After a marathon of 56 matches spanning over two months and covering eight cities, the bandwagon of the Indian Super League (ISL) Season 2 has reached its final destination.
Four teams - FC Goa, Atletico de Kolkata, Chennaiyin FC and Delhi Dynamos - have ended up as the top four or the final four on the ISL table and will now play in the two semifinals in home and away legs.
ISL has been successful in generating some never-seen-before excitement for the beautiful game in India, and ISL being among the most followed leagues in the world is a fact that can't be ignored.
Like the inaugural season, there have been some really surprising results in Season 2 as well. The league is so competitive and tight that the formation of the top four was decided only in the last league match.
As the league now steps into the last and the most important phase, the playoffs, IBNLive takes a look at the drama that unfolded in the last week of the round-robin matches and also at the few things to come.
Chennaiyin FC's turnaround
Around two weeks ago, Chennaiyin FC were at the bottom of the table but Marco Materazzi’s team scripted a remarkable turnaround with big wins over Kerala Blasters (4-1), Delhi Dynamos (4-0) and Mumbai City FC (3-0). Placed fifth on the table, Chennaiyin FC needed a win or a draw against FC Pune City to book their spot in the last four. Chennaiyin knew they could leave little to chance and started with a flourish. It was Jeje Lalpekhlua's 64th minute strike that saw Chennayin beat Pune by a solitary goal and reach the semis.
At the end of the league stage, Chennayin are now positioned 3rd with 22 points but a better goal difference kept them ahead of Delhi Dynamos, who have the same number of points.
Mumbai City FC spoil Atletico de Kolkata's party
A late strike from Mumbai City forward Sony Norde helped his side post a 3-2 win over ATK in their last match of the ISL. The victory at the Salt Lake Stadium ensured that Mumbai City, who were winless in their last seven matches, end the season on a high.
In a battle between the two teams at the opposite ends of the table, the match had fluctuating fortunes but it was Sony Norde's brace (26th and 90+4th) aided with Sunil Chhetri's 82nd minute penalty that halted the table toppers' three-match winning run.
Having already sealed the semis berth and aiming for a top-two finish, ATK looked complacent, lacklustre and lacked intensity.
The loss robbed the defending champions of a top-place finish and Habas' men had to stay content with a second-place finish after the group stage.
FC Goa - the table toppers
The final match of the ISL group stage witnessed an incredible game of football with visitors FC Goa staging a brilliant comeback and winning 3-2 against hosts Delhi Dynamos FC.
The Gaurs and Dynamos played entertaining football all through with goals coming from Serginho Greene and Adil Nabi for Delhi in the first half before Romeo Fernandes’ brace and Joffre’s 90th-minute strike helped Goa cement the top spot.
Delhi, after their first defeat at home this season, had to stay content with the fourth spot.
Who plays who in the semis
Goa, who finished on top followed by ATK, Chennaiyin and Delhi Dynamos, will again face Delhi in the first semifinal. The first leg of Semifinal 1 will take place at Delhi's home - Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium - on December 11 while the second leg will be held at Goa's Fatorda Stadium on December 15.
While Goa coach Zico will be glad after finishing on top, his only worry will be the unavailability of marquee man Lucio in the first leg of the semis after the 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil picked up his fourth yellow card on Sunday.
Dynamos coach Roberto Carlos will also have his fair share of worries after letting in six goals in the final two group matches.
Meanwhile, in the second semi-final, holders Athletico de Kolkata will take on Chennaiyin FC.
The first leg is scheduled to take place in Chennai on December 12 while the second leg will be played on December 16 in Kolkata.
Going into the semis, ATK coach Habas will be wary of Chennaiyin's four-match unbeaten streak. The Super Machans recorded their fourth straight win against Pune, becoming the second team to have done that in the history of the league.
Habas' men will have to show intent and in the absense of marquee player Helder Postiga, the trio of Iain Hume, Arata Izumi and Boja Fernandez will have to step up against the likes of Bernanrd Mendy and Ralte in Chennaiyin defence.
Another worry for ATK would be to stop Chennaiyin striker John Stiven Mendoza from penetrating their defence. With 11 goals, Mendoza is the league's highest goal scorer and ATK's defence will feel the pressure.
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