nothing. We will be trying to reach the final," said Schattorie.

Both coaches know this is the decisive clash. Both will be without their deputies after they were suspended for their role in the fracas that followed the first-leg clash at Guwahati. Both know there is just too much at stake now.

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Though Mumbai took the lead through Rafael Bastos, an opportunistic strike from Jackichand Singh (31st minute) and a header from Mourtada Fall (39th) handed Goa the lead before half-time.

Ferran Corominas (51st), Fall (58th) and Brandon Fernandes (82nd) scored three more goals for Goa in the second half.

This is the first time that a team has won an away play-off tie in the ISL and Mumbai City's hopes of reaching the final, for the first time, looks to be all but over.

The first-half got off to a racy start with Mumbai displaying plenty of intent in their game. Goa's defence had a few nervy moments with Arnold Issoko causing them trouble from the right wing.

Mumbai did not have to wait long to take the lead. Issoko was the architect, twisting and turning past Mandar Rao Desai before picking out Bastos' run at the far post in the 20th minute. The Brazilian, left unmarked, turned it in first-time past a hapless Naveen Kumar.

The goal jolted Goa into action and they equalised just past the half an hour mark. Corominas found some space to shoot, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Amrinder Singh but a lurking Jackichand pounced on the rebound.

In the 39th minute, the tie turned on its head as a low corner from Brandon took a touch off Coro and found Fall who stooped down and sent a header home to hand Goa the lead.

Mumbai thought they had an equaliser just before half-time when Bastos saw a shot spilt by custodian Naveen Kumar. Sougou reacted fast and turned it home but was deemed to be offside.

It all went further downhill for Mumbai after the break as Goa turned in the style and pumped three more goals past Amrinder.

Six minutes into the half, Coro was left unmarked by a poor Mumbai defence to head home Jackichand's cross at the far post.

Fall added another when he got his head to a corner, yet again, ahead of Mumbai defenders. The Gaurs went on to pepper the Mumbai goal with a flurry of shots following that goal and only a combination of Amrinder and the woodwork saved Mumbai from going further behind.

But the fifth goal did come in the 82nd minute when Hugo Boumous slipped in Brandon who slid a shot in past Amrinder to pile a heap of misery on Mumbai City FC.

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By Jagannath Chatterjee

New Delhi, March 9 (IANS) With the future of the I-League, Indias premier football league, filled with uncertainty, Minerva Punjab FC owner Ranjit Bajaj feels that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has not done enough for the league and the clubs who are a part of the set-up. In fact, he is also of the opinion that if this continues, rather than progressing, Indian football will also die a natural death.

Speaking to IANS, Bajaj said he was disappointed how even after writing to the AIFF President Praful Patel twice -- asking for his time to discuss the future of the I-League -- the teams are yet to hear from him.

"He is not even giving us time to meet him. Initially five clubs and then eight clubs, including Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, got together and wrote to the president.

"I think East Bengal and Mohun Bagan officials should say that you neither have any respect for us, nor have the time to meet us, then why do you think, we should go and join you," he said.

Bajaj feels that if the Indian Super League (ISL) is made the top league of the country, then the process of relegation and promotion must be looked at immediately as sports cannot be compromised for the sake of monetary gains.

"See the point is, football is always decided on merits, as simple as that. The better team should prevail. And even if they want one league, there should be promotion and relegation.

"We are still ok with that because we have a chance. Is it fair to tell us that we cannot be the part of the top league and there will be no promotion and relegation?," he asked.

"A team can be relegated from second division to third division. But you can never be promoted to the top division is total mockery of sports," Bajaj exclaimed.

He went on to explain that if Chennai City FC becomes the I-League champion this year, they will be representing India in the Asian Championship next year, but they will be playing in the second division in India as they cannot afford to pay the fee required to be a part of division one.

This according to Bajaj is nothing short of sad.

"So, at the end of the day they are trying to say that the top league of the country will not be decided by merit but be decided by who has more money. If you have fifteen crore you can play. But even if you are good enough and you don't have that fifteen crore you can't play.

"And remember this fifteen crore is not going to go to Federation but to a private company," Bajaj said.

"AIFF is sold out. AIFF has sold its soul, sold Indian football, sold everything for 70 crores-a-year. They had a deal with Ten Sports and Zee Sports earlier.

"They were giving 50 crores a year just for marketing rights of I-League. And just for 20 crores more they have actually done the whole thing," he rued.

When asked about where Indian football is headed from here, he made his apprehensions clear. "Actually it is going from bad to worse. ISL clubs are also in trouble, Mumbai is in problem, Kerala Blasters have not paid salaries for the last four months. North-East is also facing problems for the last three years.

"So, if they kill I-League and these ISL clubs are shut down, that means you basically killed Indian football," Bajaj said.

"They are talking about FSDL, FSDL means Football Sports Development Limited. But this way are they only trying to develop what they own? They will get money from that.

"Star Sports also has a stake in ISL, they are also helping. If I-League does well then Star loses money."

Finally as a note of caution Bajaj mentioned that he will go to court if needed even if the big clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan stay away.

"If they actually announce that there is going to be one league and we will not be part of it, I will go to Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). We will definitely not leave it here," he concluded.

(Jagannath Chatterjee can be contacted at jagannath.c@ians.in)

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Guwahati, March 7 (IANS) NorthEast United FC rode a late penalty from Juan Mascia to clinch a dramatic 2-1 win against Bengaluru FC in the first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-finals here on Thursday.

Bengaluru struggled to make an impact in the attacking third and paid the price in the first half as Redeem Tlang put the hosts in front in the 20th minute.

An improved second-half from the visitors culminated in an equaliser from Xisco Hernandez (82nd). But a late penalty from Juan Mascia (90+3) handed the advantage back to Eelco Schattorie's side.

NorthEast have always struggled to beat Bengaluru. In four attempts since last season, NorthEast United were the second best side, but when it mattered most, the hosts turned things around majestically.

The second leg will be played at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on March 11.

NorthEast, however, were dealt a huge blow as Bartholomew Ogbeche and Rowllin Borges were forced off the field at the end of the first half due to injuries.

NorthEast took control of the game and pressed Bengaluru high up the field right from the start. The hosts enjoyed much more freedom on the wings and created chances from crosses into the box.

Tlang made full use of space afforded to him on the wings and scored in the 20th minute. Ogbeche sprayed the ball to the right for Tlang who cut inside and curled a terrific left-footed strike into the top left corner of the net.

An out-of-sorts Bengaluru defence struggled to contain the NorthEast attacks. Gallego's drilled effort from the edge of the box after the half an hour mark rolled inches wide of the post.

Injuries to Ogbeche and Borges at the end of the first half forced NorthEast to slow their tempo down after the change of ends.

