The upcoming match-up between Delhi Dynamos FC and Atlético de Kolkata promises to be a high-octane one. Table-toppers Delhi Dynamos FC, the only Hero Indian Super League club representing the North of India, are on a roll with three outstanding wins on the trot, and Atlético de Kolkata happens to be the only club that has inflicted a defeat on them in the Hero Indian Super League this season.
The match, which is the sixth home game for the Lions, will be played under lights at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. In the first leg of the contest between the two sides this season, Atlético de Kolkata overcame Delhi Dynamos by a 1-0 margin via an Iain Hume penalty at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata.
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Known for his tactical shrewdness, Delhi Dynamos FC Head Coach Gianluca Zambrotta would be expected to level terms against Atlético de Kolkata in the next game and avenge the loss in front of the home fans.
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The coach knows that this will be a tough test for his team. “The last match against Atlético de Kolkata was a good match and we lost against a very good team. This is a special motive for us to focus on this team because this was the only match we’ve lost thus far. We need to concentrate and work hard against Kolkata,” Zambrotta said at the pre-match press conference.
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Talking about the strengths of the opponents, Zambrotta added, “Atlético de Kolkata is one of the best teams in the competition and we have to respect them. They have some very good players and are a quality unit. I have told our team that this is one the most important match for us.”
In their last game against reigning champions Chennaiyin FC, the Dynamos came up with an enthralling display of attacking football and defeated Marco Materazzi’s men 4-1. The destroyer-in-chief for the Lions was Florent Malouda, who led his team from the front, scoring two goals and assisting the other two.
Brazilian superstar Marcelinho, having scored 5 goals in the league, is currently the joint top scorer in the ISL this season. The attacking winger has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Delhi side and would be itching to have a crack at the José Molina side in his bid to become the solo leader of the goalscorers pack.
Speaking on the performance of Malouda and Marcelinho in the Hero Indian Super League this season, Zambrotta said, “Both Malouda and Marcelinho have done a very good job for us in all the matches, as have the others. In fact, I’m really happy and satisfied with the way the entire team is playing. But we need to work stronger day by day to get better.”
In the game against Chennaiyin FC, Zambrotta started with a strong line-up. With the Delhi supporters cheering from the stands, the home team played with attacking valour and defensive strictness. For the home side, Richard Gadze and Kean Lewis got on the scoresheets, apart from a brace from Malouda who was the lynchpin of the attack and was amply displayed his flair and creative prowess.
Gianluca Zambrotta, known for mixing up things every match, started with the same line-up for the first time in the league. The Italian’s rotational policy has given him enough freedom to change his squad according to the need, and has used a lot of the squad at his disposal.
With the return of Alwyn George and Malsawmzuala from Bengaluru FC, the team has only grown stronger. He had reiterated the need to continue in the same vein after the previous match. On the injury scares for Chinglesana and Richard Gadze in the last game, Zambrotta said, “We are waiting for an update from the medical department on them and are hoping that they would be available. They are very important for us. In case they are not available, we don’t want to change the strategy and the system of play.”
The dominating display against Chennaiyin saw the Lions deservingly rise to the top of the table. The team has continued its dominating style of play, controlling the proceedings and creating chances at will. The Lions have aggregated 16 points off 9 games, scoring 16 goals thus far and 8 goals in the last 3 games.
Delhi Dynamos would be expected to continue the momentum and look to stamp their authority with the fourth victory on the trot. With the forward line linking up brilliantly and looking in ominous form against opposition defenders, another good outing for the players would ensure the team’s continuous presence at the top of the league table.
With more than 15,000 supporters cheering from the stands in almost every match, the Delhi team would be hoping to serve their audiences another victorious night.
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