Chennaiyin FC left no stone unturned in impressing their co-owner Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the Indian Super League clash against Mumbai City FC by handing a thumping 5-1 defeat to the touring party in their second home game at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The fans present in large numbers were left ecstatic when player-manager Marco Materazzi started for the blue brigade. Materazzi playing his first match in almost three years played at the heart of Chennai team and held the midfield and defensive line together.
Materazzi’s presence enabled Chennai strikers Elano and Jeje Lalpekhlua move freely and beat the Mumbai defence line on a number of occasions. The towering Italian kept dangerous Nicolas Anelka and Andre Francisco Moritz in the back pocket.
It was only in the 57th minute, when Materazzi was replaced by Bojan Djordjic, Mumbai played freely and Anelka and Moritz made few moves for the visitors. But, till that time the damage has been done and the Chennaiyin FC was in cruise control of the proceedings.
Elano was again came on top and scored a brace, John Stiven Mendoza Valencia found net twice and Jeje also got his name on the scoresheet. For Mumbai, Syed Rahim Nabi scored a consolation goal in the 87th minute.
MS Dhoni, who witnessed his first game of the ISL, was all smiles after the encounter and praised his team on Twitter. Dhoni Tweeted: A very well played game. Team came back strong after the defeat and Chennai fans didn’t disappoint us, full house as expected. Thanks
A very well played game.team came back strong after the defeat and chennai fans didn’t disappoint us,full house as expected.Thanks
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 28, 2014
