Chennaiyin FC recorded their second-straight victory of the Indian Super League season 2 as they crushed Mumbai City FC with a 2-0 scoreline at the DY Patil Stadium on Friday.
The limelight was stolen by Stiven Mendoza once again as the 23-year-old Colombian forward scored twice within eight minutes in the second half to give his side all the three points. He is also the highest scorer in the ISL this season with five goals from four games.
The visitors dominated the first half completely as they created a flurry of chances that brought the best out of India custodian Subrata Paul -- featuring in his first ISL game. In contrast, the Mumbai side tried to create a lot of scoring opportunities, but somehow they just could not get the job done.
The first real chance of the game came in the sixth minute as Stiven Mendoza's lethal shot on goal forced a parry of the ball from Paul. Thoi Singh also showed glimpses of his magic in the half, as he linked up well with Elano to create a lot of chances upfront.
In the 24th minute, Elano released the Indian winger with a lethal through ball that completely took away the Mumbai defence with shock, but Thoi's final shot was way over the bar, and it was a sigh of relief for Mumbai City FC.
Paul made another brave attempt in the 26th minute as Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto attempted a stunner from outside the box. The goalkeeper got a hand on the ball and it hit the upright to go out of play.
The freekick just at the end of the first half from Elano saw Paul make yet another marvellous save and he did stand out for his performances.
For the hosts, although the shots on goal weren't coming, Sony Norde, as was expected, digged out chances after chances, but the Chennaiyin defence, marshalled by Mehrajuddin Wadoo, Mailson Alves, and others, stopped him in his tracks.
The first shot on goal from Mumbai came through Norde as well as the Haitian went for the goal from the corner kick. The dangerous ball could only be tipped away by Edel Bete.
Both teams went into the halftime goalless.
The second half was all about Stiven Mendoza, as the Colombian forward replicated his previous performance against FC Goa by scoring the brace, first in the 60th minute, and the second in the 67th minute.
For the first goal, a howler by the Mumbai defenders saw Elano pick up the loose ball inside the box, and pass it to the onrushing Mendoza, and the short-statured forward made no mistake to slot the ball home with ease.
His second goal of the night was a similar one as the Colombian capitalised on a brilliant lob from Jayesh Rane, whose shot hit the crossbar and came out. The resulting header from Mendoza was as beautiful as it could be.
For Mumbai, it remained a very unfortunate performance as Sony Norde gave his heart out, and took shots on goal, along with Gabriel Fernandes and Fanai. But at the end, all their hopes of a first win or a draw in the ISL season 2 came to a standstill once again.
Catch the highlights from the game HERE.