Bengaluru started to see more of the ball but it were NorthEast who threatened first after the restart from a counter attack. Nikhil Kadam received the ball on the left flank and crossed into the box. The ball was headed clear into the path of Tlang who attempted a volley from the edge of the box but it was miscued.

Bengaluru went close in the 66th minute from a corner won by Miku. The delivery into the box wasn't properly cleared and it fell to Xisco Hernandez whose swerving strike from edge of the box missed the post by a whisker.

Bengaluru managed to grab the equaliser in the 82nd minute. Sunil Chhetri latched on to a ball into the box from Miku, dribbled to the byline and cut it back for Xisco who beat his marker and tapped the ball in at the near post.

A free-kick in the last minute of added time gave the hosts their lifeline. Harmanjot Khabra fouled Juan Mascia inside the box as Lalthathanga Khawlhring sent the ball into the box and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

Mascia stepped up and slotted home from 12 yards to secure an important win for NorthEast.

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Guwahati, March 6 (IANS) NorthEast United FC will want to make their historic appearance in the semi-final of the Indian Super League (ISL) count when they take on favourites Bengaluru FC, here on Thursday.

For five years, NorthEast struggled to break into the top four.

They came close twice, and now that they have finally joined the elite teams, everyone is wondering what coach Eelco Schattorie has up his sleeve as they face Bengaluru in the first play-off at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.

Bengaluru have been the outstanding team for the second successive year. Despite an indifferent second half, Bengaluru still topped the league table. NorthEast United has grabbed the fourth spot, do they have it in them to topple the favourites?

"They're (Bengaluru FC) a fantastic club. I think they are the best club in India. That means we will be facing good players. We played them twice and both times we played really well. They got away here in the last minute of extra time. In their home, we should have won," said Schattorie.

NorthEast were indeed the better team when they hosted Bengaluru in Guwahati during the league stage. They almost tasted victory, until Chencho Gyletshen played spoilsport with an equaliser in added time. Away in Bengaluru, NorthEast were unlucky not to pocket a point.

Now, Schattorie will have to plot something unusual. "We have only 16 players, we got another red card in the last game and we have some other issues. I wish I had a little more choice going into this game," he said.

It was a second-string team that lost heavily to Jamshedpur FC in Bengaluru's last league game and Carles Cuadrat will not be too bothered by the loss. They still managed to finish top of the league and Cuadrat is aware that it all counts for nothing if they do not make it through the play-offs.

"NorthEast have their weapons and so do we. Everyone tells me we had some problems against them, but they got one point and we got four. It will be a good game with a lot of passion, which is great for football," said Cuadrat.

On form and past record, Bengaluru will be the favourites but Cuadrat knows he cannot take anything for granted.

"We have got 74 points in two league campaigns (2017-18 and 2018-19) and the next team on the list is FC Goa with 64 points. But I have to tell you it counts for nothing if we lose in the play-offs or the final. That is the rule of the competition and we accept that," said the Spanish coach.

NorthEast United have never won against Bengaluru FC in four head-to-head clashes while Bengaluru have notched three wins. The Highlanders will have to beat the best if they are to inch closer to the trophy.

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New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) Football remains a team game and individual contributions sometimes don't really matter. When it comes to goals, one striker basks in the glory but those contributions alone are never enough to power the team.

Last season, FC Goa made it to play-offs thanks largely to goals from Ferran Corominas, but the contribution of Manuel Lanzarote and his scintillating partnership could not be ignored. This season, NorthEast United FC made it to the semi-finals of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) for the first time. And even though it's striker Bartholomew Ogbeche who grabbed the limelight, he could have been pegged back, if Federico Gallego was not by his side.

"I'm happy as long as he (Bartholomew) scores. If you compare our team with others, we depend on only Bartholomew and Federico and I give myself a lot of credit for that," Eelco Schattorie said earlier this season.

Bartholomew Ogbeche and Federico Gallego have been exceptional throughout the season and more of the same will be expected from them going into the big games.

Former PSG and Real Valladolid striker Ogbeche joined NorthEast United this season and slotted seamlessly into the attack.

He led the line brilliantly and has 12 goals in 17 matches, only Ferran Corominas (15) has more. He has taken the most number of shots this season (4.24/game) and has 1.53 shots on target per game, only second to Corominas. It's an impressive return for a player's debut season in India.

Opposition teams would often find Ogbeche as the danger man in the NorthEast team and they have almost always been right. He can hold the ball up, run in behind, be a poacher and also shoot from a distance and it all comes naturally for the Nigerian. After playing for different teams with different styles and in various conditions, Indian football has been a cakewalk for the forward.

The individual brilliance of Ogbeche was not enough to cover for the lack of squad depth at NorthEast United. The club needed a partnership up front and within the first few matches, the potential of Gallego was there for all to see. He tormented rival defences with his intelligent passes and movement and suddenly, opponents found it hard to just focus on Ogbeche as a means of shutting NorthEast United down.

Gallego has scored four goals and has five assists so far. The duo has contributed a total of 22 goals and assists in NorthEasts' march into play-offs. Of the 22 goals NorthEast has scored this season, the attacking partnership has been responsible for 16.

Schattorie's men will take on Bengaluru FC at their home ground for the first leg of their play-offs on March 7. The season has been a rollercoaster ride for NorthEast United but against the most consistent team in ISL in the last two seasons, the head coach will once again be banking on the Gallego-Ogbeche partnership to continue making an impact.

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Kolkata, March 3 (IANS) ATK had to fight hard for a 2-1 win over Delhi Dynamos FC in the concluding league clash of the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, here on Sunday.

After a goalless first-half, Edu Garcia headed ATK into the lead in the 63rd minute. Though Nandhakumar Sekar pulled Delhi Dynamos level in the 72nd, a late winner from Ankit Mukherjee (88th) clinched all three points for the home side.

The result saw ATK finish the season sixth with 24 points from 18 matches, while Delhi end up eighth with 18 points.

It was the home team who made the better start to the game with John Johnson going close early from a set-piece. Komal Thatal and Garcia were giving the Delhi defence plenty to think about.

Delhi slowly grew into the game as well with Romeo Fernandes volleying over after some good build-up play in the 13th minute. Mexican playmaker Ulises Davila then saw a shot graze the upright and go wide after a mistake from Ricky Lallawmawma.

However, the intensity of the match declined after the half an hour mark as clear-cut chances just failed to materialise. The second half, though, started on a positive note with Lallianzuala Chhangte making a brilliant run down the left and forcing ATK goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya into a save.

But it were ATK who looked to take the initiative with some attacking intent. Thatal, Garcia and Kalu Uche all were guilty of spurning chances. But they were finally rewarded in the 63rd minute when ex-Dynamos right-back Pritam Kotal whipped a dangerous cross into the box. Garcia, who had snuck between the central defenders, gleefully headed home to notch his third goal of the season.

