Uruguayan star Diego Forlan stamped his class on proceedings with his maiden hat-trick in the Indian Super League on Saturday. Mumbai City FC climbed to the top of the table with a dominating 5-0 victory over the Kerala Blasters.
Forlan, who joined the club this season, was at his impressive best. He made his presence felt as early as the fifth minute as Matías Defederico stole the ball in midfield and played it forward for the Uruguayan who made a darting run. A great first touch helped him get ahead of his marker. He coolly slotted away the ball with his second touch past the keeper to find the back of the net.
He did not have to wait long to get his second goal. Kerala handed Mumbai a free-kick close to the penalty box. The skipper stepped up to take it and curled it over the wall and into the top left corner.
Forlan, 37, continued to lead the way as Mumbai formed wave after wave of attacks. He brought up the season’s first hat-trick in the 63rd minute as a mis-pass from Kerala saw Mumbai send it into the box where a waiting Otacilio Brito Alves side footed it into the path of Forlan, who finished it through the keeper’s legs with his left foot.
Mumbai City completed the romp with goals from Soni Norde and Lucian Goian in the 68th and 73rd minute respectively.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai City FC 5 (Diego Forlan X 3, Soni Norde, Lucian Goian) beat Kerala Blasters 0