Atletico de Kolkata salvaged a point against 10-man Mumbai City late in the game just when it looked like Matias Defederico's strike would end up giving the hosts three points at the Andheri Sports Complex. A persistent Kolkata were rewarded through an excellent strike from a distance by Javi Lara as the match finished 1-1.

The biggest surprise before the start of kick-off was Mumbai leaving out marquee player Diego Forlan from the lineup. The Uruguayan legend didn't find a place on the bench and watched the game from the stands.

Forlan's absence didn't affect Mumbai when they went forward in attack. The first opening of the game fell to Boithang Haokip, who rocked the bar in the 11th minute of the game after Leo Costa put him through on goal on the left with a beautifully threaded pass.

Defederico was a menacing presence with his clever runs and scored his second goal of the season. The Argentinian playmaker controlled a long ball, took a touch, and cut to his left before unleashing a fierce shot to net the opener.

Kolkata looked to find their way back in the contest but found it tough to beat the robust Mumbai defence. Juan Belencoso and Sameehg Doutie asked questions of the opposition back line, but their finishing left a lot to be desired. Doutie, in particular, was wasteful with his crosses.

In the 64th minute, Kolkata had a golden chance to equalise. Doutie missed a simple chance from two yards out, with the cross from Borja Fernandez hitting the South African's knee before going over the bar.

Just when it looked like Kolkata were running out of ideas, Mumbai were down to 10 men – Pronay Halder was handed a second yellow for a silly challenge on Borja from behind.

Spaces opened up for Kolkata and their salvation came in the form of Javi Lara's stunning strike 10 minutes from time. Despite getting a faint deflection from the diving Jackichand Singh's right boot, the shot was sweetly struck and gave Mumbai keeper Roberto Volpato no chance. Kolkata looked threatening in the final stages but Mumbai held on to settle for a point and provisionally sit on top of the table.

Brief score

Mumbai City FC 1 (Matias Defederico) draw with Atletico de Kolkata 1 (Javi Lara)