ATK Defeat Mumbai City 3-2 In 1st Leg Of Semi-final

Atletico de Kolkata defeated Mumbai City 3-2 on Saturday at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, in the first leg of the Hero Indian Super League semi-final tie.

It was Kolkata’s second time in the semi-finals but for Mumbai, who have been on top form during the league stages, it was their first.

The action packed first half saw celebrations, cards, drama, suspense and a scoreline of 3-2 which stuck throughout the remainder of the game.

ATK took the lead in the 3rd minute through impressive midfielder Mizoram Lalrindika Ralte. Leo Costa equalised for Mumbai in the 10th minute, while Gerson Vieira gave put them ahead 9 minutes later after taking advantage of Diego Forlan’s freekick.

Ian Hulme then went on to score a brace with goals in the 39th minute and extra time in the first half after ATK were awarded a penalty in the dying moments, thus securing all 3 points for for his side.

After their win, Atletico de Kolkata’s marquee player Helder Postiga spoke of how he hoped his team mates would stay grounded

“It is very important to control our emotions. The most important thing is to focus on the next match (the second leg of play-off in Mumbai),” Postiga said, a sentiment echoed by Spanish coach Jose Molino.

“We played with passion against a big team like Mumbai but we have to forget the result and go the next match with the proper focus,” he added.

Speaking after the match, ATK’s Spanish coach Jose Molina was full of praise for his side.

“They (Mumbai) came into the match with eight clean sheets and scoring three goals against them, I think we did a great job.

“We did a great job in attack against Mumbai, but we have a long road ahead and need to play with the same intensity in Mumbai,” the coach added.