Delhi hit back after poor defending from ATK in the 72nd minute. Chhangte was released down the left wing and the winger's low ball across the box was not dealt with by the ATK defence. It fell to Nandhakumar who slammed it home.

Delhi then went close to taking the lead when Rene Mihelic just could not apply the finishing touches to a cross from the left wing. And they would pay for that in the 88th minute.

Garcia was the architect this time around. He picked out second-half substitute Ankit Mukherjee with a lovely high ball behind the Delhi defence. All Mukherjee had to do was side-foot a first-time finish past an advancing Francisco Dorronsorro.

ATK saw out the game with ease to end the season with a home win.

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Kolkata, March 2 (IANS) ATK and Delhi Dynamos will square off in what will be the final game of the league stage of the Indian Super League at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, here on Sunday.

Both the teams have missed out on play-offs berth for the second successive season and the match will be a dead-rubber.

Steve Coppell's team would hope to end the league season on a high as they will look to script a win on home soil.

The club has struggled in attack despite having one of the best attacking units on paper. Kalu Uche has struggled since his return from injury, Manuel Lanzarote too has been inconsistent while Everton Santos was often played out of position. India international Balwant Singh has just a single goal to his name from the 16 scored by ATK.

"The centre-forward's injuries certainly haven't helped us. Kalu was injured for a long time. I thought it was brilliant move to bring in Alfaro, but he ruptured his Achilles after two training sessions. Then we brought in Eli (Babalj) from Australia who didn't play for a long time. Everton has returned to Brazil after getting injured. We've been short of an out and out striker, a Coro or an Ogbeche who would score 8-10 goals," said Coppell.

Delhi Dynamos are on a six-match unbeaten run and have garnered 14 points from a possible 18. Interestingly, this run of form came at a time when they were already out of the reckoning for a play-off finish.

Their performance this season has been similar to what they experienced last term. They struggled in the first phase of the campaign only to win games when they were ruled out of the race for the play-offs.

"I think we started to play well late into the competition. It was a long process to get all the players to start playing well. We played better football in a lot of games, but couldn't get results. But in the last three games, we are getting results, which is something new for us. We will try to win and finish as high as we can," said coach Josep Gombau.

Delhi will miss the services of defender Marti Crespi who is injured. All eyes will be on Lallianzuala Chhangte who has been in inspirational form with five goals.

Ulises Davila too has shown glimpses of his skill and the Mexican has certainly helped improve Delhi's attack after joining the team midway through the season.

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Jamshedpur, Feb 27 (IANS) Jamshedpur FC ended their Indian Super League campaign on an impressive note as they schooled an inexperienced Bengaluru FC team 5-1 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex here on Wednesday.

Bengaluru FC took the lead through Semboi Haokip (16'), only for Augustin Fernandes (45') to level terms at the break. But Jamshedpur turned on the style in an incredible second-half display to seal a dominant win, with goals from Michael Soosairaj (54'), Pablo Morgado (56',57') and Carlos Calvo (61').

Bengaluru, who had rested several key first-team players ahead of the playoffs, ended the league stage with 34 points at the top of the table. Jamshedpur finishes fifth with 27 points at the end of their campaign.

In a match that got off to a slightly sedate start, it were Bengaluru's heavily-rotated team that took the lead.

Jamshedpur pushed forward early on but were unable to get the better of the visitors' backline. But a school-boy error from the Jamshedpur defence helped Bengaluru take the lead.

Goalkeeper Subrata Paul and Augustin Fernandes were slow to react to a lob by Xisco Hernandez, and with confusion prevailing who should clear the danger, Haokip chased it down and slotted home to score his first goal of the season.

Bengaluru almost went 2-0 up in the 25th minute. Haokip sent Edmund Lalrindika clear into the box and Tiri was adjudged to have brought down the player in the box. Hernandez stepped up to take the penalty but his poor attempt was saved by Paul.

The Blues looked to stay on top as the first half wore on but were pegged back just before the break. Jerry Mawihmingthanga's through-ball found Dhanachandra Singh inside the box. But Bengaluru goalkeeper Soram Poirei made a complete mess of his attempted save and fumbled with the ball and Augustin Fernandes got to the loose ball first and found the net from an acute angle to make amends.

Jamshedpur started from where they stopped after the restart. The Bengaluru defence looked clueless against their opposition's renewed vigour. And an incredible three-minute period saw Jamshedpur score three goals.

In the 56th minute, Memo found Soosairaj on the left flank who cut inside and curled a right-footed shot into the top corner, giving Poirei no chance. Almost immediately, Calvo's inch-perfect cross from the right wing was met by an unmarked Morgado in the centre of the box who netted an easy header.

In the 57th minute, Jerry's low cross found Morgado in the box and the striker shimmied his way into the centre before slotting the ball home from close-range.

The inexperienced Bengaluru backline crumbled under pressure and conceded another goal after the hour-mark. A brilliant free-kick by Calvo from the edge of the box could not be kept out by Poirei as Jamshedpur established a four-goal lead.

Things turned from bad to worse for the shell-shocked visitors in the 68th minute. Gursimrat fouled Morgado as both players contested an aerial ball and picked up his second yellow card.

Jamshedpur had several chances towards the end to score more goals but eventually the game ended 5-1.

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Fatorda, Feb 27 (IANS) FC Goa still have business to do in the league stages of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) as they target the second spot when they face Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.

Having suffered a defeat against Bengaluru FC in the previous match, Sergio Lobera and his team will be looking to get back to winning ways before the play-offs.

Much has been made of Goa's free-scoring attack which has scored the most goals in the ISL this time around. The likes of Ferran Corominas and Edu Bedia have been instrumental for them upfront.

But much of the credit for Goa's qualification for the play-offs also lies with the defence which has improved immensely. Though they lost 0-3 to Bengaluru, the Gaurs had kept five clean sheets in a row before that.

"At the beginning of the season, one of my goals was to improve the team defensively. Now we are one of those teams who have kept the maximum number of clean sheets this season. We have the best goal difference. So, I think I achieved my goal. We have sealed the play-off spot with two games to go," said Lobera.

Senegalese defender Mourtada Fall has been a vital presence while Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Jahouh also deserves praise. Jahouh has provided the Goan defence with a solid shield and initiates Goa's attack with his impressive and intelligent passing.

Chennaiyin FC will have to keep tabs on Jahouh and restrict his influence on the game if they are to get anything from their final match in the league.

Last year's champions are badly in need of a win, given that they are yet to reach double figures in terms of points and could find themselves in an embarrassing situation if they do not win on Thursday.

