Four teams in fray at thrilling climax

It’s the first match in parti cular that we can have regrets about. But it’s not finished, it will come. For the time being, it’s not happening but it will happen one day or another. — Adrien Rabiot PSG midfielder after their defeat in Champions League to Real Madrid

New Delhi: The I- League title race is down to the most dramatic final day in the competition’s history with as many as four contenders, across three matches, seeking a coronation to remember. The title looked wrapped up a few days ago but leaders Minerva Punjab’s shocking defeat to Chennai City once again left the race for the silverware tantalisingly poised. Minerva lead the pack with 33 points, even as East Bengal have slipped to fourth on 30 points behind Neroca FC ( 31) and Mohun Bagan ( 30). EB will count on home advantage against Neroca in their lastgasp bid to win the elusive trophy. On their part, Neroca, yet another surprise package form the North- east after Aizawl FC, have defied expectations to come this far. Minerva Punjab host Churchill Brothers in Panchkula and Bagan face Gokulam Kerala in Kozhikode. Permutations and combinations are certain to come into the picture. EB can lift their maiden I- League title if they manage to beat Neroca FC and hope that both Minerva and Bagan lose their respective games. But it’s advantage Minerva who need a win to seal the deal, failing which they will have to depend on favourable results from the other two matches.