The team was back in the reckoning when they beat Delhi Dynamos FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here yesterday evening.
This was their second successive win, having beaten Kerala Blasters FC 4-1 in their previous game.
Chennaiyin FC head coach Materazzi was happy with the turnaround.
"Nothing changed for us. Against Atletico de Kolkata also, we could have won. We deserve the semi-final spot," the 42-year-old Italian said after the match.
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Materazzi said at this point of the league winning matches was more important.
"Yes, goal difference is important but only when you are on the same points with other teams. The main thing is to win matches and go to Mumbai with a positive mind."
Materazzi showered praise on midfielder Raphael Augusto. "He is a champion and he plays like a champion. Good job by CFC to get him in the team. He deserves to play for the top clubs."
"Elano is on the bench, he is also intelligent and knows what is important right now. Bruno Pelissari (who has been preferred over Elano in the last two games) is a good player. My decisions are to bring the best out of the team. I take decisions to help the club.