Mendy-Mendoza duo propels Chennaiyin to second spot over Pune

Marco Materazzi opted for the new midfielder pairing of Raphael Augusto and Manuele Blasi in this game, with Apoula Edel being replaced by Karanjit Singh in goal. Surprisingly, David Platt made just one change to his line-up – replacing the injured Lenny Rodrigues with Manish Maithani.

The home side came out all guns blazing as Stiven Mendoza announced his intent with a shot in the opening minute itself. Just five minutes later, Chennaiyin had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Pune defender, Gouramangi Singh sold his goalkeeper short with a poor back pass. Elano would have surely capitalized on that mistake had he been five years younger, but Steve Simonsen was quicker off his mark and was first to the ball.

That was not the first time Simonsen would come to his team's rescue in the first half. In the 19th minute, Elano was picked out by Rane with a cross from the right and the Brazilian shot at goal after bringing the ball down emphatically. But Simonsen saved it with his left foot and Thoi Singh was unable to hit the target from the rebound.

Pune had, surprisingly, chosen the risky tactic of playing a high line in defense, especially considering the pace Chennaiyin possess in their attack. Mendoza had a lot of space behind the back-four and the Chennaiyin midfielders were time and again threatening to exploit that space with long balls over the top.

Finally the home side took a well deserved lead in the 33rd minute with Bernard Mendy finding the back of the net. Dhanachandra Singh's long throw-in made its way to the Frenchman, who was somehow left unmarked in the box. The defender only had the easy task task of guiding it past Steve Simonsen.

Pune had a chance to equalize right at the end of the first half when Jackichand Singh's blocked shot found its way to Dharmaraj Ravanan. The defender's left footed drive came at a comfortable height for Karanjit in the Chennai goal and he comfortably kept it out.

Chennaiyin doubled their lead right after the start of the second half as a mistake at the back, handed over the ball to Elano in the 47th minute. The Brazilian put Mendoza through on goal and the in-form striker took the ball around the goalkeeper to score his sixth goal of the season.

David Platt brought on Kalu Uche and Adrian Mutu in search of a goal. The Nigerian striker fulfilled the faith reposed in him, as he scored a goal in the 75th minute to provide Pune with a glimmer of hope for an unlikely comeback. Ravanan delivered a dangerous cross from the right wing and Uche's initial header was kept out by Karanjit. The ball fell kindly for Eugeneson who missed his kick completely in front of the goal, but lucky for him Uche did not, as he hammered the ball into the net from close range.

Mutu missed a good chance to equalize towards the end as he headed wide, after Nicky Shorey picked him out with a good cross from the right.

The match ended 2-1 in favour of Chennaiyin as they climb above Pune, into second, on the points table. Marco Materazzi will be delighted with the response his team provided after the loss against NorthEast United FC in their last match.

Pune on the other hand have now lost two of their last three matches, but they will back at home for their next match, against Kerala Blasters. David Platt will also hope that Adrian Mutu regains his match fitness before that upcoming fixture.