ISL: Mumbai pip Atletico de Kolkata 2-1

Mumbai, Dec 7 (IANS) Former Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Friedrich headed home a late winner as Mumbai City FC pipped Atletico De Kolkata (ATK) 2-1 in an Indian Super League match here Sunday.

Mumbai went into the lead in the 40th minute through a left footed finish by medio Lalrindika Ralte - more popularly known as Didika - but ATK striker Baljit Sahni restored party at the hour mark. But it was the German international Friedrich who sealed the deal for the home side at the D.Y. Patil Stadium.

After 13 ties each, Atletico are still clinging on to the third spot with 18 points. Mumbai City FC have logged 15 points to occupy the 7th position on the league table above wooden spooners Northeast United Football Club (NUFC).

A victory in their final league encounter against FC Goa would ensure a last four berth for Atletico, while a draw or a loss would open up a host of possibilities.

Mumbai, who wrap up their round robin challenge against NUFC, are also technically still in with a chance to enter the semis, but their going looks far from smooth. 

The first half of the game was controlled by the home team, while the visitors showed more zeal post breather.

Mumbai were greatly served by the crisp passing and swift movement of their Czech medio Czech Stohanzl and marquee player Frenchman Nicholas Anelka.

Five minutes from half-time, Swiss Tiago Ribeiro ran past the ATK defenders into the box, and laid it into the path of an onrushing Didika - later adjudged the hero of the match - who placed the ball in the net, past rival goalkeeper Edel Bete.

Atletico came flying off the ranks after the breather with an inspired substitution from coach Antonio Habas when striker Sahni was brought in place of Rakesh Masih.

Atletico reaped their reward at the hour mark, when a well worked free kick from skipper and Spaniard Luis Garcia caught the Mumbai City defence napping, and Borja Fernandez's shot was turned into the net by substitute Sahni.

At the 70-minute mark, ATK's Spaniard left back Josemi struck at fierce free-kick from about 30 yards, which was palmed onto the post by Mumbai City's custodian Subrata Paul.

Five minutes later, Atletico's defence was split open again, when Friedrich's unmarked header found the back of the net.

Atletico tried hard, but could not get the perfect strike that they needed. Commotion followed when Spaniard Arnal Llibert found the back of the net for ATK but he was flagged offside by the linesman.