Internet Desk: Title dreams get another stumble for Sanjoy Sen’s Mohun Bagan, as the Green and Maroon brigade once again dropped two vital points and left the stadium with a 0-0 draw against defending champions Bengaluru FC in a dramatic contest at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium today at Bengaluru. The Mariners got another blow as they will miss their regular left fullback Subhasish Bose against arch rivals Kingfisher East Bengal in their next game for a red card against the Blues.
Both the teams started the game in a positive fashion as both the coaches tried their best to get an early goal. It was the home side who got the first chance to score as Sunil Chhetri’s free kick from the edge of the box went just over the bar in the 9th minute.
Mohun Bagan got a superb opportunity in the 28th minute when Katsumi Yusa’s immaculate free kick was brilliantly headed by Balwant, but BFC custodian Arindam Bhattacharya made a magnificent save to prevent the goal. In the 34th minute, the Mariners got another fine chance as Sony Norde found a free Pritam Kotal on the right of the penalty box, but his shot went just wide.
In the 40th minute, Bengaluru FC got their best opportunity of the first half when Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s excellent effort needed a great save by Shilton Paul. But Darryl Duffy immediately tested the BFC goalkeeper on the opposite end in the 44th minute with a thumping right footer, which needed a sublime save by Arindam.
Mohun Bagan defense was under serious pressure right through the second half, and specially after left full back Subhasish Bose was red carded by the referee after getting the second yellow in the 68th minute.
Bengaluru came perilously close to score their opening goal when Sunil Chhetri’s superb left footed attempt ended up side-netting in the 73rd minute.
A dramatic condition happened when a Mohun Bagan goal was disallowed in the 82nd minute when Sehnaj was penalized for pushing the BFC goalkeeper. In the 89th minute BFC defender Juanan’s powerful long range effort went just over the bar.
Albert Roca’s men continued to put pressure on Sanjoy Sen’s defense but the Green and Maroon defense put up some desperation and courage to disappoint the Blues.
The draw would be a big blow for both the teams, especially for Mohun Bagan in their chase for the title as they now remained on the third spot with 23 points from 12 games.