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Marco Materazzi: We created and converted our chances

Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC

Picture courtesy: Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC claimed a 3-0 away win against Mumbai City FC in a Hero Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the D.Y. Patil Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday.

Bruno Pelissari (71′), Dhanachandra Singh (81′) and Cristian Hidalgo (89′) scored late goals to secure the visitors three points against one of the fellow contenders to win the inaugural Hero Indian Super League.

“I am very happy with the three points,” Chennaiyin player-cum-coach Marco Materazzi told after the match. “In the first half we were quiet but in the second half we created and converted our chances. It is a great win but we are not in the semi-finals just yet and maybe will need five or six points more.”

“I have always said that here I have a team and not individuals. Maybe we played better without Elano and Mendoza but the most important thing is that even the players who don’t play regularly are showing the hunger and desire to perform like Cristian today. He scored a great freekick after coming on. I am thankful to have Bruno as well in good form. But it’s the whole squad in truth that is performing.”

“Elano has gone to Brazil now for rest and treatment. I want him to be back in the best shape possible. The same form which he had been showing before the injury,” Materazzi added.

Goalscorer Dhanachandra Singh was a happy man after scoring his first goal in the ISL. “It feels great to get my first ISL goal in front of such a big crowd and in such an important game. This will give me confidence to contribute even more both while going forwarding and defending,” Dhanachandra told.

“We were attacking a lot especially in the second half so I was getting forward more and more. There was a bit of luck involved in my goal but I am happy.”

Chennaiyin FC remain at the top of the table with 19 points, while Mumbai City FC slipped to the 6th spot with 12 points from ten matches.