Mumbai: “He’s the special one” said coach Ranko Popovic talking of Marcelinho after the Brazilian helped Pune City earn the bragging rights over Maharashtra rival Mumbai City with a comfortable 2-0 victory at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday.
“Marcelinho is the best player. He can’t do everything but can make a difference,” added the serbian at the post-match conference. Minutes earlier the ex-Delhi Dynamos forward had netted his eight goal oft the season after substitue Jonathan Lucca had found him unmarked in the 82nd minute.
The win took the ‘Stallions’ a step closer to the play-offs but Mumbai City remained seventh, on 17 points after 14 games. Pune having played a match more are second with 28 points.
Marcinho however could have scored two in the opening 15 minutes but while his first shot hit the side-netting, the second one a nimble shot was easily saved by Mumbai goalkeeper Amrinder Singh.
Three minutes later it was however a Mumbai player who found the net after Raju Gaikwad scored his debut Indian Super League (ISL) goal. Problem was it was into his own net and had Pune early leading in a match as intense as the Maharashtra derby.
Having gone behind so early and at the same time seeking the first leg defeat revenge, the ‘Islanders’ attacked with more men up-front. They created more opportunities but never really looked like scoring and instead it was Pune who hit the chances.
Delhi hold Chennaiyin to 1-1 draw
With the play-offs spot all but over for them, Delhi Dynamos had nothing to lose and going by that attitude they held Chennaiyin to a 1-1 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday.
The Lions had gone ahead through a Kalu Ogba penalty after midfielder Matias Mirabje was brought down by Raphael Augusto inside the box in the 59th minute.
But their poor defending meant the Dynamos conceded from a corner yet again — Mailson rose the highest to head in the ball at the 81st minute.
Despite the draw Chennaiyin remained fourth, standing on 24 points after 14 games and in contention for the play-offs berth. But Delhi already out continued to linger at the last position with just eight points from 13 matches.