Mohun Bagan SG extended their flawless home record with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Kerala Blasters FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. The Mariners showcased their characteristic grit and determination, coming from behind with two late goals to claim all three points. Despite holding 56.5% possession, Kerala Blasters struggled to capitalize on their chances, allowing Mohun Bagan to stage a sensational comeback and solidify their place atop the league table with 26 points from 11 matches.
Resilience and Grit Define Mohun Bagan’s Performance
In a match where they were tested to their limits, Mohun Bagan Super Giant displayed resilience that is emblematic of championship-winning sides. The home team found themselves trailing in the 77th minute after Milos Drincic’s header handed Kerala Blasters a late lead. However, the Mariners refused to back down, mounting a late offensive push. Jason Cummings’ equalizer in the 86th minute and Alberto Rodriguez’s stoppage-time winner epitomized the fighting spirit of the team.
The ability to stay composed under pressure and capitalize on crucial moments highlights Mohun Bagan’s tactical maturity. Their adaptability in high-stakes situations, aided by impactful substitutions, has been a defining feature of their campaign so far. With eight wins and two draws in 11 matches, the Mariners are emerging as strong contenders for the ISL title.
Kerala Blasters’ Missed Opportunities Prove Costly
Kerala Blasters FC started the game brightly, creating several opportunities in the first half. The attacking duo of Noah Sadaoui and Jesus Jimenez posed consistent threats to the Mohun Bagan defense, with early chances narrowly missing the target. Jimenez’s equalizer in the 51st minute and the subsequent pressure applied by Sadaoui demonstrated their attacking intent.
However, their inability to convert chances into goals proved to be their undoing. Key moments, such as Sadaoui’s 67th-minute effort saved by Vishal Kaith, highlighted their inefficiency in finishing. While they did take a 2-1 lead through Drincic’s header, their defensive lapses in the final minutes undermined their efforts. Kerala’s struggle to maintain composure under pressure and clear their lines during set-piece situations allowed Mohun Bagan to capitalize and secure the win.
The decisive impact of Mohun Bagan’s substitutes underlined the importance of tactical acumen in tight contests. Jason Cummings, introduced in the 80th minute, proved instrumental in the Mariners’ comeback. His seamless partnership with Dimitrios Petratos resulted in the crucial equalizer, with Cummings calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner in the 86th minute.
Game-Changing Substitutions Turn the Tide
Alberto Rodriguez’s role in the winning goal further underscored the depth of Mohun Bagan’s squad. Positioned outside the 18-yard box during added time, Rodriguez’s instinctive strike after a failed defensive clearance sealed the victory. These substitutions not only changed the course of the game but also highlighted the coaching staff’s strategic planning and ability to read the game effectively.
The thrilling 3-2 encounter between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC served as a reminder of the competitive spirit and unpredictability that the ISL offers. While Kerala started strong and had the upper hand for significant stretches of the game, Mohun Bagan’s resilience, tactical flexibility, and clinical finishing in the dying moments proved decisive.
This victory not only cements the Mariners’ position at the top of the table but also reinforces their reputation as one of the league’s most formidable sides. For Kerala Blasters, the match highlighted both their potential and their vulnerabilities, particularly in capitalizing on opportunities and maintaining defensive discipline.
As the ISL season progresses, the lessons learned from this high-octane clash will undoubtedly shape the strategies of both teams. Mohun Bagan will look to carry forward their winning momentum, while Kerala Blasters will aim to address their shortcomings and bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.
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