Wow, what a game to bring this year’s Super League to a close. Before the match, many thought that Bengaluru would be too strong for Chennaiyin, especially with the game being played at what was ‘the fortress’ for many Blues fans.
Unbeaten in months and spearheaded by Miku and Chhetri, Bengaluru were the favourites, but Chennaiyin were unbeaten in seven matches themselves before this one so it was bound to be a nail-biting close to the season.
Surprisingly, it was Chennaiyin and John Gregory who brought home the title, much to the delight of the Super Machans.
Anyway, let’s get down to business, the Player of the Week! It could only be one man, Mailson Alves!
The towering central defender scored the two pivotal goals to lead his team to victory in the most important match of all and add that second title to the Chennai badge.
Head and Shoulders Above the Rest
The game started like many thought it would, a partnership that has blossomed this year especially, and gave Bengaluru the dream start. Udanta whipped a low ball into the box with great precision and it allowed Sunil Chhetri the chance to diving header his team into the lead.
Nothing Mailson Alves could do about that one, but the rest of the first half certainly belonged to him.
A corner was whipped into what looked a crowded area around the penalty spot, but Alves leapt highest to glance a powerful header back across goal onto the post and into the empty net.
The Brazilian did not stop there either. Bengaluru surely learnt their lesson, right? Obviously not as just before half time, the centre-back was at it again!
A corner from the other side of the pitch led to the home side’s dismissal this time. The ball was whipped to a similar area and it was like deja vu. Alves wanted the ball more and he got it, powering a header into the opposite top corner of the net to send the Chennai fans into mayhem.
Chennai Seal the Deal
The second half was less nail-biting for those away fans. Raphael Augusto made sure it was their night when he curled a beauty into the bottom corner from just outside of the box. This was after Jeje missed the chance to capitalise on a through ball but he will claim the assist for the goal that sealed the title.
They were made to work for it though, Bengaluru got nothing but a consolation in the 92nd minute from a powerful Miku header after he beat Inigo Calderon to the ball in the box.
Holiday? What Holiday?
Our Player of the Week award will be taking a well earned one week holiday from the site, but don’t worry, it will be back for the Super Cup, we couldn’t forget that now could we!