Mumbai City FC shrugged off their indifferent form to edge past Atletico de Kolkata 1-0 at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, and climb to the top of the Indian Super League table through a scrappy Diego Forlan goal. Neither side threatened the goal for most of the game, which had Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry in attendance.
Mumbai made an encouraging start to the game, pegging Kolkata back in their own half for the first quarter of the game. It was the home side who had the first clear-cut chance as Javi Lara's second attempt from a free-kick went inches over the bar.
However, that chance failed to get the Kolkata forwards going and their best moment in the first half came from goalkeeper Debjit Majumder making a brilliant save to stop Sony Norde. Both sides made changes in the second half as they tried to infuse life into the game.
Kolkata came out looking better and a good part of it was down to substitute and Manipuri youngster Bidyananda Singh, who was a bundle of energy on the flanks. However, the ball continued to be bogged down in the middle of the park, and there was a lack of finesse on display from both sets of forwards.
With 10 minutes to go, Forlan, who was once again subdued, came alive and smashed the the winner from Norde's deflected cross from the left. Lucian Goain and co. didn't allow a lot to get past them but it was Mumbai keeper Albino Gomes who emerged as their hero in the final exchanges, pulling off excellent saves from Iain Hume and Lara.
Brief scores:
Atletico de Kolkata 0 lose to Mumbai City FC 1 (Diego Forlan)