The defending champions are placed seventh with 14 points from 12 matches and need six points to possibly make the grade. Chennaiyin FC will have to prove they can do an encore, starting with NorthEast United FC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here tomorrow.
Last season, Chennaiyin FC were struggling at the bottom for most part but turned their fortunes around with a late surge, not just qualifying for the semi-finals but going on to win the title at FC Goa's expense in Goa.
"We knew we were in a must-win situation and now we know that we have to win the next two games to get six points and we have shown (in the past) we can battle every team," said Materazzi.
Chennaiyin FC have lost three of their last five matches, including the last one against Mumbai City FC, but they cannot afford any-more slips-ups against Mumbai City on Saturday and FC Goa next week.
Also Read
NorthEast United instilled life in their campaign with a solitary goal victory over FC Pune City in their last game, a result that helped them stay alive.
"I want to tell the real followers of NorthEast United that we will continue to fight till the end and we will go in with the mind-set of winning in our remaining three games of the league stage," said Portuguese coach Nelo Vingada.
Besides Chennayin FC tomorrow, NorthEast United have to take on the might of Delhi Dynamos on November 30 and Kerala Blasters on December 4 in a battle that is likely to go down to the wire.
"Gustavo is in better shape than others but we can't take risks regarding getting them back as it can kill them for the rest of the competition," said Vingada.
Interestingly, a win for either team will take them to the top four.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content