Diego Forlan looked slightly lost on his Indian Super League debut, but there was one moment of absolute genius that gave his Mumbai City side a vital 1-0 win over neighbours Pune City in their first match of the season.

In the absence of Sunil Chhetri, Forlan was left begging for quality service, playing as the lone man on top in what was a resolute formation chosen by new manager Alexandre Guimaraes. It was home side Pune who seemed the meaner of the two sides before Forlan decided to deftly flick a pass into the path of Matty Defederico who drilled it past Edel Bete.

And while Forlan was obviously involved in threading the play up front, it was the nonchalance of the touch, and the ease with which he executed it that screamed of class. After all, this is someone who was voted the World Cup’s (2010) best player and has finished top-scorer of the La Liga twice in his career. 

As soon as the cross from deep came in, Forlan, who had taken a slight look behind him as the ball travelled towards his feet, used the outside of his boot to cushion it for fellow South American Defederico in what was the moment of an otherwise pedestrian match.

“It’s not been a great match but the play has been passionate and honest,” the commentators said, summing up the proceedings.

In fact, the Forlan-Defederico moment was one of only few that managed to get people off their seats at The Balewadi. Yes, there was a crackling pass from Arata Izumi and another one from Narayan Das, both into the path of Gustavo Oberman – but Pune failed to make Mumbai pay for their mistakes and Antonio Habas, who won the ISL in the first season with Atletico de Kolkata, was left fuming in the stands (he is serving a four-match suspension).

However, these are early stages. Mumbai and Pune are both missing their most influential Indians. Chhetri and Eugeneson Lyngdoh are preparing hard for Bengaluru’s FC’s AFC Cup semifinal second leg against Johor – and when they return, the likes of Forlan and Oberman will have better players around them. Mohamed Sissoko will also be available for Pune.

Until then, Mumbai City fans will be pleased that their marquee player was involved in their first goal of ISL 2016. He may not have scored it, but boy did he create it in style.

More of the same please.