Mumbai City FC
Robert Volpato Neto – 8/10
The Brazilian did well whenever he was tested, and was vocal throughout the match helping his defenders with their positioning. Made a crucial one on one save to deny Gustavo Oberman in the first half, and another to block a Tato shot in the second.
Aiborlang Khongjee – 6.5/10
Khongjee delivered a solid performance at right back, though he looked nervous in his passing on a couple of occasions. Did not venture forward as much as his left back Sena Ralte and eventually got the job done at the back.
Anwar Ali – 8/10
A rock at the back, the former Delhi Dynamos defender looks like he’s in the best shape of his career. Sniffed out any danger from midfield and the flanks, and looked assured overall.
Lucian Goian - 6.5/10
The Romanian earned a needless yellow and looked a little caught out in his first match for Mumbai City FC. Will probably grow as the tournament progresses, but was lucky to have Anwar partnering him at centre back to cover for him on a couple of occasions.
Sena Ralte – 8/10
Barring an error in the first half where he needlessly gave away a corner, Ralte delivered the complete full back performance, excellent in his positional sense while defending and dangerous going forward, he gave the Pune right back Rahul Bheke a horrible time.
Krisztian Vadocz – 7/10
Vadocz delivered an underrated, calm performance in midfield. His passes were precise and he sped up play at the first opportunity.
Pronay Halder – 5.5/10
Delivered an inconsistent performance for his team in midfield. More was expected from the Indian international, as he could never find his range in passing and gave the ball away on a number of occasions. Was lucky to have Vadocz by his side.
Sehnaj Singh – 7/10
The Indian youngster who played at right back for Delhi Dynamos in previous seasons did well in a more advanced role on the right wing for Mumbai. Was calm on the ball and always released it in time.
Leo Costa – 7/10
Costa used his body well and had an interesting battle going on in midfield with Jonathan Lucca, in which he came out on top the majority of the time. Was Mumbai’s chief creative spark once Matias Defederico was taken off.
Diego Forlan - 6.5/10
The Uruguayan legend was economical in his running and looked isolated up front for Mumbai for large parts of the game. However, he provided the crucial touch for Defederico to slot the ball into the net, and that’s what made the difference in the end. Also lacked service for large parts of the match.
Matias Defederico – 8.5/10
Easily the best player on the pitch tonight, Defederico looked a class act with his dribbling in tight places while cutting in from the wings. Scored a brilliant goal from outside the box, and deservedly earned his rest in the 72nd minute when he was substituted for Cafu.
Substitutes
Otacilio Brito Alves (Cafu) – 6/10
Cafu came on for Matias Federico in the 73rd minute. Provided good energy going forward and had a couple of shots on target.
Gerson – N/A
Gerson came on for Diego Forlan in the 83rd minute.
Jackichand Singh – N/A
Jackichand Singh came on for Leo Costa in the 90th minute and provided a couple of sparks, but nothing to write home about.
