ISL 2024-25: Mohun Bagan avenges first-leg defeat with hard-fought win over Bengaluru
Xtra Time Web Desk: A team with an 8-point lead over the second-placed side in the league table can often fall prey to complacency. Whether this was the case with José Molina’s Mohun Bagan side or not is hard to say, but after back-to-back draws, the Spanish head coach found the perfect formula for victory. Mohun Bagan Super Giant avenged their first-leg loss against Bengaluru FC with a 1-0 win at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday.
The matchday at Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) was nothing short of world-class. The Mariners Base Camp, Mohun Bagan Ultras, unveiled the world’s largest hand-painted tifo, setting a new global record. Meanwhile, the game’s lone goal by Liston Colaco was also of top-notch quality, though the overall gameplay left much to be desired.
Mohun Bagan started the match with an attacking lineup featuring Jamie Maclaren, Greg Stewart, Liston Colaco, and Manvir Singh. In defense, Dipendu Biswas replaced Ashish Rai at right-back.
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The first half saw both teams probing cautiously, trying to size up each other. Bengaluru managed to create a few early chances, but Sunil Chhetri and Edgar failed to convert. On the other hand, Mohun Bagan attempted counter-attacks whenever opportunities arose.
Australian World Cupper Jamie Maclaren, however, disappointed the fans with an underwhelming performance. The first half ended goalless at 0-0.
The second half turned into a tactical battle between Molina and Bengaluru's head coach Alberto Zaragoza. While Bengaluru's defense held strong in the first half, Mohun Bagan’s forwards struggled to capitalize on their chances in the second.
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The breakthrough came in the 73rd minute when substitutes Ashique Kuruniyan and Jason Cummings were preparing to enter the field. Greg Stewart and Liston Colaco combined brilliantly, and after a defensive header from Bengaluru’s Rahul Bheke sent the ball out of the box, Liston unleashed a stunning volley to find the back of the net. He was immediately substituted alongside Stewart after the goal.
Bengaluru pushed hard for an equalizer in the final 10 minutes, but Mohun Bagan's defense, led by Alberto Noguera and Subhasish Bose, stood firm. The 1-0 victory strengthened Mohun Bagan’s position at the top of the table, much to the delight of their fans.
