Mumbai City FC triumph 1-0 in Maharashtra Derby

Mumbai City FC edged past local rivals FC Pune City to win the Maharashtra derby with the final scorecard reading 1-0. In the absence of key players like Indian ace forward Sunil Chhetri and Argentine Gaston Sangoy, it was supposed to be a tough game for Mumbai. The match got off to a slow start with neither side being able to find the back of the net before the referee blew the whistle for half time. 

There were a few chances created by both the sides as the first half progressed, with the likes of the Japanese Midfielder Arata Izumi trying to turn the tide in the Home team’s favor during the opening minutes of the game with a weak header. Mumbai retaliated, with Ralte delivering a teasing cross into the box, much to the delight of Mumbai fans. There was some fine display of skill by the Brazilian Keeper, Roberto Netto, as he disposed of a one-to-one threat by Pune’s winger Gustavo Oberman. Diego Forlan proved his worth, as Mumbai city’s Marquee signing for this year brought the visitors within inches of gaining a lead with just seconds before halftime. The Uruguayan set himself up brilliantly but failed to deliver because of a failed first touch from Vadocz.

 The second half saw the match inch towards a draw with both the teams failing to score a first, But with less than half an hour left on the clock, it was Mumbai’s Matilas Defederico who gave the visitors the lead in the sixty ninth minute, off a brilliant assist from Forlan. Pune came back almost immediately with a brilliant shot from Tato, only to be blocked by Netto. Tato got another chance to settle scores but Roberto Netto persisted again. Pune failed to equalise and before they knew it the referee blew the full time whistle of the game. 

FT: #Maharashtra is Blue as we beat @FCPuneCity in the #MaharashtraDerby at the Balewadi Stadium! #BoleTohMCFC #PUNvMUM pic.twitter.com/HqX2w5kyPM

— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) October 3, 2016

With this win, Mumbai City finally leveled the playing fields with Pune as both the teams have now won two of their five encounters, with one resulting in a draw. Also, Mumbai clinched a crucial three point lead to establish themselves on the top of the table.