With just nine points in their kitty, John Gregory's side are set to finish bottom. They need at least a win to ensure they do not set an unwanted record of notching the least points ever in the history of ISL (NorthEast United recorded 11 points last season).

The Marina Machans will also want to boost the morale in their squad, given their upcoming AFC Cup commitments.

"I'll be pleased to win against FC Goa. We've had a lot of opportunities to win this season, but we are where we are owing to a number of factors. We haven't performed anywhere close to what we are capable of," said Gregory.

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Jamshedpur, Feb 26 (IANS) Already-qualified Bengaluru FC will test their bench strength when they take on Jamshedpur FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash, here on Wednesday.

The league toppers were the first team to qualify for the play-offs but the form of Carles Cuadrat's side since the international break has been a concern.

They got their confidence back after a 3-0 win over FC Goa in the previous game and will now seek to finish the league stage on a winning note as they face Jamshedpur at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.

Bengaluru have won only two of their last six matches.

The Blues have faced Jamshedpur three times and both teams have a win each. Their last meeting ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw in October, with Sergio Cidoncha netting a late equaliser in added time.

"We have a lot of people who have stayed back in Bengaluru. We are coming here with a mix of players. We are going to start four players in the starting XI who have played most of the season with the second team (BFC B).

Cuadrat, who will be hoping to end Bengaluru's winless run away from home after three losses and a draw in their last four trips, said three second-team players will also start on the bench.

"We have the privilege because we are for sure going to finish first in the league. We are not fighting for second or third anymore. We have left some players to save them travel and avoid injuries. It's a chance for us to give the fringe players an opportunity," said Cuadrat.

Jamshedpur have had a season full of mixed results and have played nine draws this season, the highest tally for a club in the league stage in ISL.

After a shocking 1-4 defeat against Pune, they were held by Chennaiyin in their last match, a result that crushed their hopes of qualifying.

"Like the top four teams, we did not have a striker scoring consistently but most of our goals were shared between our attackers. The lack of finishing is perhaps why we have had so many draws. Of course, missing out on the top-four is a disappointment," said coach Cesar Ferrando.

With play-off spot no longer available, Jamshedpur will look to pocket a morale boosting triumph.

"It's the last game in front of our home fans and we want to win it for them. I am delighted with the performance of the team and I wish we can finish the season on a high with a win against Bengaluru," said the coach.

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Pune, Feb 24 (IANS) Delhi Dynamos FC scored a resounding 3-1 victory against ten-man FC Pune City in a Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex here on Sunday to make it six games without a defeat.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (17') gave Delhi the lead before a solo strike by Nikhil Poojary (23') brought Pune level. Romeo Fernandes' deflected effort (29') and Daniel Lalhlimpuia's second-half strike (52') sealed the points for the hosts.

Delhi and Pune remain eighth and seventh on the table respectively with one more game left in the season. Josep Gombau's men have taken their tally to 18 points.

Pune searched for an early breakthrough and had the Delhi backline in trouble twice in the first 10 minutes. Marcelinho's corner was nodded wide by Matt Mills from the centre of the box in the third minute.

Three minutes later, Poojary caused the defenders to stand off as he surged forward into the opposition's territory but the winger chose to chip the goalkeeper and over-hit a shot above the bar.

As Pune pressed forward, Delhi picked and chose their forays. In the 17th minute, a throw-in from the right flank helped the visitors carve their opponents open, as Daniel released Romeo down the right. The winger delivered an excellent cross into the centre where Chhangte slammed the ball into the net.

A moment of individual brilliance allowed Pune to equalise in the 23rd minute. Poojary cut in from the right flank and curled a delightful shot into the top right corner of the net to draw level.

An open-ended game produced half-chances for both teams but it were Delhi who regained their lead in the 30th minute, once again from the right flank. Ulises Davila punted the ball to Romeo whose cross from the right took a deflection off Sahil Panwar's legs and looped into the net over goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh.

Despite the early promise for Pune in the second session, it were the visitors who scored in the 52nd minute and extended their lead through an excellent passing move. Gianni Zuiverloon played a one-two with Adria Carmona to get into the box, passed to his left for Davila to slam the ball at the goalkeeper. Daniel got to the rebound first and slotted it home.

The visiting side refused to sit back after taking the two-goal lead. Davila, who led the line well throughout the game, missed two chances to score as the second-half moved to a close.

Things turned from bad to worse for the hosts as Marcelinho picked up a second yellow card and was sent-off in the 90th minute. The forward caught Dorronsoro as he tried to latch onto a ball in behind the defence and raised his elbow against Marti Crespi as the defender confronted the striker over his poor challenge.

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Kolkata, Feb 22 (IANS) Riding on a hat-trick by Moudou Sougou, Mumbai City FC drubbed ATK 3-1 and confirmed a spot in the Indian Super League playoffs at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Friday.

After going matches without a goal, Sougou (26', 39', 60') returned to the scoresheet with an excellent performance.

Andre Bikey headed in a consolation goal in the 67th minute, but the hosts could not find a way back into the match and were now out of the reckoning for a place in the playoffs.

The win took Mumbai to the third spot on the table with 30 points while ATK remained at the sixth position with 21 points.

A midfield battle ensued in the first half as both teams looked to keep possession of the ball. ATK started the match well but Mumbai soon stamped their authority, showing efficiency in the attacking third.

Pranjal Bhumij skipped past his marker on the left flank and crossed into the centre for Sougou in the 21st minute. The Senegalese's first touch took Arnab Mondal out of the equation, but Andre Bikey cleared the ball before the striker could find the net from a close range.

However, Sougou managed to get the better of the ATK defence in the 26th minute. Paulo Machado won the ball in Mumbai's half and initiated a counter-attack from the right. Bhumij received the ball forward and lobbed it behind the ATK defenders to find Sougou who placed the ball into the net past goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya.

Thirteen minutes later, Mumbai again hit ATK with an incisive counter-attack. Edu Garcia gave the ball away outside the Mumbai box and Souvik Chakrabarty released Issoko down the right flank. The winger found Sougou in the centre of the box with a delightful cross and the Senegalese slotted home from a close range to double Mumbai's lead.

ATK went close to pulling one back just before the break, but Mumbai custodian Amrinder Singh pulled off a finger-tip save to parry away Kalu Uche's shot from inside the box.

Uche had another chance but failed to beat Amrinder from close range, allowing the Mumbai defence to clear the ball.

At the hour-mark, Paulo Machado released Sougou behind the ATK defence and the striker scored his 12th goal of the season with an emphatic finish by putting the ball beyond Arindam's reach.

ATK pushed players forward in search of a way back into the game. Pritam Kotal delivered a good cross into the centre of the box and Bikey's powerful header found the net in the 67th minute.

