Guwahati, Jan 11 (NationPress) The Mohun Bagan Super Giant maintained their stronghold over bitter rivals East Bengal SC in the Kolkata Derby, clinching a 1-0 victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Saturday.
Jamie Maclaren netted the quickest goal in Kolkata Derby history during the ISL, which proved sufficient for the reigning champions to fend off their rivals, extending their lead to eight points (35) at the top of the standings, ahead of second-placed Bengaluru FC (27). The Mariners have now triumphed nine times and recorded one draw across their ten ISL encounters with East Bengal FC.
The Mariners launched into the match vigorously, with Maclaren scoring in the second minute. The East Bengal FC defense was caught off-guard when Asish Rai delivered a long ball, allowing Maclaren to find space, evade his marker, and effortlessly slot the ball past an advancing Prabhsukhan Gill.
As the game progressed to the sixth minute, East Bengal FC seized two excellent chances to level the score through PV Vishnu and Cleiton Silva. Unfortunately for them, both attempts were thwarted. In the 21st minute, the Mariners nearly doubled their advantage when Maclaren crossed to Manvir Singh, but his shot went directly at Gill despite the goal being wide open.
East Bengal FC gained momentum as the first half concluded, with players like Jeakson Singh, Vishnu, and Cleiton putting pressure on the Mohun Bagan Super Giant defense. However, they were unable to find the finishing touch to equalize before halftime. The second half proved to be tense, with the Mariners enjoying the majority of possession but struggling to penetrate East Bengal FC's steadfast defense.
Meanwhile, Oscar Bruzon’s side aimed to counterattack, but notable chances were scarce in the initial part of the second half. The match took a significant turn in the 64th minute when Souvik Chakrabarti fouled Liston Colaco near the penalty area, receiving his second yellow card and subsequent dismissal.
Now down a goal and a player, East Bengal FC was forced to chase the game. In response, Bruzon substituted Naorem Mahesh Singh for David Lalhlansanga to bolster the midfield. In the 75th minute, Jose Molina made a change, bringing in Greg Stewart for Jason Cummings. Stewart almost made an immediate impact, releasing Liston on the left, but Gill halted his effort.
Similar to the first half, East Bengal FC surged in the final ten minutes. Players like Dimitrios Petratos and Deepak Tangri were introduced late in the game in hopes of securing a positive outcome.
The Red & Golds pushed forward in the closing moments but lacked the quality in the final third to overcome the Mariners' defense, preserving their near-perfect record in this fixture.
— IANS
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