Mohun Bagan showed their class as they crushed city rivals Mohammedan Sporting 3-0 in a thrilling Kolkata Derby at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. The reigning champions put up a stunning display, securing all three points with a dominant performance that left their opponents reeling.
The Match: Early Strike Sets the Tone
The Mariners took control of the match from the very start. Australian forward Jamie Maclaren struck the first blow in just the eighth minute. The goal came from a corner as Greg Stewart whipped in a perfect cross. Maclaren rose above everyone and headed the ball past a helpless Padam Chhetri.
With the early lead, Mohun Bagan’s confidence soared. They began dictating the tempo of the game, leaving Mohammedan Sporting chasing shadows. Coach Jose Molina’s men pressed high up the pitch, forcing Mohammedan’s midfield into making errors and losing possession.
Fluid Attacking Play Puts Pressure on Mohammedan
Mohun Bagan’s attacking quartet of Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Jamie Maclaren, and Greg Stewart played with unmatched fluidity. Their quick passing and off-the-ball movements created multiple scoring opportunities. Mohammedan’s defense looked overwhelmed and disorganized as the waves of Mohun Bagan’s attacks kept coming.
Mohammedan Sporting’s defenders tried hard to contain the relentless onslaught, but it was only a matter of time before the pressure took its toll. The hosts looked in complete control, moving the ball around with ease and switching flanks to stretch the defense.
Subhasish Bose Doubles the Lead
The Mariners’ persistence paid off in the 31st minute. Greg Stewart, who was already proving to be a menace in the midfield, lined up a freekick just outside the penalty area. He floated a precise ball into the box, where Subhasish Bose, making a surprise forward run, met it with a thumping header.
Subhasish’s powerful header flew past Chhetri, doubling Mohun Bagan’s lead. The stadium erupted in cheers as the Mariners celebrated their second goal. The defender’s goal was a testament to the attacking mindset instilled by coach Molina, who has encouraged his players to take risks and get forward whenever possible.
Greg Stewart’s Moment of Brilliance
Mohun Bagan wasn’t done yet. Just five minutes after the second goal, the provider turned scorer. Stewart, having won possession in the midfield, showed his vision and composure. He drove the ball forward, leaving Mohammedan’s defenders scrambling to catch up.
Spotting an opening, Stewart unleashed a low drive from the edge of the box. The ball arrowed into the bottom left corner, leaving Chhetri with no chance. It was a superb solo effort, and the Scottish midfielder’s celebration said it all—Mohun Bagan were firmly in the driver’s seat.
Mohammedan Sporting’s Struggles and Lack of Cohesion
On the other side, Mohammedan Sporting struggled to get a foothold in the game. Their midfield was outmuscled, and they failed to string together any meaningful attacks. Star players like Nikola Stojanovic and Kingsley Eze were unable to impose themselves, often losing possession under pressure.
Their forwards barely got a sniff of the ball, with Mohun Bagan’s defense, marshaled by Slavko Damjanovic and Pritam Kotal, cutting off any supply lines. Mohammedan’s attack looked toothless, and the lack of coordination between their midfield and forward line was evident.
Every time they tried to push forward, Mohun Bagan’s pressing forced them to retreat. Their game plan seemed disjointed, and coach Andrey Chernyshov looked visibly frustrated on the touchline. His attempts to change the team’s shape and personnel in the second half didn’t yield any results either.
Second Half: Managing the Game and Maintaining the Pressure
The second half saw Mohun Bagan shift gears slightly. With a comfortable three-goal cushion, they focused more on controlling possession and managing the game. But they didn’t sit back entirely. Whenever Mohammedan Sporting showed signs of getting back into the game, the Mariners ramped up the pressure.
Liston Colaco came close to adding a fourth goal in the 65th minute. He found himself in space on the left and cut inside, unleashing a curling shot that grazed the crossbar. Minutes later, Maclaren had a chance to double his tally but was denied by a brilliant save from Chhetri.
Despite the intensity dropping slightly, Mohun Bagan kept their shape defensively. Manvir Singh, who put in a tireless shift on the right flank, tracked back diligently to support his full-back. The midfield, anchored by Carl McHugh, won every second ball and stifled any attacking intent from Mohammedan.
Mohammedan’s Late Push and Bagan’s Resolute Defense
With time running out, Mohammedan Sporting made a desperate push to get something from the game. Chernyshov brought on fresh legs, hoping to catch Mohun Bagan off guard. The Black Panthers managed to win a few corners and free-kicks in dangerous areas, but they couldn’t capitalize.
Mohun Bagan’s defense, however, stood tall. Damjanovic, in particular, was a rock at the back, clearing everything that came his way. His aerial dominance and physicality nullified any aerial threat that Mohammedan posed.
Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith had a quiet evening, rarely being tested. When called upon, he dealt comfortably with a couple of long-range efforts from Mohammedan’s midfielders. It was a commanding defensive display from the reigning champions, highlighting why they remain one of the best teams in the league.
Looking Ahead: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Showdown
With this victory, Mohun Bagan heads into the international break on a high. They returned to winning ways after a few stumbles in previous matches. The team looks well-drilled, balanced, and ready to face bigger challenges.
The next fixture, however, is the one every fan is eagerly awaiting. Mohun Bagan will face arch-rivals East Bengal in the much-anticipated Kolkata Derby on October 19. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to assert dominance in the city.
For Mohun Bagan, the key will be to carry forward this momentum. If they continue playing with the same intensity and tactical discipline, they will be hard to beat. Coach Jose Molina will have some selection headaches, especially with the attacking players all in fine form.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Greg Stewart’s Impact: Stewart was the standout performer of the night. He dictated the tempo, created chances, and scored a brilliant goal. His influence in midfield was immense, and he played a pivotal role in both the team’s second and third goals.
- Defensive Solidity: Mohun Bagan’s backline looked solid throughout. Damjanovic and Kotal were commanding in defense, cutting out any threat from Mohammedan. They gave Vishal Kaith little to worry about and showcased the defensive depth of the team.
- Tactical Masterclass from Jose Molina: Molina’s game plan worked to perfection. His team pressed aggressively, moved the ball quickly, and took their chances clinically. The high press unsettled Mohammedan’s rhythm, and the fluid movement in attack was a joy to watch.
- Mohammedan’s Lack of Firepower: Mohammedan Sporting’s inability to create clear-cut chances hurt them. Their midfield struggled to cope with Mohun Bagan’s intensity, and their forwards were left isolated. They need to regroup and find a way to connect their midfield and attack better in future games.
- Maclaren’s Form: Jamie Maclaren’s early goal set the tone for the match. The Australian striker’s presence in the box and his ability to find spaces made him a constant threat. He could have added more to his tally, but his overall performance was commendable.
Conclusion: Mohun Bagan’s Statement Victory
This win was more than just three points for Mohun Bagan. It was a statement of intent. They dominated their rivals, showcased their attacking prowess, and looked every bit like reigning champions. As they prepare for the clash against East Bengal, the team will be brimming with confidence.
For Mohammedan Sporting, it’s back to the drawing board. They were outplayed in every department and need to address their shortcomings quickly. The lack of creativity in midfield and defensive lapses cost them dearly. The team has potential, but they must work on building a cohesive unit.
The Kolkata Derby has always been a spectacle. With Mohun Bagan finding form and East Bengal eager to challenge, the upcoming clash promises fireworks. Fans can expect a high-octane battle as the two giants of Kolkata football lock horns once again.
Mohun Bagan’s convincing 3-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting sets the stage perfectly for the biggest derby in Indian football. The Mariners have sent a message loud and clear—they are ready to defend their crown and conquer the league once again.