ISL 2024-25: Mohun Bagan Held to Scoreless Draw by Chennaiyin

Synopsis

In a tightly contested match, Chennaiyin FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant ended in a goalless draw in the ISL 2024-25 season at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. With this result, the Mariners maintain their lead at the top of the table, while the Marina Machans sit in 10th place.

Key Takeaways

Chennaiyin FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant finish without goals.
The Mariners remain at the top of the table.
Both teams struggled to create clear scoring chances.
Next matches: Chennaiyin FC vs. FC Goa; Mohun Bagan vs. Bengaluru FC.
Defensive performances were strong from both sides.

Chennai, Jan 21 (NationPress) Chennaiyin FC managed to hold Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a scoreless draw during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday night. The Mariners remain atop the standings with 37 points from 17 matches, while the Marina Machans are positioned at 10th with 18 points from the same number of games.

The match was tense throughout, as neither team could find the chances needed to penetrate the opposing defense. Chennaiyin FC began strongly, with players like Wilmar Jordan Gil, Connor Shields, and Irfan Yadwad causing early problems for the Mohun Bagan SG defense. In contrast, the visitors struggled to find their rhythm initially.

As the match progressed, Mohun Bagan Super Giant began to assert themselves, with Greg Stewart becoming more influential in midfield and Asish Rai advancing down the right side. The first chance of the match fell to Jordan, who was set up by Kiyan Nassiri after stealing possession in a dangerous area.

However, Tom Aldred reacted swiftly to block Jordan’s shot. In the 35th minute, Jordan had another prime chance when he connected with Shields’ cross but hit the post instead. The Mariners continued to press, with Suhail Bhat nearly scoring before halftime, only to hit the side netting.

The second half began with Mohun Bagan SG looking lively, as Dimitrios Petratos struck the side netting from a dangerous free-kick. He had a few more opportunities but was unable to convert them. In the 60th minute, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy was substituted due to injury, with Landinliana Renthlei stepping in. Suhail Bhat had a great chance when Rai set him up with a low cross, but Elsinho made an excellent defensive play.

Manager Jose Molina made tactical changes, bringing on Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh to increase the attacking threat. In the 77th minute, Jamie Maclaren joined the game, replacing Petratos.

Both Liston and Manvir made energetic runs down the wings, but their final passes failed to challenge the Chennaiyin FC defense. The final stages of the match saw both teams solidify their defenses. However, Chennaiyin FC nearly broke the deadlock in the 89th minute when Shields found Ryan Edwards with a precise pass, but his header went off target. Despite pushing forward in the closing minutes, Chennaiyin FC could not breach the Mohun Bagan Super Giant defense, resulting in a crucial draw.

Next up, Chennaiyin FC will take on FC Goa on January 25, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face Bengaluru FC in Kolkata on January 27.