Chennayin FC took the top spot in the points table of the Indian Super League, beating FC Pune City 3-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Wednesday.
John Stiven Mendoza (62nd minute), Bruno Pelissari (70th) and Jeje Lalpekhulua (93rd) scored for the Chennai team, which replaced Atletico de Kolkata to occupy the top place on the points table. Eric Djemba Djemba conceded an own goal one minute after Mendoza's strike.
Chennayin are on top, having scored more goals than Atletico, with same number of points (16).
Chennayin, coached by Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi, started the match on a positive note and dominated the game with better ball possession.
In the first half, there were a few chances for either side but it was the hosts who came closest to breaking the deadlock.
Jeje Lalpekhlua's shot from close range following a corner prompted Pune goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya into a superb reflexive save to keep Chennaiyin out. The half eventually ended all square.
It was an injury-hit first period as Chennaiyin marquee player and league top scorer Elano, defender Gouramangi Singh, and Pune City defender Daniele Magliochetti all went off with niggles.
However, as soon as the second half began, Chennayin improved their game as they pushed forward with purpose.
They were rewarded in the 62nd minute when Mendoza held on to the ball, made a quick pass and ran into the box as Balwant put in a superb through ball for the Colombian to calmly lift it over the onrushing Bhattacharya.
The goal sparked off a flurry of action, as Pune found themselves level a few minutes later when Chennaiyin failed to clear their lines and the ball ultimately fell to Colomba.
The Italian midfielder put in a superb low ball that deflected off Djemba-Djemba and into the net.
Chennaiyin restored their lead as Pelissari's shot deflected off Cirillo and into the goal. The home side pushed hard and got their third goal when Jeje slotted in from Balwant Singh's clever ball.
