ISL 2024-25: Defender Rodriguez’s Double Helps Mohun Bagan Overcome 10-Man Punjab FC
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New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) Defender Alberto Rodriguez netted a brace of goals as the reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant bounced back to winning form with a 3-1 comeback victory over Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.
The visitors drew first blood with a fantastic strike from Ricky Shabong, but the Mariners responded with a powerful second-half display. Rodriguez scored in the 48th and 69th minutes, and Jamie Maclaren converted a penalty in the 64th minute to secure the win.
The match kicked off with a strong start for the hosts, as Nikhil Prabhu attempted a long-range shot that hit the crossbar, alerting the defenders and Vishal Kaith. In the 12th minute, Punjab FC capitalized on Mohun Bagan’s defensive lapse when Shabong executed a brilliant solo play.
The young midfielder created space on the left flank and drove forward, slotting the ball past Kaith as defenders failed to close down the area effectively.
Mohun Bagan nearly equalized when Asish Rai found space and made a great volley on target, but Punjab FC goalkeeper Ravi Kumar was quick to deflect it away. The Mariners struggled to find creativity on the pitch, while Punjab FC’s all-Indian backline posed challenges for Jason Cummings and Maclaren. Notably, Pramveer Singh made history as the youngest player to start an ISL match at just 17 years and 189 days.
The second half began with vigor for the visitors as Rodriguez headed in the equalizer in the 48th minute from a corner delivered by Cummings. This marked Mohun Bagan’s seventh goal from corners this season, the highest in the league.
Things took a turn for the worse for Punjab FC just three minutes later when Ezequiel Vidal was penalized for a foul on Liston Colaco. Initially booked for the foul, he was later sent off for dissent, leaving the hosts with just 10 men.
Jose Molina’s squad was rewarded for their relentless pressure when the referee awarded a penalty after Anirudh Thapa was fouled in the box. Maclaren stepped up and dispatched the penalty, giving Mohun Bagan the lead in the 63rd minute. The third goal followed in the 69th minute when Thapa set up Rodriguez, who made no mistake in completing his brace.
Molina made a tactical change in the 78th minute, bringing on Sahal Abdul Samad for Maclaren, who nearly extended the lead, but his effort was saved by Ravi Kumar. Ultimately, the visitors secured all three points, finishing the year five points clear at the top with 29 points, compared to Bengaluru FC’s 24.
Both teams will return to action in the New Year, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant set to host Hyderabad FC on January 2, while Punjab FC will face Kerala Blasters FC on January 5.
