ISL: Forlan scores as Mumbai beats Kolkata 1-0

Mumbai stunned everyone by scoring against the run of play. Norde skilfully dribbled from the left and crossed it on to an unmarked Forlan at goalmouth to complete the formalities in the 79th minute.

Diego Forlan's 79th minute strike propelled Mumbai City FC to break its lean patch and record a 1-0 win over Atletico de Kolkata.

Star forward Diego Forlan's 79th minute strike propelled Mumbai City FC to break its lean patch and record a 1-0 win over Atletico de Kolkata in the Indian Super League at the Rabindra Sarbar Stadium here on Tuesday.

Mumbai's third win helped it reach top of the table with 11 points from seven matches. In front of more than 12000 spectators, ATK began positively to have better control and relied on the combination of Sameegh Doutie and Iain Hume to put the Mumbai defence under pressure.

Javier Lara also provided support in feeding Doutie but the Mumbai back line, headed by the ever alert Lucian Goian, foiled the moves through timely clearances and robust tackling.

In the 23rd minute Hume passed it on to Doutie and the South African slipped before regaining control and earning a free-kick. Lara's kick returned from the wall and his second attempt flew inches above the crossbar.

Mumbai, led by its famous Uruguayan forward Diego Forlan, replied with some dangerous forays and Sony Norde hung around sprightly around the ATK box to have a few shots at the home goal.

Mumbai came very close to taking the lead in the 33rd minute when Norde's powerful right-footer off a Ralte cross from the left was brilliantly palmed away by a jumping ATK custodian Debjit Majumder.

After the change of ends, ATK immediately stepped up attack. Bidyananda Singh, replacing Abinash Ruidas, sent in a precise cross from left but Hume's leap did not help him head it in. Mumbai had a brief hold on the match but Norde, following a deceptive move, shot wide.

ATK benefited from Borja Fernandez's good distribution and maintained its presence in the opposition half. Hume's exceptional pass from left had nearly produced a goal with Mumbai goalkeeper missing it out. But Lucian's sliding clearance prevented Doutie from making the damage.

Hume continued to torment the Mumbai defence, heavily guarded by Lucian and his Hungarian colleague Krisztian Vadcocz.

However, Mumbai stunned everyone by scoring against the run of play. Flashing his orange boots, Norde skilfully dribbled from the left and crossed it on to an unmarked Forlan at goalmouth to complete the formalities. ATK's late charges could not bring the equaliser.