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Bengaluru, Feb 21 (IANS) Ten-man Bengaluru FC flexed their muscle and sealed a spot at the top of the table in the Indian Super League (ISL) with a 3-0 win against FC Goa at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, here on Thursday.

Full-back Nishu Kumar received his second yellow card and was sent for an early bath in the 42nd minute. Down to 10 men, Bengaluru produced a brilliant second-half performance to win all three points as Juanan (50th minute), Udanta Singh (58') and Miku (69') wrote their name on the scoresheet.

The win assures Bengaluru of finishing top of the league for a second consecutive season while FC Goa will be disappointed at not pressing home their numerical advantage.

FC Goa looked to be the better team in the opening session, but the tables turned in the second.

The hosts were given an early scare when Ahmed Jahouh stole the ball off Dimas Delgado's feet in the midfield and unleashed a piledriver at the goal that ricocheted back off the inside of the post.

Bengaluru also had a chance when Miku and Dimas combined brilliantly in the 20th minute but the scoreline remained the same, thanks to an alert Mourtada Fall.

The defender stuck with Miku as he tried to get a show away after Dimas' excellent lob, allowing Naveen Kumar to collect what turned out to be a tame effort.

Bengaluru were dealt a blow just before the break after the referee showed a second yellow card to Nishu Kumar for dissent. The full-back, after bringing down Jackichand Singh, was punished for his frustration as the referee awarded a free-kick to Goa.

Despite going down to 10 men, the hosts nearly scored at the stroke of half-time when Harmanjot Khabra forced a brilliant save from Naveen Kumar.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Bengaluru started the second half on the front foot and took the lead within five minutes. Xisco Hernandez delivered an excellent cross into the centre of the box and the ball fell for Juanan. The defender chested the ball and lashed a volley into the top corner.

The hosts piled the pressure on the visitors and showed no signs of holding back despite. In the 58th minute, Dimas gained possession of the ball in midfield and played Udanta Singh behind the defence with a delightful through-ball. The Indian winger raced into the box and with just the goalkeeper to beat, finished with aplomb to double his team's lead.

Goa took risks and pressed further up the field to try and get back into the game. Brandon latched onto Edu Bedia's ball into the box in the 66th minute but his effort was denied by the crossbar.

Bengaluru exploited the space at the other end and added to their tally minutes later. Dimas found Miku in space at the edge of the box.

The Venezuelan beat the Goa goalkeeper with a terrific long-range strike to score his first ISL goal after a long injury lay-off and end Bengaluru's two-match losing run.

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Kolkata, Feb 21 (IANS) ATK and Mumbai City FC have everything to play for as they chase a place among the top four in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Friday.

Mumbai City are better placed with 27 points from 16 matches and will qualify with a win. ATK have 21 points and can touch fourth-placed Mumbai's tally but need too many things to go in their favour. Chiefly, though, they must secure all points against Mumbai.

"It's very difficult to qualify but it is possible. We obviously cling on to that hope. If we were to win it, we would be within reach of Mumbai. We'd also have a better head to head against Mumbai if we win. You never know what would happen in football," ATK coach Steve Coppell said.

The Kolkata side's playoff dreams have taken a big hit after a 2-2 draw against FC Pune City was followed by a comprehensive 0-3 loss to FC Goa.

So precarious is the spot, that Coppell's men now find that even two wins out of two might not be enough to guarantee a playoff spot and they will still need plenty of other results to go their way to achieve that target.

The home form for ATK has not been the greatest with one draw, three wins and as many losses to show in their seven outings so far. With both their remaining two league games set to take place in Kolkata, the hosts will have to capitalise on their home support and overturn that patchy form.

For Mumbai, the equation remains simple. The Islanders can confirm their spot in the playoffs with a win but their current form will not inspire plenty of confidence.

Jorge Costa's side were on a nine-match unbeaten run which included an impressive 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC but have since faced three losses on the trot.

"The last three games we didn't play like we could. We had injuries and suspensions plague our form and we made a lot of mistakes. What we must look into is that we're making a lot of mistakes. But I still believe in this team, as before these three games we were going strong and winning games," said Costa.

Unlike ATK, Mumbai's playoff hopes remain in their own hands with two games to play.

Their final league clash is an unpredictable Maharashtra derby against a resurgent Pune City and the Islanders will want to book their final-four spot on Friday itself.

But first they have to rediscover their scoring boots. In their three recent losses, Costa's men have failed to score a single goal and that will be the most worrying aspect for the Portuguese coach.

ATK are still alive but Mumbai should fancy their chances of turning it around.

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Guwahati, Feb 19 (IANS) NorthEast United FC will be eager to pocket full points as they host FC Pune City at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Wednesday and qualify for the Indian Super League (ISL) play-offs.

Eelco Schattorie's team is one of the four teams who have lost just three matches this season.

The Highlanders have picked up 27 points from 16 matches and sit third on the table. A 2-0 win over Mumbai City FC in their last game should give them the confidence to overcome the threat posed by a resurgent Pune.

"I didn't mention anything to the players about qualifying. I really take it game by game because if I look back at the last 10 games, the number of times I had to shuffle to make the best possible eleven, it was almost 10 games," said Schattorie.

With 12 goals, Bartholomew Ogbeche remains the key player for NorthEast and remains two goals shy of equalling Ferran Corominas.

He has the support of Federico Gallego, who is joint-second on the list of most assists and new recruit Panagiotis Triadis who has had an impact in the attacking third.

"Our tactics were spot on offensively (against Mumbai City). That was how it was supposed to be, but it is not like I'm sitting here with the full conviction that everything is going to be fine," said Schattorie.

After a bad start to the season, Pune have regained form under new head coach Phil Brown.

Their last defeat came in November, against Bengaluru FC. Since then, the Stallions have won four out of five matches and are seventh on the table with 18 points.

Brown has breathed life into a squad that now stands an outside chance of bagging a spot in the play-offs but they are counting upon NorthEast and Mumbai losing points in their remaining games.

"I am impressed with the group that I am working with, the players have taken to my methods very well. As a coach, you're delighted with that.

"I think we have good goals in our team and when you get that as a coach, then you can apply your methods with a lot of belief and confidence. The Indian players, in particular, have taken to that," said the Pune head coach.

Striker Robin Singh grabbed a brace as Pune defeated Jamshedpur in their last match and has been a threat up front in recent games.

Ashique Kuruniyan has been a menace from the wings for the opposition's full-backs. Even though Marcelinho picked up his fourth yellow card against Jamshedpur FC and remains suspended, Brown will look for a fourth consecutive win away from home as they take the field in Guwahati.

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Fatorda (Goa), Feb 17 (IANS) FC Goa will aim to follow the footsteps of Bengaluru FC and confirm their place in the Indian Super League (ISL) play-offs when they face Kerala Blasters FC here on Monday.

