In a game that had spectators on the edge of their seats, Mohun Bagan Super Giant narrowly bested NorthEast United 3-2 in a five-goal thriller to claim their first victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. Held at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium on a balmy Monday night, the match featured an array of dazzling plays and relentless drama that made it a standout in this season’s ISL lineup.
The win marks the fifth comeback triumph for any team so far this season, happening at the end of Gameweek 2. Mohun Bagan, known for their resilience, fought back twice from behind to snatch all three points. This victorious performance extends their scoring streak to 12 consecutive ISL games, while NorthEast United’s defense faltered, failing to keep a clean sheet for the first time in their last three matches.
From the get-go, NorthEast United displayed an urgency and pace that troubled the Mohun Bagan defense. It was evident that the Highlanders, under Juan Benali’s guidance, would not make it easy for the Mariners. The first chance fell to their winger Alaeddine Ajaraei, who struck the post after receiving a clever cross from Jithin M.S. on the left side. The Mariners’ backline seemed ill-equipped to handle Jithin’s speed and trickery, as he effortlessly maneuvered around his marker.
NorthEast United’s persistence paid off shortly when Ajaraei corrected his earlier miss by setting up Mohammed Ali Bemammer with a precise cross. The Moroccan duo combined excellently, as Bemammer unleashed a powerful shot that sailed past Vishal Kaith, giving the visitors an early 1-0 lead in the fourth minute.
The lead, however, was short-lived. Despite being under immense pressure, Mohun Bagan retaliated decisively. In the 10th minute, Dimitrios Pettratos delivered a well-placed freekick that found youngster Dippendu Biswas. The 21-year-old soared above the defense to nod home the equalizer, marking his first senior team goal. It was a landmark moment for Biswas, and his teammates quickly rallied around him.
For the next ten minutes, the match simmered with Mohun Bagan controlling the possession while NorthEast United remained patient. The period of calm ended as the Highlanders launched a devastating counter-attack.
. Jithin M.S. again was instrumental, breaking down the left before crossing to Ajaraei, who skillfully slotted the ball into the net from the right side of the penalty box in the 24th minute, reinstating NorthEast United’s lead.
The Mariners, showing remarkable determination, stepped up their offensive efforts following the setback. They came close to scoring twice from close range before the end of the first half but couldn’t achieve the desired breakthrough. Consequently, the visitors entered halftime clinging onto a 2-1 advantage.
The second half began on a more cautious note compared to the frenetic pace of the first. Both teams meticulously built their plays, with most actions confined to the midfield for a substantial part of the half. It wasn’t until the 61st minute that Mohun Bagan found their opening. An untidy clearance from Gurmeet Singh off a Greg Stewart corner saw the ball fail to get away from the danger zone, allowing Subhasis Bose to capitalize and drive it home, leveling the score once more at 2-2.
With the contest balanced on a knife-edge, both sides pushed vehemently for the winning goal. The decisive moment came in the 87th minute. Coach Jose Molina’s tactical substitutions paid dividends when Sahal Abdul Samad and Jason Cummings, both brought on from the bench, combined brilliantly. Samad’s pinpoint cross found Cummings, who coolly placed the ball into the net, delivering the decisive 3-2 scoreline in favor of the Mariners.
Mohun Bagan’s thrilling comeback victory injects much-needed momentum into their season as they look forward to their next match against Bengaluru FC on September 28. Conversely, NorthEast United will be eager to bounce back and fortify their defense as they prepare to host Kerala Blasters on September 29.
This captivating matchup served as a potent reminder of the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the Indian Super League. Both sets of fans will undoubtedly be talking about this encounter for weeks to come, each having witnessed their team exhibit both skill and heart on the grand stage.
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