ISL 2016: Delhi Dynamos showed great character in defeat, says manager Gianluca Zambrotta

Soren Porei made some crucial saves despite being on the losing side against FC Pune City

Delhi Dynamos, ISL season three's most entertaining team met their match against an unlikely opponent in FC Pune City who had struggled in front of goal this campaign. Pune playing in their last home match won an exciting game which ended 4-3.

Delhi had taken the lead but went behind in a three-goal blitz which tore apart the Dynamos in just seven minutes. Dynamos manager was disappointed in his post-match press conference as he talked about a host of issues which saw his side lost out in a close encounter.

Both the teams created a number of chances throughout the match with the game playing in quick fashion and from end to end. Manager Gianluca Zambrotta reflected on the game: “We knew from the beginning that it was a difficult game. The first 45 minutes were close and both teams created many opportunities. Conceding three goals in such a short period of time was difficult to digest. I feel that a lost match can be useful for the squad to prepare for the journey ahead.”

Kean Lewis scored the first goal of the game to give Delhi a lead going into the second half. A brace from Anibal Zurdo and goals from Mohammed Sissoko and Lenny Rodrigues gave Pune all three points. An Eduardo Ferreira own goal and a Malsawmzuala goal kept Delhi in the game at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Balewadi-Pune.

Delhi goalkeeper Soren Porei was Dynamos’ saviour as he kept out Mohammed Sissoko’s penalty in the first half, keeping Delhi in the game, and thwarting Momar Ndoye twice in a one-on-one situation. Kean Lewis slotted him the first goal of the game which was ISL's 400th goal in its three-season history. The Dynamos have just a point lead over Mumbai City and are just two points ahead of Kerala Blasters and tonight's winners, FC Pune City.

Zambrotta talked about the positives that he would take from this loss and said, We were competitive as the team showed that we never play for a draw. I always tell my players to go out for a win as tonight's performance showed great mentality of this squad. This reflects the power this team has and the number of chances created is a proof of that. "

Delhi have established themselves as the best attacking side of this season as they have scored over 20 goals this campaign in their 11 games so far. Asked about the Dynamos' secret of playing an attacking brand of football, Zambrotta said, “We just love to play football as we try to show character every time we play."

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