Sergio Lobera's men currently sit in second spot on the league table with 28 points from their 15 games and a victory against Kerala will help them seal a place in the last four.

Goa are in excellent form currently and come into the clash on the back of a five-game unbeaten run with a comprehensive 3-0 thrashing of formidable ATK being their latest scalp.

Goa were absolutely ruthless in the win against ATK with star striker Ferran Corominas bagging a brace which has catapulted him back to the top of the scoring charts ahead of NorthEast United's Bartholomew Ogbeche with 13 goals.

With their last two matches in the league coming against last season's finalists Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, Goa will be desperate to take the maximum points from the Kerala encounter.

"We are going to face a very good team that is looking different under a new coach. I'm sure that if we are not at our 100 percent and are not doing the things right, we won't be able to take the three points. Also, if we win, we will confirm our spot in the play-offs and then try to get on top of the table," Lobera said.

Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, do not have much at stake apart from pride to play for with even a top-six finish now beyond the reach of coach Nelo Vingada and his men.

It has not been the easiest of tasks for Vingada since taking over the reins from David James with his first three games in charge of the club yielding just two points.

However, there has been a minor turnaround in fortunes for Kerala since their 0-2 defeat at the hands of Delhi Dynamos. They were excellent in the first-half against Bengaluru before they squandered a two-goal advantage and settled for a draw.

Vingada will come into the clash on the back of his first win as Kerala boss after an impressive 3-0 thrashing of defending champions Chennaiyin FC.

"I also want to see through this game how our team can face the best opponents in the ISL. No doubt that Goa is better than us and the difference in points shows that, but that does not mean they will win the game," Vingada said.

Goa ran out 3-1 victors in the reverse fixture at Kochi earlier this season. Will they do the double or will Vingada's men exact revenge?

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Kochi, Feb 15 (IANS) Kerala Blasters FC notched up only their second win of the current Indian Super League season after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC here on Friday.

Matej Poplatnik scored a brace (23rd, 55th minutes) to put Kerala Blasters in the driving seat and young midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad finished things off in the 71st minute to score his first ever ISL goal and end his team's 14-game winless run.

Chennaiyin on the other hand saw their nightmare season continue after their 12th loss of the season. They are rooted to the bottom spot with eight points from 16 games, while Kerala have climbed to the eighth spot.

The visitors never really got going and were on the backfoot right from the start. Chennaiyin custodian Karanjit Singh was called into action twice early in the game as Kerala imposed themselves. Slavisa Stojanovic's shot from the edge of the box was saved by Karanjit and he had to be alert to block the follow-up effort from Poplatnik as well.

But Kerala did make their early dominance count by taking the lead in the 23rd minute. Courage Pekuson's low cross into the box could only be deflected towards Poplatnik by Karanjit and the striker gleefully headed home into an empty net.

John Gregory's side could not gain a foothold into the match and looked woefully out of rhythm in the attacking third. As the half wore on, Kerala could have doubled their lead as Karanjit was forced into two fine saves from Pekuson and Seiminlen Doungel's efforts.

The story remained pretty much the same in the second half as well and the second goal came 10 minutes later. Len Doungel initiated a quick counter-attack and fed Sahal down the right wing. The midfielder squared a pass into the box which was not dealt with at all by the Chennaiyin defenders. Stojanovic got to it and found Poplatnik who lashed a shot home.

That goal was a blow Chennaiyin FC never recovered from. It did not help that Christopher Herd, who was injured in the build-up to Kerala's goal, had to be substituted.

The home team continued to call the shots and soon got the third in the 71st minute. Again, Samad started the attack with a run from inside his own half. The Chennaiyin defenders stood him off and could not clear the ball after Samad's attempted one-two with Doungel did not come off. Sahal carried on his run to latch on to the loose ball and lift a finish over the onrushing Karanjit.

Chennaiyin did push forward a bit in order to notch a consolation goal but Kerala saw them off with consummate ease.

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Kochi, Feb 14 (IANS) Coach Nelo Vingada is on the hunt for his first win as Kerala Blasters FC take on bottom-placed Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League's (ISL) South Indian derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday.

Vingada has overseen draws for Kerala against ATK and Bengaluru along with a defeat to the Delhi Dynamos. The former NorthEast United coach will be hoping to end up fourth-time lucky as the defending champions come to town.

Kerala have just one win in their kitty so far and are winless in 14 games, resulting in dwindling attendance figures. Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory was not complaining.

"From my point of view, I will be happy if the stadium is empty coming here. The support you (Kerala) had in your stadium last year, I was gobsmacked. Trust me, I would love to have that support at home. It is one of my biggest mysteries, why Kerala have never won the ISL in five seasons," said Gregory.

Lack of goals has been Kerala's biggest undoing this season with the side managing just 15 of them in as many matches.

Only one player, Slavisa Stojanovic (four), has scored more than one goal for Kerala in the current campaign and it is no surprise the side has struggled.

"The next game is always the most important and the most difficult. After three games (in charge), you have some balance. Now, we have to ensure that our team goes up. We have had more time in training and the players know my concept better," said Vingada.

Chennaiyin, on the other hand, come into the game with a chance to lift themselves off the bottom after what has been a title defence to forget.

"I think everybody is motivated. We want to take nine points in the next three matches and finish in a position where we will be happier," Gregory said

"We have a chance to catch up on points with Kerala," he said, having captain Mailson Alves back in contention after a three-game suspension.

Having so impressively captured their second league title in 2017-18, Chennaiyin have looked like a shadow of their former self in a campaign riddled with 11 losses so far.

Despite their woes in the season, Gregory's men will come into Friday's clash in buoyant mood having recently recorded only their second win of the campaign.

The 2-1 win over league leaders Bengaluru was a reminder of the defending champions' prowess.

One of the biggest positives for Chennaiyin from their win over Bengaluru was the return to goal-scoring form for star forward Jeje Lalpekhlua. The Mizo sniper will be eager to score a few more before the season ends and.

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Mumbai, Feb 14 (IANS) NorthEast United FC took a big step towards clinching a play-off spot after a crucial 2-0 win over Mumbai City FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Wednesday.

Two first-half goals from Rowllin Borges (4') and star striker Bartholomew Ogbeche (33') were enough for the visitors as Mumbai were consigned to their third defeat in a row.

Both teams, with 27 points from 16 matches, are still very much in the play-off race. However, the result invites pressure on Mumbai as NorthEast climbed above them to the second spot and FC Goa can potentially leapfrog them too if they win against ATK on Thursday.

Mumbai got off to a nightmarish start when NorthEast roared into the lead in the fourth minute. The goal stemmed from a brilliant run from Keegan Pereira down the left wing. His pinpoint low cross into the box was met by Borges who placed it into the top corner to stun the hosts.

