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FC Pune City secured three points and almost confirmed their entry into the knockout stages of the Indian Super League for the first in the tournament's history. A 2-0 win over Mumbai City FC in the Maharashtra Derby took them to the second spot in the standings.
Pune drew first blood in the 18th minute when Sarthak Golui's cross was deflected by Raju Gaikwad's leg and went straight into the target. Star striker Marcelinho doubled the lead in the 83rd minute to seal the fixture.
The Arjun Kapoor-owned team deserved to win the match considering the all-around performance from the players, thus making it to the semi-finals in their fourth attempt of the mega event.
Let us have a look at how the players from both the sides performed during the match:
Mumbai City FC
Emana (8.5/10): By far the most effective player for the home side, he been the spearhead of every attack they made and created the most number of chances.
Everton Santos (7.5/10): Was thoroughly active in all the attacks that cropped up through the wings. His crosses were quite dangerous for the opponent's defense.
T. Santos (7.5/10): Has had a good game, the coordination with Everton was a treat to the eye.
M. Rosario (7.5/10): He was a pillar in the defense, did everything to restrict the scoreline
Balwant Singh (7/10): Tried very hard to put in shots towards the target. Not only that, he came deep into the midfield and even made efforts to create chances acting as the playmaker.
Sanju Pradhan (7/10): It was not one of his performance by which he can be judges. The midfielder was quiet for the most part of the match but occasionally took long shots at the goal.
A. Singh (7/10): Apart from the goal, he never made a mistake, the veteran made the routine saves occasionally.
S.Tavora (6.5/10): Was right on his money, did a satisfying job pushing the ball along the ground and producing crosses throughout the entire length of the game.
Gerson (6.5/10): He was not at all a highlight of the match, but did his job quietly at the heart of the defense.
Z. Mundampara (6/10): Had a pretty disappointing game, he was never involved and rightfully substituted in the second half of the game.
R. Gaikwad (6/10): One of the best Indian defenders much was expected put him but he was not up to the mark. He was responsible for the only goal of the match cost them three points in their home fixture.
Substitutes:
P. Bhumij (4/10): Did not make enough efforts to create an impression.
Rafa Jorda: N/A
Pune City FC
Marcelinho(9/10): Undoubtedly, one of the most effective players in the entire league, the foreigner was always at the peak of things from the starting whistle. His second-half strike sealed the tie for the visitors.
Marko Stankovic (9/10): He was the mastermind in the midfield; he was involved in every attack, distributing the ball towards the forwards.
V. Kaith (8/10): He was flawless with gloves under the bar, saving numerous shots from the Mumbai’s frontline.
Sarthak Golui (7.5/10): The youngster continued his good form in the ongoing Indian Super League. He used the flanks with effectiveness, and it was through his cross that Pune City FC got the winning goal.
Diego (7.5/10): Provided ample support to the frontline, as well as the main livewire in the field, Marko Stankovic.
M.Tebar (7.5/10): He was the other vital cog in the attack for Pune City FC alongside Marko Stankovic and Marcelinho.
A. Khan(7/10): According to his standards, the midfielder had an average game. He was active during the entire span of the first half but faded away in the latter half.
S. Panwar (7/10): The youngster from the SAIL football academy was impressive as a side back, not allowing any attack to tart from his area.
Rafa (6.5/10): Although Mumbai FC was always on the hunt for a goal and created numerous chances at the goal, the central defender managed to keep the scoreline in the favor of the away team.
G.Singh (6.5/10): Along with Rafa, he was successful to keep his Pune City’s goal out of danger for the most part of the match. The coach will be satisfied with the role he played.
B.Sahni (5.5/10): The experienced player did not perform as expected; he never managed to create chances for the Oranje brigade.
Substitutes:
Luca (7/10): Although he came on the field much later in the game, yet he made an impact by building up the attack which set up the second goal.
Rohit (4/10): Came into the last quarter of the game, did not look to impress much as he never got much possession.
Alfaro (N/A): Did not make any impact as he was brought on in the 87th minute.
