A weakened Mumbai City FC scraped through with a 1-0 win in their Indian Super League opener against FC Pune City in hard-fought Maharashtra derby. Mumbai, who have been poor away from home in previous seasons, were solid at the back and scored deep in the second half through the diminutive Argentinian, Matias Defederico.
Mumbai failed to create chances in the early exchanges of the game as the Pune side held their shape, and there was very little space for Diego Forlan and co. to manoeuvre. Outside the 'D', it was Pune who looked composed in possession and predictably, got the first clear-cut chance of the game.
Gustavo Oberman made a smart run through the middle but veteran goalkeeper Roberto Volpato came off his line to block the shot. There were very few chances for either side as the clock signalled the end of the first half.
With players tiring out, the game opened up in the second period. Forlan, whose induction into Indian football had looked laboured till that point, was frequently getting involved in Mumbai's attacks.
Mumbai threatened in front of goal around the hour mark, and made one such attack count as Sehnaj Singh and Forlan set up Defederico, who smashed a low left-foot shot beyond Pune goalkeeper, Apoula Edel.
A stunned Pune poured forward and should have done better from a 2 vs 1 situation, 10 minutes from time as Pranoy Halder and Jesus Tato made a mess of it. Jackichand Singh almost doubled the lead after coming on with a terrific run from the left-wing. Mumbai's defense held on to get three points on the board in what was their third consecutive away opener in the ISL.
Brief scores:
FC Pune City 0 lose to Mumbai City FC 1 (Matias Defederico)