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Iain Hume struck twice as former champions Atletico de Kolkata rallied to edge past Mumbai City FC 3-2 in the first leg of the Indian Super League semi-finals, in Kolkata on Saturday.
There were goals, celebrations, cards, drama and suspense all rolled into an action-packed first half which the home side led 3-2 that eventually became the final scoreline with ATK travelling to Mumbai with a goal advantage for the second leg on Tuesday.
Twenty-four-year-old impressive midfielder from Mizoram Lalrindika Ralte (3rd) gave ATK a spectacular lead in front of a 12,500 capacity crowd but their joy was short-lived as they conceded successive goals in nine minutes.
Leo Costa (10th) and Gerson Vieira (19th) made full use of a Diego Forlan freekick as Mumbai in their maiden semifinal appearance bounced back in style.
But Hume derailed all their plans with a double strike in the 39th and 45+2nd minute as ATK's never say die attitude finally paid off.
There was more misery in store for Mumbai who were reduced to 10 players with none other than their Uruguayan superstar Forlan sent off in the 74th minute.
Having shown a yellow in the 51st minute, Forlan had to leave the field when referee Dilan Perera showed him a second with his malicious attack on Jewel Raja.
The 2010 World Cup hero tried to break from the left and had the ball taken from him by Raja and in frustration Forlan just kicked him, ending his semi-final campaign as Mumbai will miss him sorely in their home leg on December 13.
This was ATK's only second win at home this season but it came at the biggest stage to make them favourites to reach the final for a second time after 2014.
ATK thus made up for their unflattering outing at home as they had only one win and five draws and one loss at the league stage this season.
After Forlan was sent off Postiga scored in the 78th minute but only to be shown the offside flag.
Hume almost brought up his hattrick but his effort misses the far post in the 90+4th minute.
Image: Atletico de Kolkata's Iain Hume celebrates his goal against Mumbai City FC during their ISL first leg semi-finals in Kolkata on Saturday
Photograph: ISL