In a pulsating clash that set the Mumbai Football Arena alight, Mumbai City FC scripted a gripping 2-1 triumph over the Mohun Bagan Super Giant, terminating their unbeaten run in the league. This duel, touted as a clash of titans, turned into a riveting spectacle marred by a flurry of red cards, painting the field with an intensity that gripped every spectator.
The drama unfolded with seven players getting their marching orders, adding a frenzied twist to an already high-stakes affair. Greg Stewart’s timely equalizer just before halftime, elegantly orchestrated by Bipin Singh’s remarkable cross, set the tone for an exhilarating comeback after Jason Cummings’ initial strike had put the Islanders on the back foot.
From the onset, Juan Ferrando’s brigade pressed hard, capitalizing on the early dismissal of Mumbai City FC’s Akash Mishra. The early dismissal of Akash Mishra in the 13th minute dealt Mumbai City FC a harsh blow, reducing them to ten men. It was a contentious decision, sparking an early jolt for the Islanders and setting the tone for a high-stakes battle. With the numerical advantage, the Mariners seized the opportunity, as Liston Colaco’s lightning run and Cummings’ composed finish tilted the scales in their favor in the 25th minute.
As the game progressed, moments of exhilarating action and tension unfolded. Liston’s searching ball for Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the half-hour mark saw Shubasish’s header find the net, only to be disallowed for offside, adding to the early drama.
But Mumbai City FC refused to wilt under pressure. Bipin Singh, a livewire on the field, delivered a masterclass on the left wing, mirroring his heroics from the ISL 2020-21 final. The 44th minute marked a pivotal moment as Greg Stewart rose to the occasion, nodding in Bipin’s floated cross to level the score.
The second half saw a Mohun Bagan side slightly off-kilter. Bipin Singh’s impactful presence continued, showcasing his flair with a mesmerizing run in the 51st minute, narrowly missing connecting with Pereya inside the box.
However, the pendulum swung again as Asish saw red for a sliding tackle on Pereya, leaving Mohun Bagan a man down in the 55th minute. The 58th minute brought more theatrics as Liston’s argumentative approach led to his dismissal after Shubasish’s booking, handing Mumbai City FC a numerical advantage. Asish Rai’s departure, followed by Bose’s controversial challenge and the ensuing fracas with Colaco, reduced the visitors to a nine-man squad, tilting the momentum in Mumbai City FC’s favor.
Amidst the chaos, Bipin Singh emerged as the protagonist yet again in the 73rd minute, capitalizing on Stewart’s assist to put Mumbai in the lead. Bipin Singh, emboldened by the spaces created by the numerical disparity, danced across the frontline. His audacious strike from the right flank deflected off Anirudh Thapa, found the net in the 73rd minute, igniting wild celebrations among the home faithful.
Yet, amidst Mumbai’s ascendancy, chaos ensued. The twists continued late in the game when Stewart received his second yellow for diving, leaving both teams with nine men each. Stewart’s second yellow in the 88th minute added to the red-card saga, joined by Vikram Pratap Singh. Post-match, tempers flared, culminating in the ejections of Mumbai City FC’s captain Rahul Bheke, and Mohun Bagan SG’s Hector Yuste for a heated exchange.
Despite the tumultuous aftermath, Petr Kratky’s Mumbai City FC emerged triumphant, securing a hard-earned victory, marking his first in the ISL after three intense encounters. The dust settled with Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC now locked in a gripping battle, tied at 19 points each in the third and fourth spots, respectively, in the fiercely contested ISL race.
This captivating result further intensifies the title race, with FC Goa and Kerala Blasters currently leading the table. As Mumbai City FC readies for an intense clash against Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi on December 24 and Mohun Bagan Super Giant prepares to host FC Goa on December 23, the imminent fixtures promise an exhilarating showdown that could significantly sway the trajectory of this captivating title race.
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