ISL: Delhi Dynamos 0-0 Atletico de Kolkata - 5 talking points

The final stretch of the ISL is under way and Delhi Dynamos FC were looking to win 3 on the trot as they hosted Atletico de Kolkata. Delhi were in 5th position in the league, 2 points behind 4th place while Atletico de Kolkata slipped to third place after FC Goa’s win last night.Atletico de Kolkata and Delhi both decided to keep their marquee players on the bench, with Luis Garcia and Alessandro Del Piero not making their respective starting line ups. This was Delhi’s last game at home and they were looking to sign off with a bang. A win for Kolkata would guarantee them a spot in the semi-finals.Both teams tried to win the game but were kept out with a good defensive showing, while both goalkeepers Edel and Van Hout were on top of their games.Atletico de Kolkata went level on points with FC Goa while Delhi Dynamos FC stayed 5th, one point behind Kerala Blasters FC and the all-important 4th spot. With both teams still waiting to confirm their position in the semi-finals, here are the 5 talking points from the game.Gustavo dos Santos, star of the match, breaking through the Atletico defence

#1 The tale of two marquee players

Alessandro del Piero has struggled in the ISL

When the marquee players for the respective clubs were named, everyone expected Alessandro Del Piero to shine but he has failed to provide a spark to the Delhi team, in fact the Delhi team play better without Del Piero and for large parts of the game were the better team.

Atletico de Kolkata missed a spark in midfield and Luis Garcia not playing a single minute of the game probably meant he was carrying a knock, Kolkata would need the Spanish star to be 100% if they are to qualify for the knockout round of the ISL.

#2 Edel and Van Hout did extremely well between the sticks

Edel Apoula Edima Bete of Atletico de Kolkata in action

The game wasn’t the greatest but both the goalkeepers did very well for their respective teams. Edel made a fantastic save early on in the game and kept Kolkata in the game in the second half when he made a great save from the impressive Dos Santos.

Van Hout was commanding in the box for Delhi and did well to save a late chance to keep the teams level, the goalkeepers were the stars from the game, well at least the second and third stars.

#3 Delhi Dynamos have hit form at the right time

Hans Mulder of Delhi Dynamos FC in action

Delhi have now picked up 7 points from their last 3 games and are looking good to make it into the last 4, though they have to play their last 2 games away from home. They have to face FC Pune City and then go to Chennaiyin FC in their final group game.

They were the better team tonight and had the better chances, Delhi would need to do well in their last 2 games, and destiny is in their own hands.

#4 Habas needs to get Atletico playing again

Atletico de Kolkata coach Antonio Lopez Habas during the presentation before the match

The biggest problem for Atletico de Kolkata is that they do not have a plan B. The team that led most of the league stage in the ISL has now won only 1 game in their last 8 games, that is poor form from every angle.

Habas needs to get the team playing again; they looked slightly better tonight thanks to the industrious Podany, who was the best player for Atletico de Kolkata. Habas, the coach has to ensure that Kolkata get going or they could be in trouble for the final games of the season.

#5 Dos Santos is a star in the making for Delhi

Gustavo Marmentini dos Santos of Delhi Dynamos FC poses with the Alto K10 after the match

Gustavo Dos Santos is one of the rising stars in the ISL; he was excellent tonight for Delhi and was a constant threat for the Delhi team. The 20 year old had a great shot saved by Edel in the second half and Delhi would need him to play at this level to make it through to the next round.

Dos Santos is the key for Delhi and keeping him fresh and fit for the final 2 games of the league season.