ISL 2016: Delhi Dynamos FC 2-2 Atletico De Kolkata FC - 5 talking points
In a match expected to have a lot of attacking flavor, first season champions Atletico De Kolkata faced league leaders Delhi Dynamos FC in a much-talked encounter of ISL 2016. In the 9 matches Delhi has played this season, it has only faced defeat against the Jose Molina side, a 1-0 defeat courtesy off an Iain Hume goal.
The game started brilliantly, with ATK looking the better side. Iain Hume got the first goal of the game in the 17th minute, finishing a smooth through ball from Sameehg Doutie. The scoreline was 1-0 at the break, but Delhi looked to be changing their approach in the second half. Milan Singh, one of the key players in the Delhi line-up, scored a brilliant goal in the 63rd minute.
The drama though, had not ended then. After missing a penalty in the 61st minute, Malouda looked to change things playing as the lone striker. The home team kept attacking and Javi Lara scored against the run of play in the 71st minute. Malouda then came into his own, scoring with a fine solo effort in the box, turning the scores level for the second time. The game was a treat for the audience and can easily be termed as one of the best matches in ISL history.
Here, we take a look at the five talking points of the match.
#1 Delhi Dynamos missed three key players
Delhi Dynamos FC, the home team, started the game on the defensive. The team gave a lot of respect to the visitors, who had defeated Delhi in the first leg 1-0. With Ruben Gonzalez, Marcos Tebar and Richard Gadze not in the starting XI either due to injuries tor tactical reasons, Delhi looked a different side on the pitch. Zambrotta, though, must be a happy man by the end of the game.
Playing without the three first team regulars, the team did look a little ruffled on the pitch in the first half. As the fame grew, Kolkata kept on growing into the game, deservingly getting the lead in the 17th minute. With tactical changes having an effect on the game, Delhi came back twice from behind to settle scores. While it must be said that the home team fought valiantly against their nemesis, it must also be said that the home team missed their leading players on the pitch.
The draw showed the intent and dedication showed by the home team, rightfully placing them at the top of the heap. Atletico De Kolkata was easily the better team in the first half, while Delhi turned the tables in the second half. Tireless running and matching numbers playing with 10 men on the pitch, Delhi should pat their backs with the final scoreline.