ISL 2016 | Hat-trick hero Forlan stars in Mumbai’s 5-0 win over Kerala

The big victory took Mumbai City to the top of the table with 19 points from 12 matches, leaving Kerala Blasters stuck to third spot with 15 points from 11 matches. Mumbai City have both their remaining matches at home and will feel confident that they can do enough against Chennaiyin FC and Delhi Dynamos to take them to the play-offs.On Saturday night, it was all about Forlan, who helped Mumbai City register their biggest win at home. The Uruguayan striker started his

On Saturday night, it was all about Forlan, who helped Mumbai City register their biggest win at home. The Uruguayan striker started his goal-rush in the fifth minute as he picked-up a lob from Defederico, beat the off-side trap, then sidestepped Sandesh Jhingan and coolly placed the ball past goalkeeper Graham Stack. Forlan had provided glimpses of his class all through the league but his goal in the 14th minute from a free-kick was worth high praise. Minutes after testing the goalkeeper with a long ranger, Forlan made it 2-0 as his curling free-kick from just outside the box found the top corner.

Forlan was immediately substituted for some much-needed rest but Mumbai City continued with their goal-scoring ways. Cafu scored a gem of a goal with his left-foot in the 69th minute after accepting a pass from Defederico and running his way past two defenders and then Goian completed the rout in 73rd minute as he jumped high and powerfully headed a corner kick from Defederico. The embarrassing defeat left Kerala Blasters in a precarious position and they will now need to win two of their last three matches against Pune City, Atletico de Kolkata and NorthEast United FC to be assured of qualification.