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Chennai City FC caused a massive upset in Kolkata when they emerged with a 2-1 win against Mohun Bagan in their I-League encounter tonight. Goals from Jean Joachim and Veniamin Shumeiko gave the visitors the win in a thrilling encounter.
The result is a massive blow for Bagan as they lose further ground in the title race while Chennai City were rewarded for their hard work and persistence as they emerged on the winning side of a 2-1 scoreline after losing a few close ones.
Here's what stood out from the game
Horror day for Das
Bagan midfielder Sourav Das endured a torrid time out on the pitch.
The midfielder found the going tough as Chennai City's midfielders and forwards continuously harried and harassed him while he was out on the pitch. It was all a bit too much for him. The game's first goal came from Murilo Almeida, dispossessing Das and feeding his partner Jean Joachim who gave Chennai City the lead with an expert finish across the keeper in the 6th minute.
He was caught napping on a few more occasions as well. Eventually, Sanjoy Sen decided to bring an end to his misery by taking him off after just 25 minutes, bringing on Surchandra Singh instead.
That move gave the Kolkata side a better look in midfield.
Mohanraj's hand brings Bagan back in the contest
Bagan were stunned by Chennai City taking the lead and were keen to get back on level terms. Ansumanah Kromah went close as his shot thudded off the crossbar with the Chennai City defence and keeper stood rooted to their spots.
Bagan were piling on the pressure and it looked like an equalizer was inevitable. The pressure eventually paid off as a goal-bound effort was stopped by Chennai City's Pradeep Mohanraj with his right hand. The referee spotted it and the midfielder was shown a straight red to reduce the visitors to 10 men.
The ensuing penalty was coolly put away by Kromah to bring the Mariners level.
Two up top rewards Chennai City and Soundararajan
The Chennai City coach's decision to go with a 4-4-2 paid off for the visitors.
His four midfielders up against Bagan's three gave them the advantage as they were able to completely nullify the Mariners in that area in the opening half hour. It prevented Bagan from getting into any rhythm.
The two forwards in Murilo and Joachim also worked superbly in tandem, constantly being a pest in the faces of the Bagan defenders and midfielders. It enabled them to spring counter-attacks quickly and also gave them an outlet when defending for long periods.
The opening goal came courtesy excellent link-up play from the forwards. And in the second half, with Bagan pressing for the winner, Soundararajan's decision to not withdraw one of his forwards helped his side pose an offensive threat on the counter. His midfield also remained solid and worked their socks off as they pulled off the upset.
Murilo and Soosai immense as Chennai City repel Bagan
When Kromah equalized for the hosts from the spot in the 35th minute, it looked like it was going to be the turning point in the match, especially with Chennai City down a man.
However, the visitors put up a monumental effort to stave off the efforts of the Mariners as they went looking for three points. They continued to remain organized and solid defensively.
Murilo and captain Soosai Raj were immense for the visitors - the duo on numerous occasions carrying the ball out after a defensive play and holding it up, allowing their side a breather and bringing their teammates into play. They would get the ball, hold it up, draw a foul and their tireless efforts were instrumental in Chennai City's win ultimately.
Soosai Raj was the outlet most of the time after Chennai City cleared the ball. Abhishek Das found him tough to handle and Raj drew so many fouls that gave his defence a respite and helped his own team stay positive as they looked to hit Bagan on the counter.
The winning goal came from the efforts of these two - Soosai found Murilo ahead who eventually managed to win a corner. Soosai stepped up to deliver and his ball was headed in by central defender Veniamin Shumeiko.
Murilo could have scored a third for Chennai City after a late counter saw him and Raj in a 2-on-1 advantage, but his shot rebounded off the crossbar. The duo were outstanding on the night.
It was an effort not lost on the Bagan fans as they gave the away team a warm round of applause at the end of the match.
Bagan fail to overcome 10 men again
For the second successive game, Bagan gained a man advantage after one of their opponent's players had been sent off. But yet again, they were unable to capitalize.
Against Indian Arrows previously, they could only get a point after drawing 1-1 and today they ended up surrendering all three. While Chennai City were magnificent in their effort despite going down to 10, the Bagan coach and their fans might feel slightly aggrieved with the team's efforts.
More so after seeing their rivals East Bengal extend their lead at the top earlier today with a 2-0 win over Indian Arrrows, a side that Bagan failed to beat.
There will be more questions for Sanjoy Sen in the days to come.
