Xtra Time Web Desk: Mohun Bagan Super Giant climbed on the top of the points table with an emphatic 3-1 victory against East Bengal FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in the second Kolkata Derby of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-23 on Sunday. Jason Cummings (27′), Liston Colaco (36′), and Dimitrios Petratos(45+3′) scored for the Mariners while Saul Crespo(53′) was on target for the Red and Golds.
Antonio Lopez Habas’ side dictated the game right from the start, although they faced defensive resistance from East Bengal, who held a high defensive line. East Bengal squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead after Cleiton Silva missed a penalty in the 13th minute. Vishal Kaith’s resilient goalkeeping thwarted the shot from Silva after the Brazilian was fouled inside the box. Kaith’s full-stretched dive to the left denied Silva the opportunity to put Red and Golds in the lead.
Just before the half-hour mark, Mohun Bagan’s persistent attack bore fruit. Dimitri Petratos fired a low pile driver towards the far corner, prompting Prabhsukhan Gill to push the ball into the path of Jason Cummins, who found the back of the net, giving the Mariners the lead.
The relentless assault continued, leading to another goal as Liston Colaco skillfully capitalized on a Petratos pass, extending Mohun Bagan’s advantage. Petratos himself got on the scoresheet, capitalizing on a clever through ball from Sahal, exploiting the left flank due to Lalchungnunga’s injury.
Entering the second half with equal intensity, Mohun Bagan maintained their attacking stance. Despite a denied penalty claim for Jason Cummins, the Mariners persisted, with Gill’s diving save preventing further setbacks for East Bengal.
East Bengal managed to pull one back in the 52nd minute, courtesy of Saul Crespo’s first ISL goal. Cleiton Silva’s lofted ball found Crespo, who skillfully navigated Subhasish Bose and unleashed a stunning shot, narrowing the deficit. Although East Bengal launched a flurry of attacks, Mohun Bagan stood firm, weathering the storm and securing a well-deserved victory in the Kolkata Derby.