Atletico de Kolkata were in imperious form at the Salt Lake Stadium, dishing out a 4-1 thumping of FC Pune City, and in the process becoming the first team this season to book a place in the semi-finals.
Pune's misery started as early as the ninth minute when they let Arata Izumi clean through on the left flank. Izumi cleverly drew the keeper and laid it off for Hume who scored easily into an empty net. The rest of the half was largely uneventful, except for Pune's marquee player Adrian Mutu looking dangerous once in a while.
Unfortunately for them, Kolkata extended their lead just after half-time in the 48th minute with Hume scoring again. Pune pressed forward desperately but to no avail, with Hume completing his hat-trick in the 83rd minute.
Mutu had had enough by then. He danced past the Kolkata defence to get a consolation goal, but even then Pune did not have the final laugh. That went to Kolkata's Dejan Lekic who calmly ran from the halfway line and put the ball into the back of the net.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!