ISL 2026-27: Erwin and Drazic Help Mohun Bagan Comeback Against Punjab FC In Kolkata
Things weren't so easy for the Kolkata side, initially. Bagan looked vulnerable defensively as Punjab executed their game plan in perfect fashion, especially in transition, troubling the hosts several times during the first quarter of the match.
Xtra Time Newsdesk: Mohun Bagan Super Giants came from behind to defeat Punjab FC 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday.The victory, which was their second successive home win, lifted the former champions to the top of the table with nine points from four games. Punjab suffered their first loss of the season and are stuck with seven points.
Things weren't so easy for the Kolkata side, initially. Bagan looked vulnerable defensively as Punjab executed their game plan in perfect fashion, especially in transition, troubling the hosts several times during the first quarter of the match. The visitors took the lead in the third minute when Spanish forward Alfredo Planas fired a right-footed shot from outside the area that beat goalkeeper Vishal Kaith and into the bottom right corner of Bagan's goal.
Bagan's defense struggled to contain Punjab's relentless attacks, with defenders Alberto Rodriguez and Rahul Beke sustaining bleeding injuries while on defensive duty. The hosts suffered an early setback when creative midfielder Sahar Abdul Samad was forced off with an injury in the 11th minute.
The Mariners gradually turned the tide, hitting twice and taking control of the game by the end of the opening period. Scottish forward Lee Erwin restored parity in the 18th minute, finishing with his left foot after being set up by Anirudh Thapa, who had replaced Sahal in the midfield. The home side moved ahead in the 42nd minute when Dejan Drazic’s right-footed effort from outside the box took a deflection off a defender before finding the back of the Punjab net.
Bagan continued to be without Australian Jamie McLaren, Brazilian Miguel Figueira, and Indian representative Laren Mawia Ralte (Apuia) due to injury. Their absence appeared to limit coach Panagiotis Dilmperis' options and put further pressure on the team's attacking plans. The second half saw a fierce exchange of attacks, with Punjab initially looking to get back into contention.
Vishal Kaith made some key moves to maintain Bagan's lead while denying the attempts of Planas and Cameroonian striker Rafael Messi Bouli. As the match progressed, the hosts increased the tempo and Dilmperis gained strength, creating several promising chances.
Irwin, Manvir Singh and substitute Liston Colaco had a few close calls, but Punjab goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh made a series of great saves to thwart their attacks time and time again. Bagan controlled the match and looked the more dominant team in the final stages. Given the number of chances created in the final 15 minutes, the home side could be considered unlucky not to have achieved a more convincing victory.