The Islanders did respond to that setback through Arnold Issoko who picked out Rafael Bastos on the edge of the box after ghosting past Mato Grgic to the byline. However, Bastos' curled effort clipped the crossbar and went out.

The visitors troubled Mumbai from the left wing again. Borges forced a save from Mumbai goalkeeper Amrinder Singh with a header from Panagiotis Triadis' cross from the left.

The home team lacked a bit of flair in the attacking third and NorthEast pressed home their advantage just past the half an hour mark. Federico Gallego did well to release Reagan Singh down the right wing. His cross was bundled in at the far post by Ogbeche to notch his 12th goal of the season and pull clear of Ferran Corominas in the race for the Golden Boot.

Mumbai defence looked all at sea as NorthEast threatened again through Triadis and almost made it 3-0 before half-time.

The home team, however, started the second-half aggressively in search of a goal that could bring them back into the contest. But the NorthEast defence was not troubled much. Paulo Machado did almost release Marko Klisura in behind the defence but his touch let him down.

Eelco Schattorie's side slowed down the game as the half wore on and started to frustrate the home team. The Islanders' forays forward were limited to half-chances and on occasions when they got a sight on goal, their finishing let them down.

NorthEast could have added a third late on when Redeem Tlang dragged a shot wide after being sent through on goal from a counter-attack. However, it would not matter as NorthEast gained a massive three points while Mumbai ponder their attacking woes, having drawn blanks in three successive games.

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Fatorda (Goa), Feb 13 (IANS) ATK doesn't have much of a choice rather than to go all out and secure a win against FC Goa that will enhance their chances of qualifying for the Indian Super League (ISL) play-offs at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.

Steve Coppell's team has the joint best defensive record in the league this season, having conceded just 15 goals in 15 matches. However, they also have the joint worst record in the final third, having scored just 15 goals so far.

With 21 points, the sixth-placed Kolkata-based club can equal fourth-placed NorthEast United on points with a win against Goa, but Sergio Lobera, thanks to an improved defence this season, has developed his team into a solid, well oiled unit.

There were no goals in the last meeting between these two teams, but a repeat of that result will do no good to either team's play-off hopes.

The league's highest scorers will have to find a way past the ATK backline which has looked a bit shaky of late.

"You come to Goa and see the players they have, they are very good and have a great coach who organises them very well. But our task is more or less defined."

"For us to be in control of our own destiny, we need to win. Had we come here earlier this season, a draw could have been seen as a good result, but for us tomorrow, realistically a draw is not a good result," said Coppell.

ATK are coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw against FC Pune City where they conceded a late equaliser.

In fact, they have leaked in late goals in their last three matches, something that will concern the visitors.

ATK's key to unlock the opponents will be the combination of Manuel Lanzarote and Edu Garcia in the attacking third. The duo were lethal against Jamshedpur in Kolkata, but couldn't do the same in the last game.

In addition, Lanzarote will be keen to perform against his old team. However, Lobera feels Garcia is a bigger threat than his former protege.

"I think we are facing a great team but I would only like to talk about my players. We have to beat a team, not an individual player. At this moment, I think Edu Garcia has been in great form for them," said Lobera.

Last season, it was Lobera's Goa who ended the play-off hopes of Jamshedpur FC, who incidentally were coached by Coppell.

The Englishman will be eager to ensure it is not the case again as a loss or a draw will effectively end their chances.

ATK have been the most shot-shy team this season, attempting just 9.5 shots per game. Goa are placed at the other end of the list, with 15.5 shots per match. This might well be a a case of attack against defence.

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Pune, Feb 10 (IANS) An engaging Indian Super League match between FC Pune City and ATK ended 2-2 and provided plenty of entertainment but play-off hopes for either side took a beating at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, here on Sunday.

Pune took the lead in a see-saw tussle through Marko Stankovic's deflected strike in the 17th minute. A superb goal from Jayesh Rane (23rd) and a penalty by Edu Garcia (61st) looked to have turned the tables in ATK's favour. But Robin Singh scored a header (73rd) to help Pune clinch a point.

ATK have lost the chance to move within a point of fourth-placed NorthEast United and stay sixth with 21 points from 15 matches, while Pune City's slim hopes of reaching the top-four have ended.

With a victory the need of the hour for both sides, an end-to-end game of football unfolded and ATK came out all guns blazing.

Marko Stankovic had an effort in the very second minute but his shot went inches over the bar. Edu Garcia too came close when his shot from the edge of the box struck the crossbar on its way out.

However, it were Pune who took the lead thanks to a Stankovic shot from range that took a wicked deflection off John Johnson's trailing leg and nestled in the back of the net. This was after Robin Singh laid the ball on a platter for the onrushing Stankovic.

However, the lead didn't last long as Jayesh split the left wing, only to cut in and curl an exquisite shot into the far top corner. With confidence flowing through them, ATK took control of the match with Manuel Lanzarote looking in the right mood.

In the 25th minute, ATK could have surged ahead when Lanzarote's volleyed effort was headed clear by Sahil Panwar that almost sneaked into the net.

At the half an hour mark, Everton Santos attempted an overhead kick from a Lanzarote free-kick, which went inches over the bar. The Kolkata side upped the ante as they committed more men forward while Pune preferred to sit back and hit on the counter.

Four minutes after the break, Pune had the first chance of the second half when Iain Hume found Robin whose first time shot produced a diving save from Arindam Bhattacharya in the ATK goal.

Just at the hour mark, Diego Carlos was adjudged to have handled the ball when going for a 50-50 ball with Everton. The resulting spot-kick was buried into the net by Garcia, who scored his second in three games to put his team 2-1 ahead.

ATK were handed a setback soon after when Pronay Halder suffered an injury and had to be taken off for Eugeneson Lyngdoh. Steve Coppell's side were dealt another body blow in the 76th minute when Robin Singh headed in a corner from Marcelinho to pull Pune level.

That goal sparked an onslaught from the Stallions as Marcelinho forced two good saves from Bhattacharya from free-kicks.

ATK threw on Kalu Uche as they sought a winner badly but it was just not to be for them.

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Chennai, Feb 9 (IANS) Chennaiyin FC claimed a much-needed victory after downing table-toppers Bengaluru FC 2-1 in a closely-contested Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Saturday.

After withstanding some early pressure from Bengaluru, Chennaiyin roared into a two-goal lead after fine strikes from Jeje Lalpekhlua (32') and Gregory Nelson (43').

Sunil Chhetri pulled one back for Bengaluru FC in the second half (57') but the home team held on valiantly for all three points and inflicted only the second loss of the season on the visitors.

The result does not alter the teams' position in the ISL table with Chennaiyin still rooted to the bottom while Bengaluru remain four points clear of second-placed Mumbai City FC.

