A late goal from Gustavo Marmentini dos Santos proved to be the difference between the two teams as Delhi Dynamos nicked all three points from Atletico de Kolkata despite having a man sent off.
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Delhi Dynamos defender Souvik Chakraborty was issued the marching orders in the second half for a foul on Jaime Gaivilan but Atletico de Kolkata failed to take numerical advantage.
Delhi Dynamos started the match with an intent to rough up their opponents with Atletico de Kolkataa s star midfielder Borja Fernandez being at the centre of attention. The tactics worked perfectly as Atletico were unable to gain any control of the tempo of the match.
Atletico de Kolkata already with a depleted squad due to injury, were dealt with another blow before the start of the match as Javi Lara suffered a groin strain during warm up.
Delhi Dynamos, who made two tactical changes, saw Adinga returning to the defence with Chicao pushed up in midfield, while Dos Santos was relegated to bench with Richard Gadze also returning in the lineup. Delhi Dynamos defender Anas Edathodika, who was awarded the Hero of the match award, made a nervous start to the match as he failed to connect with ball on the 6th minute to clear the danger from Borjaa s shot.
Atletico had the first chance in the 15th minute, after intelligent play via a throw in saw Hume’s header forcing a save from Toni Doblas. Atletico de Kolkata, known for a safety first approach, made it difficult for Delhi Dynamos to break down their defence as the first half of the match remained quite eventless.
Atletico de Kolkata, though, combined beautifully with short passes on the 42nd minute before Iain Hume had a go from outside the box.
Delhi Dynamos had the last chance of the first half after Baljit fouled Florent Malouda in order to stop him from advancing. Malouda whipped free kick saw Gadze selling a dummy by allowing the ball to go between his legs. However, no Delhi Dynamos player managed to connect with the ball.
The second half was a repeat of the first with both teams guarded in their approach. Delhi Dynamos settled the match with a late fury of attack and Gustavo dos Santos snatched full points from right under Kolkataa s nose. In the fourth minute of added time, Florent Malouda worked his magic inside the danger zone, kept his composure and then laid the ball on for Dos Santos, who coolly slammed the ball from inside the box.
The result propelled the Delhi Dynamos to second in the ISL table.
Image Courtesy: ISL Media