After having lost their all of their four previous ISL matches against the defending ISL champions, Mumbai City FC got their first-ever point against Chennaiyin FC through a stunning long-range strike from substitute Leo Costa as the match finished 1-1 at the Marina Arena.
The visitors lacked inspiration up front and looked poised to slump to another defeat when the Brazilian midfielder unleashed his class, two minutes from time. Jeje Lalpekhlua had given Chennaiyin the lead early into the second half with a header.
For all the high-scoring affairs that have taken place between the two sides in the past, the ball was bogged down in midfield for much of the first half. Chennaiyin had to contend with their coach Marco Matterazzi being suspended for the game. The Italian's team, while hogging the ball, failed to create openings but that can be pinned down to Mumbai's Lucian Goian once again patrolling his backline with great alacrity.
The closest either side got to breaking the deadlock in the first 45 minutes was when Diego Forlan's terrific effort from 30 yards out went inches over the crossbar. Just as the overall dour tone looked like taking over the contest, Jeje found a small pocket of space from Maurizio Peluzo's corner to head the ball home.
Chennaiyin looked threatening after the goal and should have had a second when Jeje latched on to a through ball, raced to his left and threaded an exquisite reverse pass onto the path of Dudu, who hit the ball straight to keeper Albino Gomes.
Sony Norde, who was Mumbai's only outlet for pace, had a game to forget, as Mumbai continued trying their luck from distance. With three minutes from time, those efforts came to fruition. Leo Moura pushed the ball to his left and thumped it goalwards. The ball slammed the crossbar before striking the net, leaving Chennaiyin keeper Duwayne Kerr little chance. Mumbai consolidated their second spot, and are now level on 12 points with Atletico de Kolkata, who are at the top of the table.
Brief score:
Chennaiyin FC 1 (Jeje Lalpekhlua) draw with Mumbai City FC 1 (Leo Costa)
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