As expected, it were Bengaluru FC who saw most of the ball in the initial exchanges. The Blues forced Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Karanjit Singh into a save as early as the third minute when Xisco Hernandez saw a dipping shot parried away.

The home team looked a bit short of ideas in possession and were dealt a blow in the 15th minute when centre-back Zohmingiliana Ralte suffered an injury after a tackle by Miku. John Gregory was forced to bring in Anirudh Thapa and Christopher Herd dropped back into defence.

The substitute almost had an instant impact when he stung Bengaluru custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's palms with a long-range effort.

The home team continued to build on that and took the lead just past the half an hour mark.

Raphael Augusto dispossessed Harmanjot Khabra before feeding CK Vineeth who broke forward. However, Nishu Kumar failed to deal with Vineeth's attempted pass and the ball broke to Jeje who slammed the ball in to break his ISL duck for the season.

Spurred by that goal, Chennaiyin started to show more confidence, with Augusto pulling the strings. The Bengaluru defence had a tough time dealing with the increased impetus from the home team and ended up conceding another goal just before half-time.

Laldinliana sent in a dangerous cross from the right wing after some good work from Vineeth. Nelson, who had ghosted in behind a static Bengaluru defence, sent a good header past Gurpreet into the far corner.

Just like they did in their previous game against Kerala Blasters FC, Bengaluru produced a response after going two goals behind in the second half. After a spell of incessant pressure, the Blues pulled a goal back three minutes before the hour mark.

Xisco picked the ball up on the right wing and teased a left-footed cross in behind the defence for Chhetri. None of the Chennaiyin defenders picked up Chhetri's run and he gleefully sent a diving header past Karanjit Singh from close range.

Bengaluru tried to keep the pressure up in search of an equaliser but frequent stoppages in play meant they lost some rhythm and Chennaiyin found some respite.

The match turned sloppy as the half wore on with frequent interceptions and turnovers. With eight minutes left, Xisco had the best chance of equalising when second-half substitute Edmund Lalrindika teed off the Spaniard. But his shot was straight at Karanjit.

In the end, it was three points and a much-needed win to savour for Chennaiyin FC in a season that has brought very little joy.

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Pune, Feb 9 (IANS) FC Pune City and ATK lock horns in an intriguing Indian Super League (ISL) clash here on Sunday, knowing anything less than a win will peg them back a long way in the battle for a semi-final spot.

Both teams are in with a fighting chance of making it to the play-offs.

ATK, with 20 points from 14 games, are placed sixth on the table and are four points off the fourth spot. Pune are a spot below with 14 points but have five matches left to play, giving them an outside chance of getting into the top four.

However, anything less than victory at the Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex here on Sunday will be fatal to either teams' hopes. And that could set the tone for an engaging tussle.

The hosts are coming into the tie on the back of a three-match winning run, the latest being a 2-1 away win over Chennaiyin FC. While the momentum is with the Stallions, new coach Phil Brown would want them to improve defence, which looked shaky at times in Chennai.

"My plan is to get my key players on the ball and that who can win us the game. Last week (against Chennaiyin FC) we did that successfully towards the end, but we need that from the start. Even if we go a goal behind we need to win the game. We need to win the remaining games. We have to get our noses in front and then grow from that confidence," said coach Phil Brown.

Steve Coppell's side were not really prolific up front in the initial part of the season. They had scored only 10 goals in the 12 matches before the break but have found the net three times in two matches now.

After bringing in Edu Garcia in the winter transfer window, the team looks more fluid and threatening going forward.

The potential return of star striker Kalu Uche also adds more bite to the ATK attack. The interplay between Manuel Lanzarote, Garcia and Everton Santos has been exquisite at times, as Jamshedpur FC found out in ATK's last match which finished 2-1 in favour of the side from Kolkata.

A win for ATK will put them within a point of fourth-placed NorthEast United and boost confidence as they enter the business end of the league.

"The mood has been one of anticipation, we look forward to every game. We have been (close) to the top four, we have to make that gap as small as possible. We go into the final three matches and we are still in contact, literally, anything can happen," said Coppell.

The defence led by John Johnson will need to be wary of Pune's pacy frontmen and Coppell does have a dilemma in front of him as to whether to deploy Andre Bikey alongside John Johnson, which would mean he will have to sacrifice a foreigner in attack.

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Chennai, Feb 8 (IANS) Bengaluru FC mainstays Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh have been rested but the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) leaders will be confident they can get the victory that will take them to the play-offs.

Bengaluru FC are top of the table with 31 points from 14 matches and need another win to confirm their semi-final spot. That can happen on Saturday, even if they are up against the might of defending champions and fierce rivals Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

The finalists of the 2017-18 season find themselves at opposite ends of the league table at this stage but there should be no love lost between the two sides when they meet on Saturday.

Bengaluru will be bolstered by the return of their prolific striker Miku. The Venezuelan could only make the bench against Kerala Blasters after his injury layoff but should return to the starting XI against Chennaiyin, alongside new signing Luisma.

"With Miku, the stats in attack will be better. We are putting a lot of intensity in defence. At the beginning, we had some problems with Nishu (Kumar) and Rahul (Bheke) as they were adjusting to maintain the line. But now all four defenders are doing well. You can see the work that we have been putting in," said coach Carles Cuadrat.

Cuadrat's men were going full throttle at the top of the league before it paused for a break for the AFC Asian Cup. However, after resumption, Bengaluru's momentum has been arrested slightly. The Blues tasted their maiden defeat of the season with a 1-0 loss against Mumbai City FC before eking out a 2-1 win over NorthEast United. They were then left to produce a second-half fight back to salvage a 2-2 draw against Kerala Blasters.

Chennaiyin, on the other hand, have been in freefall throughout the season with just one win to show for in their 14 matches so far.

What Gregory will want from his men in the remaining four games is to salvage some pride at the end of what has been a disastrous campaign. New signing CK Vineeth scored his first goal for the club in their defeat to Pune City and Gregory will be hoping the former Bengaluru FC forward can build on that.

"They (fans) expect victory against Bengaluru FC and it might give us and them some self-esteem. Our fans will take a win over Bengaluru as compensation. We want to pay our fans back for their patience," said the Englishman.

Chennaiyin have struggled in all areas of the pitch in the current campaign but it is in defence where their biggest vulnerabilities have surfaced.

"We have had lots of matches where we dominated possession and passing. But we never outscored the opposition except once. It has been frustrating for us. We have not been strong defensively and have conceded goals in matches we should not have and have missed lots of chances at the other end. We have fallen short in too many areas of the field," Gregory opined.

Bengaluru prevailed by a solitary Miku goal when the two teams met in the reverse fixture in September. Can the Venezuelan striker do it again on Saturday or will the defending champions have the last laugh?

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