THAT'S IT! CHENNAIYIN FC BECOME THE FOURTH TEAM TO MAKE IT TO THE ISL PLAYOFFS THIS SEASON.
The South Indian side also move to the second position in the table after this win. So, it's Atletico de Kolkata, FC Goa, Delhi Dynamos, and Chennaiyin FC who will be battling in the ISL semifinals this year.
And we shall meet again during the crucial playoff games. For now, this is me Sayantan, signing off. Thanks for joining with me!
90' Chance! An unmarked Mailson takes a shot on goal from close-range, but he misses the goal by miles.
89' Both Mehraj and Elano will be missing their next match for Chennaiyin FC, owing to suspensions.
85' Subs: Jairu replaces Fanai for Pune, while Zakeer comes on for goalscorer Jeje.
81' Chennaiyin FC are enjoying possession in the attacking third now. So many FC Pune players dropping at the back.
77' Adrian Mutu tries a shot on goal, but the ball is miles away from the goal. So frustrating for him.
Sub: Eder comes in for Blasi.
76' Sub: Kalu Uche has come on for Yendrick Ruiz. A last ditch attempt from David Platt to get a goal on the night.
72' A violent clash of heads has seen Jeje and Gurjinder go down. A stretcher has been called on the pitch, but thankfully, it is not very serious.
64' GOAAALLLL! At last, Chennaiyin FC have struck through Jeje Lalpekhlua. Progress to the ISL playoffs is almost successful now. The Indian forward's first shot on goal came off Govin Singh, and he lashed into the back of the net in the rebound.
Pune 0-1 Chennai
59' SAVE! Simonsen again. This time the goalkeeper denies Thoi Singh, after the Indian winger was played a sublime pass by Mendoza.
57' Meanwhile, Elano gets a booking for an alleged dive inside the box. He was clean through on goal.
56' The pace of the game really needs to improve now. Neither team are creating any decent opportunity.
50' Sub: Bernard Mendy comes on for Potenza.
46' Under way for the second half.
Half Time! No goal so far to take about. But, plenty of attempts from both sides. If the score remains this way, Chennaiyin FC make it to the playoffs. Join us in ten minutes for the second half.
42' What a Save! Simonsen again makes a great save to deny Elano. The Pune City goalkeeper has really put on some show so far.
40' A minor brawl out there between Mendoza and Roger Johnson, but thankfully, no cards shown.
37' Mutu has a go from inside the box, but the shot is high over the bar!
33' Elano has been doing well with his crosses and long balls, but the Chennaiyin FC cannot seem to be around the box when the passes are being played.
28' James Bailey looks like will be replaced by Verhoek, after hurting his elbow.
And the change does take place. Not a good sign early on with a key playmaker out.
22' The home side are doing quite neat and decent interplay in the attacking third. Ruiz is the man masterminding the attack thus far.
19' The game is evenly poised thus far. Hard to fathom which team will win today.
15' WHAT A SAVE! Steve Simonsen just palms the ball away to deny Stiven Mendoza from getting the opener of the night from an insanely close range.
13' Missed! Adrian Mutu takes a free-kick from a close-range, but the ball unfortunately hits the wall. Wasted effort.
10' Elano takes the first corner of the game for the away side, but the ball misses everyone inside the box.
8' Chance! Yendrick Ruiz goes for a over head kick. Just misses the goal!
5' Double saves! Edel Bete makes two quick saves to deny FC Pune City the opener. Mutu and Gurjinder have come dangerously close to scoring.
3' Early freekick from Adrian Mutu, but cleared away by Potenza.
2' Pressure early on from the away side. The Pune custodian has already seen the ball a couple of times.
7 pm: HERE WE GO! Join us for the next 90 minutes. Surely this is going to be one enthralling encounter.
6:55 pm: Will it be Elano who will be having the last laugh or will it be Simao Sabrosa? Chennaiyin FC or NorthEast United FC? Only one team makes it to the ISL playoffs now. Countdown to kickoff has begun!
6:45 pm: All roads lead to the Balewadi Stadium in Pune tonight for the big clash. Here are some pictures coming...
6:15 pm: The line-ups for the game are here:
FC Pune City XI: Simonesen; Govin Singh, Roger Johnson, Gurjinder, Ravanan; Nicky Shorey, James Bailey, Eugeneson, Fanai; Mutu, Yendrick Ruiz.
Chennaiyin FC XI: Edel; Dhanachandra, Potenza, Alves, Wadoo; Khabra, Blasi, Thoi, Elano; Jeje, Mendoza.
6 pm: The most crucial match in the league phase of the Indian Super League is here. By the end of tonight's game, we get to find out which team joins Atletico de Kolkata, FC Goa, and Delhi Dynamos in the ISL Playoffs.
The battle is between NorthEast United FC and Chennaiyin FC. If the away side tody get to record even a draw, they progress to the next round. However, if Pune manage to get a win, North East progress for the first time in the ISL in two years.
It can't get more exciting than this. Join me Sayantan (@san_footy) from IBTimes India, for all the crucial updates of the game. Just an hour to go!
