ISL 2016: Mumbai City FC Beat Atletico de Kolkata With Thierry Henry in Attendance

Star Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan struck a late goal as Mumbai City FC snapped Atletico de Kolkata's unbeaten run with a 1-0 victory and jumped to the top spot in the Indian Super League football here on Tuesday.

Mumbai captain and marquee player Forlan, a former Atletico Madrid and Villareal star with more than 100 caps for his country, scored the all-important goal in the 85th minute to help his side record their third win in seven matches.

With this win at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Mumbai jumped three places to be at the top spot of ISL table with 11 points from three wins, two losses and two draws, pushing NorthEast United to the second position. NorthEast have 10 points from six matches.

This was Forlan's second goal in the tournament after he scored from the spot in Mumbai's 1-0 win against NorthEast at home on October 7.

For ATK, it was their first loss in six matches and they are now on third spot with nine points from two wins, three draws and one loss.

The first half was a very entertaining end-to-end contest but neither team was successful to get the goal. Mumbai had a wonderful chance to take the lead in the 33rd minute but ATK goalkeeper Debjit Majumder made a vital save as he palmed over a ferocious shot by Sony Norde.

The home side started the second half brightly by introducing Bidyananda Singh, who whipped in some dangerous crosses in. After that, both the teams settled down and the match looked heading for a stalemate.

But then came the game changing moment in the 85th minute when 37-year-old Forlan put in Norde's deflected shot-cum-cross into the back of the ATK net. This was Forlan's first goal from an open play.

ATK got a chance at the very end when they earned a free kick at the edge of the Mumbai box. Javier Lara took it and his powerful shot was on target but only to see Mumbai keeper Albino Gomes making a diving save.

Thierry Henry steals show

Mecca of Indian Football, Kolkata had a date with French football superstar Thierry Henry as he enthralled the crowd here at Rabindra Sarovar stadium by lighting the lamp at Atletico de Kolkata's home game against Mumbai City FC.

Along with ISL chairperson Nita Ambani and ATK co-owner Sanjeev Goenka, Henry was the special guest.

Thierry Henry was the star attraction as Mumbai City FC edged past Atletico de Kolkata.
Photo Credit: ISL

Wearing a black t-shirt, grey jeans and black sneakers, the 39-year-old France 1998 World Cup winner was all smiles as he walked around the centre of the pitch flanked by organisers of the Indian Super League.

The stadium roared in unison as the announcer spelt out his name for the first time as Henry walked into the ground waving to his fans.

The stadium roared "Henry Henry" as he waved to the crowds.

Just before the start of the game Henry shook hands with players of both the teams but sat glued to the proceedings on turf.

At lemon break, Henry was seen with ATK co-owner and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly on the pitch. Goenka along with Ganguly felicitated Henry with a tri-colour scarf.

Henry, Ambani and Ganguly posed for a selfie moments later.

"He will watch the entire match and will also interact with the players ahead of the playing of national anthem and sign off by attending the prize distribution ceremony," an official said.

ISL Chairperson Nita Ambani will also join Henry who will head to Mumbai the next day wrapping his one-day visit to the city.

In Mumbai, Henry will attend a friendly match among Arsenal Football School and Reliance Foundation Young Champ in the afternoon.