First Half
IG United had a number of players back this week, starting with a decent bench for the first time in a couple of weeks. IG United started brightly and went ahead early as Sriram pounced on a goal keeping blunder. The shots on goal continued as IGU fashioned more chances to further extend the lead notably with Aiyappa hitting the post and Rehmat drawing a good save from the goalkeeper as he rushed off the line. But as the half wore on, IGU dropped their intensity perhaps due to a few of the starters being rusty after a few weeks of inaction. Perhaps encouraged by the early jitters of the keeper, IGU continued to pepper shots from distance but the strategy wasnt very effective because the shots were not threatening enough and the keeper's handling improved with time. The defense was largely solid with Nishan especially good at mopping up some semi chances. Apollo’s best effort of the half was a glorious shot from distance that was quite unlucky to rebound back off the woodwork. Despite the first half being quite comfortable IGU never found a good passing rhythm or possession for extended periods.
Second Half
The second half saw some changes made, with Anshuman, Madhav coming into defense and Rishabh into midfield. Slowly Apollo had more possession and started controlling the tempo of the game. However, Apollo's first goal was an unfortunate one to concede. Prabal threw the ball out from the edge of the box, that Aiyappa couldnt quite bring under control quickly and was robbed by their player. Still there seemed little immediate danger except that Prabal hadnt quite made it back into position and their player took advantage by slotting the ball into goal. More insipid football followed with IGU having a few dangerous moments but never quite making clear cut chances or threatening the keeper. The sucker punch in the form of the second goal came down the left flank where their winger went behind Jhally and put in a good cross. Prabal managed to punch it out only for it to fall kindly to their striker who found the net between two defenders. After going behind IGU finally showed some energy and desire in attack but unfortunately it was too little too late. The game ended in a defeat for IGU.