Chennaiyin FC ripped Atletico de Kolkata apart in the first leg of the semifinal at the Balewadi stadium in Pune and have a comfortable 3-0 lead going into the second leg. But manager Marco Materazzi is wary of Kolkata’s threat, and insists Chennaiyin FC will not be complacent going into the second leg.
Bruno Pelissari opened the scoring with a free-kick from 35 yards in the first half, before Jeje and a certain Steven Mendoza sealed the deal for the home team who were actually playing away from home. in the second half.
Tie not over
A 3-0 scoreline might suggest the tie is done and dusted, but Chennaiyin were in a similar position against Kerala last year, and Marco Materazzi wisely admitted he won’t be complacent.
“No, last year we scared Kerala, so we don’t know what’s gonna happen. They have a good team, and 60-70 thousand fans will be supporting them in Kolkata. So maybe it looks like I can be chilled out, but I won’t be.”
Expects a physical encounter
The game looked like a derby match and was a physical battle more than anything else, and Materazzi expects more of the same from Kolkata at the Salt Lake Stadium.
“Yes, they played a physical game tonight. I expect them to play even more physical in the next match, its good that they can adjust to a physical game. I’m looking forward to the next match.”
Chennaiyin will not be defensive
Chennaiyin FC were in a similar position last season against Kerala, but they could not make the most of their brilliant first leg performance. Marco Materazzi would know that attack is his best form of defense, and with Atletico de Kolkata having to go all out in the second leg, they will have plenty of chances to kill the tie.
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Chennaiyin FC wil lock horns with Atletico de Kolkata on the 16th of the month and with Elano set to return, Materazzi will be keen to leave behind the disappointment of the first season where they suffered a heartbreak in the semifinals
Image Courtesy: ISL Media