ISL 2015: Mumbai City FC vs Atletico de Kolkata, Match 27

"I think we lost the game in the first half and not the second".

Nicolas Anelka is satisfied with his team and in a position to eye a semifinal finish for Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League.

ATK coach Antonio Lopez Habas instructing his players from the sidelines of the ground.

Hume, who was injured in the previous game against Delhi Dynamos at home, exhibited superb anticipation and opportunism to apply finishing touches to the passes that came his way in the 34th and 81st minutes and in between also slotted in a penalty kick just before half time to star in the match and help Atletico return to winning ways after three consecutive defeats.

His play has also ensured that the others around him have stepped up their game and the likes of Sony Norde have created excellent chances and provided assists for Chettri.

Four minutes later a brilliant move orchestrated by Sunil Chhetri and Anelka saw Mumbai medio Juan Aguilera in possession of the ball. Canadian striker Iain Hume scored a hat-trick while Jewel Raja chipped in with a goal to seal third win of the season for the defending champions. Moments later, Aguilera free-kick nearly found Anelka but angle was too narrow to score.

The game soon turned into a midfield battle as neither of the sides was able to keep the ball for long enough to fashion out clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities.

"I'm waiting for Postiga and he is coming in the next 10 days to Kolkata".

Before the break Hume scored from the spot to put his side 2-0 up after clumsy challenge from Subash Singh on Jaime Gavilan inside the box. They went for broke with a triple substitution - Rowilson, Piquionne and Benachour replaced O'Dea, Bertin and Subhash as they desperately tried to claw their way back into the game. Anelka should have ideally brightened the play for Mumbai, but he added to the confusion.

Lester Fernandez made it 3-1 before Hume completed his hat trick with eight minutes of the game remaining. Kolkata, having already played five away games at the half-way stage of the season, must now show get a few positive results at home in order to qualify for the semi-finals.