Prediction: Chennaiyin FC 1-2 Atletico de Kolkata
Resurgent Chennaiyin FC side take on the defending champions Atletico de Kolkata in the exciting semi-final clash first leg at Pune, the match was shifted to a neutral venue due to bad weather conditions at Chennai. In spite of this, Chennai would consider this venue as their new home after winning their last league game against Pune with a cleansheet and have since stayed there to prepare for the semi-final clash. Though, Chennai face a tough task as they are shy to steal a win from defending champions as yet (W0 D2 L2). Considering recent performances Chennai can a be a deadly team as they are in the best form and at the right time, Chennai have netted 12 goals and conceded just 2 in the last 4 games. Super Machans marquee manager Marco Matrezzi, would be hoping to continue the same form and get a good win at Pune to ease the pressure for the second leg.
Atletico de Kolkata, on the other side, the defending champions will build their team and hopes on the fact that they have always performed brilliantly against their counterpart, Chennaiyin FC. With a double over them in this season, Kolkata side would be confident to get another win as they travel to Pune to face a tougher Chennai side. Atletico de Kolkata's recent performances and thumping Goa and Pune with four goals each before losing out to Mumbai narrowly can give us a hint of how lethal their attacking play could be.
Form Guide (Last 5 matches)
Chennaiyin FC: L-W-W-W-W
Atlético de Kolkata: D-W-W-W-L
Head-to-head: Chennaiyin FC have never beaten Atlético de Kolkata. The two fixtures last season ended in draws while both matches earlier this year ended in ATK’s favour.
PLAYERS TO WATCHOUT FOR:
Chennaiyin FC: Stiven Mendoza, Bernard Mendy and Jeje Lalpekhlua
Atletico de Kolkata: Izumi, Iain Hume and Tiri
Manager Comments before game:
"Last year we won two games against Kerala [in the league stage]. But you all know what happened then [Chennaiyin lost to Kerala in the semis]. The semi-final is a different game. They’re a good team and have an excellent coach and have the right attitude but I think it will be a good game in spite of the result": Chennaiyin FC head coach Marco Materazzi
"It is 50% for us and 50% for Chennai. It’s football. It’s not an advantage for us. It’s 90 minutes of football" :ATK head coach Antonio Lopez Habas
Resurgent Chennaiyin FC side take on the defending champions Atletico de Kolkata in the exciting semi-final clash first leg at Pune, the match was shifted to a neutral venue due to bad weather conditions at Chennai. In spite of this, Chennai would consider this venue as their new home after winning their last league game against Pune with a cleansheet and have since stayed there to prepare for the semi-final clash. Though, Chennai face a tough task as they are shy to steal a win from defending champions as yet (W0 D2 L2). Considering recent performances Chennai can a be a deadly team as they are in the best form and at the right time, Chennai have netted 12 goals and conceded just 2 in the last 4 games. Super Machans marquee manager Marco Matrezzi, would be hoping to continue the same form and get a good win at Pune to ease the pressure for the second leg.
Atletico de Kolkata, on the other side, the defending champions will build their team and hopes on the fact that they have always performed brilliantly against their counterpart, Chennaiyin FC. With a double over them in this season, Kolkata side would be confident to get another win as they travel to Pune to face a tougher Chennai side. Atletico de Kolkata's recent performances and thumping Goa and Pune with four goals each before losing out to Mumbai narrowly can give us a hint of how lethal their attacking play could be.
Form Guide (Last 5 matches)
Chennaiyin FC: L-W-W-W-W
Atlético de Kolkata: D-W-W-W-L
Head-to-head: Chennaiyin FC have never beaten Atlético de Kolkata. The two fixtures last season ended in draws while both matches earlier this year ended in ATK’s favour.
PLAYERS TO WATCHOUT FOR:
Chennaiyin FC: Stiven Mendoza, Bernard Mendy and Jeje Lalpekhlua
Atletico de Kolkata: Izumi, Iain Hume and Tiri
Manager Comments before game:
"Last year we won two games against Kerala [in the league stage]. But you all know what happened then [Chennaiyin lost to Kerala in the semis]. The semi-final is a different game. They’re a good team and have an excellent coach and have the right attitude but I think it will be a good game in spite of the result": Chennaiyin FC head coach Marco Materazzi
"It is 50% for us and 50% for Chennai. It’s football. It’s not an advantage for us. It’s 90 minutes of football" :ATK head coach Antonio Lopez Habas