ISL: Pune downs Delhi in seven-goal thriller

FC Pune City ended its home campaign with a thrilling 4-3 win over league leader Delhi Dynamos to move up to fourth in the Indian Super League.

FC Pune City forward Anibal Zurdo (L) scores against Delhi Dynamos.

After being taken apart by Delhi Dynamos in the first half, FC Pune City replied with a four-goal blitz in the second at the Balewadi stadium to win 4-3 in a thrilling contest.

Goalkeepers at both sides were in the firing line, yet Edel Bete’s astonishing reflexes and anticipation defied the marauding Delhi strikeforce. He got a close look at the visitor's mastery in the goalmouth, Kean Lewis hitting the first blow against the FCPC. Soram Poirei at the other end, was brave in the first half, saving a penalty kick, but looked hapless later on.

The best of seven goals belonged to Delhi. A passing move turned dangerous when Marcelo feinted twice to test a defender, followed by a side heel to his right. Pune was still waking up to the threat when Emerson picked up the surprise pass, ran down the right, looked inside and pulled the ball back. Lewis sneaked in from nowhere to slot home.

The home team was outwitted and outclassed right through the first half and equalised against the run of play in the second half, via a dead-ball situation. Jonatan Lucca took a free-kick, looping the ball across the goalmouth to the left post. Anibal leapt up and nodded down, the ball bounced in.

Mohammed Sissoko put Pune ahead, slotting home in a crowded goalmouth past Soram, making up for a shocking penalty miss earlier. Barely a minute later, Anibal surprised Soram with a shot from outside the box to make it 3-1.

Pune defender Eduardo then put through his own net after a fine move by Delhi to reduce the arrears. But substitute Lenny Rodrigues tapped in on the run to restore the home team's two goal cushion. Another substitute Malsawamzuala helped home a ball blocked by Bete in injury time but it was too late as the final whistle was greeted by a roar as Pune fans celebrated victory in their last home game.

The league leader suffered its second defeat in 11 games (17 points), but remains top of the table, looking down at the challengers. The home team pulled off its fourth win in 11 games, moving up to fourth place (15 points).