Mumbai City FC's winning run in the Hero Indian Super League will be seriously challenged by former champions Atletico de Kolkata in an interesting third round clash at Mumbai Football Arena here tomorrow.
Mumbai City FC won their first two matches without conceding a goal, and although both victories were achieved by a single goal, coach Alexandre Guimaraes should be pleased with the clean sheets. Atletico de Kolkata are also unbeaten. Having drawn the opening game against Chennaiyin FC, the former champions bounced back in style to put it across Kerala Blasters.
"We are all quite pleased with the start to the season. It's a totally different feeling that the team and fans have. The echo from the other teams is also different; they are thinking this is going to be a different season for Mumbai City. It's good but we know that we have just started. In such a league, you have to stay alert. There is not much time to celebrate or cry. You have to be competitive always," said the Costa Rican coach who has made fans believe in the team again.
There will not be any easy games in the ISL as the difference between all teams is minimal. With two victories under his belt, Guimaraes will be bristling with confidence but knows that Atletico de Kolkata will provide them with the toughest challenge.
The visitors were full of praise for the league's pace-setters with coach Jose Molina insisting that the clash between the two teams with similar playing styles should be an interesting one.
"We know we are here to play against a strong team. They played two matches, won both, six points and two clean sheets. That's a very good beginning for Mumbai. We want to play our game (against Mumbai). We have similar styles and it will be an interesting match," said Molina.
Mumbai City marquee Diego Forlan played crucial role in both wins for his team. The former Uruguay striker and Mumbai City marquee created the only goal of the match in their opening clash against FC Pune City and then scored a second-half penalty in the next clash against NorthEast United. Atletico de Kolkata, however, have not drawn up any special plans for the star striker.
"There is no special plan (for Diego Forlan). I don't like to focus on one player. I think they have good players in attack, midfield and defence. I like my team defending as a team, together, and against a team, not one or two players. We know how to defend," said Molina.
Mumbai City FC shares top position on the points table along with NorthEast United at 6 points each. On other hand ATK and Delhi Dynamos are at 4 points each in second position on points table. A victory for either of the team - Mumbai City or ATK - will take them to the top of the table.
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The ATK captain's clever cross was flicked by a Ralte header that looped into top right corner as Mumbai goalkeeper Amrinder fumbled and the ball went in.
Soon it was Forlan who made the difference with his two freekicks resulting in Mumbai's two goals in nine minutes that helped them snatch a 2-1 lead within 19 minutes. The ATK surge was cut short much to the dismay of the home crowd.
ATK defence was caught napping from a Forlan free-kick that floated inside the box and India captain Sunil Chhetri header found Costa.
The Brazilian's launched a solid right footer that nestled into the far post with ATK's veteran goalkeeper looking clueless to make it 1-1.
Vieira got on the other end of a brilliant curling Forlan free kick and attacked from the close range as ATK's defence started to pale in comparison.
Things heated up a lot here and the referee flashed the yellow card more than once in the space of a few minutes -- to Lalrindika Ralte (23rd) and L'aihsanga Ralte (31st)
Soon, ATK seized the momentum with Mumbai struggling for possession that saw Hume bring the match on 2-all with Doutie setting him up brilliantly.
Helder Postiga made his way through the centre and a foul from Ralte saw Atletico win a penalty in the dying minutes of the first-half and Hume was bang on target deceiving Amrinder with ease from his 45+2nd minute spotkick.
Known for his defensive tactics, ATK coach Jose Molina earlier surprised with his line-up that had no Debjit Majumder who sat out for second successive match in a row as Mallo stood under the bar.
ATK also did not have first team regulars Abinash Ruidas, Javier Lara, Stephen Pearson and Pritam Kotal, in a weak defensive line-up that was evident when they conceded back to back goals in 10 minutes.
