Indian football fans’ long wait ended as the much-anticipated ISL 2024/25 season began with a thrilling four-goal stalemate played between two of the league’s top title contenders, Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC, at the iconic Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday. Mohun Bagan started strong with a two-goal lead in the first half before Tiri and Krouma scored to level the game for the Islanders.
Fans had mixed feelings about this season-opening fixture. On one hand, many were thrilled to witness a clash between the League Champions and the Cup Winners right from the start. On the other hand, some supporters and experts believed it would be more advantageous to have such a high-stakes match later in the season, when both teams are at peak form and fitness, potentially impacting the final standings.
However, fans were treated to a thrilling game despite a few shaky moments and errors from players on both sides. These minor lapses didn’t detract from the fixture’s ability to deliver the entertainment and excitement we expect from a Bagan-Mumbai clash.
Following their disappointing Durand Cup final loss, Bagan’s new head coach, Jose Molina, made some tactical adjustments heading into the game. Ashish Rai replaced Manvir Singh on the right wing, while Dimitri Petratos and Greg Stewart started together. Notably, Sahal and Thapa started on the bench with young home-grown Dippendu starting in the defence as Molina stuck to his favored 3-5-2 formation in his first ISL game as Mohun Bagan’s manager.
For the Islanders, Peter Kratky stuck to his usual 4-2-3-1 system with Karelis, Jon Toral and left-back Sahil Panwar making their debuts for Mumbai City FC, captained by their key man – Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Mumbai began the game on the front foot, dominating possession and creating early chances. It appeared they had taken the lead when Bipin slotted home from an attempted shot on goal by Toral, only for the goal to be ruled offside. However, just minutes later in the 9th minute, it was the Mariners who broke the deadlock. Liston skillfully got past Valpuia on the left wing, delivering a cross that was inadvertently turned into his own net by Tiri, giving Bagan an unexpected lead through an own goal.
Despite conceding early, Mumbai maintained their attacking intensity and looked the stronger side. Kratky’s men focused on exploiting Bagan’s vulnerable wide areas, with wingers Chhangte and Bipin Singh causing constant trouble for the defense. Bipin, in particular, was a persistent threat, frequently outpacing young center-back Dippendu and wing-back Ashish Rai. His runs in behind and dangerous crosses went largely uncontained, putting Bagan’s backline under significant pressure.
Molina’s men capitalized on Mumbai’s lack of finishing by doubling their lead in the 29th minute, against the run of play. A Bagan corner found its way to Jason Cummings, who set up Ashish Rai on the right. Rai delivered a precise cross to the far post, where Greg Stewart cushioned a delicate header into the path of Bagan’s new defensive signing, Alberto Rodriguez. Rodriguez calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, making it 2-0 for Bagan. Islanders’ New signing Jon Toral was notably subbed off by Peter Kratky for Manzorro in the first half itself owing to a poor show in the first half.
The second half lacked the fluidity of the first, as Bagan focused on disrupting Mumbai’s rhythm and slowing the pace of the game. Despite this, Mumbai continued to attack down the wings, causing problems for the Bagan defense. While goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was forced to make a few saves, the momentum gradually shifted in Bagan’s favor. However, Mumbai eventually got the goal they deserved in the 70th minute. Manzorro played a short corner to Bipin, whose whipped cross created chaos in the Bagan box. In the scramble, Tiri managed to bundle the ball past Kaith, scoring a scrappy but well-earned goal, redeeming himself after his own goal in the first half.
In the final moments of the game, just as it seemed Mohun Bagan would hold on for all three points, Mumbai struck back. Noufal, a second-half substitute, broke down the left wing and easily slipped past the defense, delivering a precise pass to fellow substitute Thaer Krouma in the box. Krouma coolly placed his shot into the bottom right corner, equalizing for Mumbai in the last minute of regulation time and securing a well-deserved away point against the defending champions. Interestingly, Krouma became the third defender to score in the game, with the earlier own-goal also involving a center-back.
Peter Kratky can be pleased with his team’s resilience, as they demonstrated immense character by clawing back from a two-goal deficit to earn a well-deserved point in what is arguably their toughest away fixture of the season. With players approaching peak fitness, things can only improve for Mumbai as the league progresses.
Molina, on the other hand, faces serious challenges after Bagan’s defensive frailties were once again exposed. Having squandered a two-goal lead in the Durand Cup final just weeks ago, it appears his team has not learned from past mistakes. This inability to close out games is becoming a major concern for the coaching staff and fans alike, and significant improvements will be needed if Bagan hopes to defend their title this season.
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