Kolkata: Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) took a slender 3-2 advantage in their semi-final game against a 10-man Mumbai City FC, as Diego Forlan saw red at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium, in Kolkata, on Saturday.
ATK’s star striker Iain Hume churned out yet another brilliant performance, as he scored twice, and set up another goal, to help his side gain the one-goal-advantage, in a fast-paced match, that saw all the goals being scored in the first half.
The match got off to a lively start early on, as ATK winger Lalrindika Ralte put the home side ahead on the third minute.
ATK striker Iain Hume checked in from the left flank and fired in a flat shot from the edge of the box.
Ralte, who was in the way of the shot, managed to flick a looping header with the top of his head; that took all the Mumbai defenders and goalkeeper Amrinder Singh out of the equation, as the ball looped over everyone and sailed into the goal.
Buoyed by the early goal, ATK looked to dominate the proceedings early on. Hume looked his usual lively self, as he combined with Sameehg Doutie to torment the visiting defence.
However, Mumbai completely turned the match on its head, when Forlan lobbed in a dangerous looking free kick into the ATK box. Kolkata’s failure to deal with the situation allowed Mumbai midfielder Leo Costa to latch on to the ball and fire a low shot into the bottom corner.
The visitors shot into the lead after scoring in almost a similar manner as the first goal.
Mumbai star striker Diego Forlan sent in yet another dangerous free kick from the right flank, as centreback Gerson Vieira climbed high to nod it in past ATK goalkeeper Daniel Castro.
Despite the two goals, ATK coach Jose Molina believes that his side dominated the game. He said, “We managed to score thrice against them. They didn’t make proper inroads into our box. I think that’s why Forlan was frustrated and made that tackle.”
The 2013 ISL champions found their way back into the tie, after Hume slotted in a Doutie lay-off.
The momentum of the game changed yet again, as Kolkata pressed forward, looking for a way to get their back their lead.
With just minutes left for the first half injury time to end, Kolkata got the perfect chance take the lead. Doutie latched onto an aerial through ball by captain Borja, and laid it off to Lalrindika Ralte, who was brought down by Lalhmangaihsanga inside the penalty area.
Hume converted the ensuing penalty, sending keeper Amrinder Singh the wrong way.
It was a game in which both the sides showed great intensity, battling hard against each other. Mumbai coach Alxandre Guimaraes believes that while most of the tackles were decent, it was the intensity that the players showed, that made them look dangerous.
“These kind of games are different. The way the players fight for the duels are different. For me, most of the tackles were normal. They were hard contact.
However, the game turned sour in the second half, after Mumbai marquee player and captain Diego Forlan got sent off for a second bookable offense after making a studs-up challenge on ATK midfielder Jewel Raja.
The Forlan sending off took some of the intensity away from the game, as Kolkata dominated the proceedings from then on. Coach Molina realized the importance of preserving their lead and brought on Javi Lara, to help his side keep hold of the ball.
ATK may be carrying a one-goal lead into the second leg, but they would be weary of a Mumbai side that has looked exceedingly dangerous, especially at home. The Kolkata outfit has not been solid at the back as previous seasons, and that is something that could be a bit of a worry for Molina. They have looked vulnerable especially against the set-pieces. When asked how he plans to prepare his team for Mumbai’s aerial threat, Molina seemed at a loss for words. He said that he does not have enough time to work on the set pieces with his team.
“They have tall players. It’s difficult to defend (set pieces) against them,” he said. “When the opponent is 10-15 centimetre taller than you, it’s difficult to defend. But I’m happy we did a good job.”
