Bengaluru, March 14 (NationPress) In a thrilling encounter, Bengaluru FC managed to hold the formidable Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) to a goalless stalemate during Gameweek 5 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Although Mohun Bagan dominated possession and generated numerous scoring opportunities, Bengaluru FC delivered a strong defensive performance, becoming the first team this season to earn points against the Mariners. Mohun Bagan remains atop the standings with 13 points, while Bengaluru FC climbs to sixth place with eight points. Dimitri Petratos was honored as the Player of the Match.

Head coach Renedy Singh opted for an unchanged starting lineup following their victory against Mohammedan Sporting Club, with Sunil Chhetri leading the attack in a 4-3-3 formation. In contrast, Mohun Bagan's head coach Sergio Lobera made two alterations to his squad, introducing Tom Aldred in defense and Manvir Singh in midfield, while Jamie Maclaren took the lead in a 4-3-2-1 setup.

The match kicked off with high energy, as the Blues swiftly applied pressure. In the second minute, Ryan Williams forced Vishal Kaith into a low save after receiving a setup from right-back Roshan Singh.

Mohun Bagan quickly retaliated. In the eighth minute, Maclaren's shot from the left side of the box was expertly saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, while Dimitri Petratos narrowly missed the target from distance a minute later.

The Mariners gradually found their rhythm and began to command possession. Petratos had another attempt blocked in the 14th minute, while the Blues' right winger Ashique Kuruniyan tested the waters with a long-range effort that went off target.

Midfielder Liston Colaco also challenged Gurpreet from afar in the 18th minute, and Maclaren's effort from the center of the box missed the mark midway through the half after a good setup from Petratos.

Mohun Bagan continued to search for the breakthrough. In the 35th minute, Colaco's driving run into the penalty area prompted a crucial clearance from Bengaluru center back Chinglensana Singh.

Despite the opportunities created by both teams, the first half concluded without any goals.

The second half saw Bengaluru come back with renewed vigor. In the 48th minute, midfielder Sirojiddin Kuziev tested Kaith with a long-range shot, while Mohun Bagan responded with a close-range effort from center-back Alberto Rodríguez, which Gurpreet saved just after the hour mark.

The closest moment for the hosts came in the 63rd minute when Chhetri found space inside the box, but his attempt was blocked by Anirudh Thapa, and captain Subhasish Bose made another vital interception to deny the follow-up.

Bengaluru kept pressing from distance, with Roshan and Kuziev forcing the Mariners' defense into action in quick succession. At the other end, Maclaren came close in the 71st minute, only to be thwarted by a timely block from Roshan.

Both coaches made substitutions, seeking a late winner. Substitute Monirul Molla attempted a shot from distance in the 81st minute but missed the target. Gurpreet then made another outstanding save two minutes later, denying Rodríguez's header from close range.

Mohun Bagan kept pushing in the final moments. Petratos's long-range strike drifted narrowly wide, and Rodríguez missed a close-range opportunity in the 90th minute following a corner.

Despite a total of 23 shots in the match, neither team could secure the decisive goal, culminating in a goalless draw as Bengaluru FC successfully held the league leaders Mohun Bagan, who continued their unbeaten streak.