Play-by-Play: Delhi Dynamos turn the heat on Chennai at their own backyard, beat them 1-3

DELHI DYNAMOS MADE AN explosive start to their ISL 2016 campaign by beating Chennaiyin FC 1-3 at their own backyard.

The defending champions, playing their first match at home, perhaps made the biggest mistake when they used two central defenders - John Arne Riise and Bernard Mendy - as a back two with the two wingbacks placed way ahead. Throughout the first half, Delhi Dynamos were constantly breaching the CFC defence, with Richard Gadze, Kean Lewis and Marcelinho being a constant threat.

The first goal came when Milan Singh slammed into Chennai keeper Duwayne Kerr and the refere gave a penalty. It wasn't. Milan had launched himself on the keeper. But the decision stood and Marcelinho slotted it in.

Soon afterwards Chennaiyin equalized through a great long ball for Dudu Omagbemi who shot a poweful ball right into the net. Toni Doblas got his hand on the ball but could not stop it.

But before long Delhi regained the lead, this time Marcelinho getting a clean goal with a beautiful shot. 

Throughout the second half, as Chennaiyin FC trailed by a goal, Delhi Dynamos players deliberately slowed down the game by passing the ball amongst themselves. But the home team players did not do enough to foil their game plan by pressing them or making tackles. And eventually Delhi scored the third goal, with a great pass from Kean Lewis that reached Badara Badji who made a sublime header right on the money. The game was over then and there.

Delhi Dynamos, with 3 points from 1 match, are third on the table. But Chennai have slipped below with just 1 point from 2 games and it doesn't bode well for them.

For a detailed account of how this game unfolded, do check out our blow-by-blow update of the encounter.

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