ISL 2016: FC Pune City vs NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC claimed the first position in the ISL 2016 tally with their win over FC Pune City on Wednesday at Pune’s home ground Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium. Pune was hosting a team for the first time and Pune City fans were dejected after seeing the result.

Both the teams needed a win to boost their confidence, as NorthEast United FC lost their last match and Pune wanted to win their first match in front of the home crowd. Both the teams clashed and what we saw was a fierce battle. “Everyone came to see a fight but what they got was WAR”. Nobody can take the credit from FC Pune City as till the 78th minute both teams were able to tackle the opponent’s strategy.

Jonatan Lucca got the first chance at goal for Pune City in form of a free kick but the strike was caught by Paul (it was not easy), the NorthEast United Goalkeeper. In the 18th minute, Jesus Tato cut in and tried to send the ball into the goalpost, but the ball marginally went past the crossbar.

NorthEast United players, Narzary and Zokora tried partnered and tried for a goal but were not able to convert it into NorthEast United’s lead. The game got worse for NorthEast United in the 37th minute, when Chettri was shown a red card for wicked tackling Anibal Zurdo.

The first half ended and the score was 0-0. The second half started and this is where both teams opted for attacking positions.

Pune City appeared to be struggling against NorthEast United, despite NEUFC being a man down. In the 50th Minute, Luca attempted a goal from almost halfway and the ball went straight into the hands of Paul, as expected.

NorthEast United was the first team to score and it was in the 79th minute. Velez started with a fine run, breaching FC Pune City defence and passed the ball to Alfaro. He then passed it to Yusa, who then passed it back to Alfaro from inside the box. This was it, Alfaro took advantage of the goalkeeper’s confusion and scored the goal.

Pune City forwards tried really hard to score for their team but were not able to do so. Once again, NorthEast United FC’s strategy to defend the lead in the last moments of the game was successful and they claimed the first spot in the ISL 2016 tally.

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13 October 2016
Rohan Jaitly