Prior to Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 kicking off, there were only two teams that had never made it to the semi-finals having played in the previous three editions. While NorthEast United FC had a few narrow misses, FC Pune City had never been in the semi-final reckoning. With a couple of sixth-place finishes and a seventh place finish, they had the worst record for a team in the Hero ISL.

But all that would change in the new season, one which was longer with the inclusion of two new teams. Pune showed intent right from the transfer window leading up to the season. They acquired the services of last season’s Golden Boot winner Marcelinho as well as Highlanders’ top scorer from Hero ISL 2016, Emiliano Alfaro. The South American duo has been pivotal for their team’s success as they netted 17 times amongst themselves from their team’s tally of 30 goals. A new coach in the form of Serbian Ranko Popovic has brought in much-needed dynamism to the squad with the Stallions netting the third-highest number of goals this season (30) while conceding the fourth-least (21). A look then at how the season progressed for Pune.

An underwhelming start

The Stallions did not have the ideal start to their campaign while playing the opening match at home against Delhi Dynamos FC. They conceded three goals in under 20 minutes in the second half, and although they managed to pull two back after a spirited performance, Pune slumped to a 3 – 2 defeat. At this stage one could be forgiven for wondering if the signs were ominous.

An immediate response

Pune, however, didn’t dwell for too long on that defeat and got their campaign on track with five victories in their next seven matches. That run included a 4 – 1 win over ATK at Kolkata, while they also registered their biggest victory in league history when they thumped NorthEast United 5 – 0. Marcelinho bagged his second hat-trick in Hero ISL in that fixture as Pune stabilized a top four position. Indian youngster Ashique Kuruniyan also grabbed his first ever goal in that match and became one of the youngest scorers in the league.

Strengthening their top four credentials

The Stallions’ eventual top four finish though can be credited to their consistent run of form in midseason. After a minor blip that saw them draw with Kerala Blasters FC and lose to Chennaiyin FC on the back of their big win against NorthEast, the Stallions went on another run of good form as they notched up four victories from five fixtures. This run of results saw them get the better of local rivals Mumbai City FC as well as ATK, which added to Pune’s reputation of being the bogey team for Hero ISL’s most successful club.

A stuttering finish

Pune, in fact, must be grateful for their midseason form considering they managed only two points from their last three fixtures, which included a 4 – 0 humbling at the hands of free-scoring FC Goa. However, with results elsewhere going in their favour, it meant that their lacklustre finish didn’t affect them gravely as they secured fourth spot. The fourth place finish in turn has set up a semi-final date with table-toppers Bengaluru against whom Pune need to produce their best if they are to stand a chance of making the final.

Key records achieved in the league phase

Some of the statistics that distinguish them from the rest of teams in the league are as follows:

• There were four occasions when they registered back-to-back victories
• Their nine wins in the league phase is only bettered by Bengaluru FC (13)
• They also have the second-least number of draws this season (3)
• They have two players in the top 10 in the goal-scoring chart. Emiliano Alfaro with his nine goals is the sixth highest scorer so far, followed by teammate Marcelinho with eight goals at seventh place

FC Pune City will face Bengaluru FC in the semi-final over two legs as they target their first Hero ISL final. Catch both the teams in action on 7th and 11th March 2018, to find out which club cements a final berth.