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Mumbai City FC failed in their bid to qualify for their first ever Indian Super League final after a goalless draw at the Mumbai Football Arena against Atletico de Kolkata meant that ATK have instead reached the final of ISL-3.
Mumbai City had the first chance of the night, but India captain Sunil Chhetri alone one on one with Debjit Majumder failed to beat the keeper. A lot of the action was in midfield with both set of defences standing strong, but just before the break Atletico de Kolkata were reduced to 10 men, when left back Robert Lalthlamuana fouled Matias Defederico for a second time and received his marching orders. At the break it was goalless.
Within the first minute after the restart, Sony Norde’s attempt just went wide to show Mumbai City’s intent to score, but the longer the second half lasted the better the chances were for the 10 men Atletico de Kolkata.
First Javi Lara beat Sena Ralte on the right, but his cross was not met by striker Juan Belencoso, then his free kick was put wide by Stephen Pearson. Towards the end Mumbai City became desperate to get the goal, which would have send the match into extra time, but it wasn’t to be as the game ended goalless.
This meant that Atletico de Kolkata will play their second Indian Super League final in three editions on Sunday in Kochi.
Match Awards
Club award: Mumbai City FC/Atletico de Kolkata
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Borja Fernandez (Atletico de Kolkata)
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Lucian Goian
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Debjit Majumder (Atletico de Kolkata)
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Pritam Kotal (Atletico de Kolkata)
Hero of the Match: Javi Lara (Atletico de Kolkata)
