Jamie Maclaren’s lone goal secured a crucial win for Mohun Bagan over arch-rivals East Bengal in the Indian Super League (ISL) clash in Guwahati on Saturday. With this victory, the Mariners extended their unbeaten streak against the red-and-gold brigade in the competition. The match also witnessed some controversial decisions, with the referee once again under scrutiny in an East Bengal game.
However, Mohun Bagan appeared more composed, organised and intense, ultimately overcoming the derby challenge. The game began explosively for the Mariners, with Maclaren scoring just one minute and 38 seconds into the match, setting a record for the fastest goal in the Kolkata derby’s ISL history. Asish Rai’s precise through allowed Maclaren to take a touch and slot the ball into the net.
In Anirudh Thapa’s absence, Jose Molina fielded Sahal Abdul Samad alongside Apuia Ralte in midfield. Greg Stewart and Dimitrios Petratos started on the bench as Mohun Bagan opted for an attacking duo of Jason Cummings and Jamie Maclaren.
East Bengal had an opportunity to equalise four minutes later, but Tom Aldred’s timely tackle denied Cleiton Silva. As the game progressed, East Bengal settled into the match, with PV Vishnu impressing with his runs down the flank. Asish clearly struggled to contain Vishnu, who showcased electrifying pace throughout the match. In the 21st minute, Maclaren set up Manvir Singh, but his shot lacked the power to trouble East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill.
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Tensions flared when Souvik Chakrabarti and Maclaren clashed over a contested ball, exchanging words, before Souvik received a yellow card for a challenge on Apuia. Just before half-time, Vishnu’s attempt to poke the ball toward the goal struck Apuia’s hand inside the box, but the referee, positioned close to the incident, denied East Bengal’s penalty appeals. This decision left East Bengal players and fans visibly frustrated as the first half ended 1-0 in Mohun Bagan’s favor.
In the second half, a turnaround was expected from Oscar Bruzon and his boys. But Mohun Bagan created several chances, showcasing greater intensity. However, East Bengal’s three-man defensive line held firm, preventing the Mariners from doubling their lead. The match took a decisive turn in the 64th minute when Liston Colaco launched a counterattack and was brought down by Souvik, earning the latter a second yellow card. Reduced to 10, East Bengal defended resolutely, denying Mohun Bagan further goals despite their numerical disadvantage.
Substitutes Greg Stewart and Dimitrios Petratos got some game time, but the match ended 1-0 in favour of Mohun Bagan. With this win, the Mariners extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points (35 points in 15 games) over the second-placed Bengaluru FC (27 points in 15 games), who earlier in the day lost to Mohammedan Sporting in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, East Bengal remained 11th, with 14 points from 15 games. Maclaren won the Player of the Match award.
Also Read: From Kolkata to Guwahati: A Kolkata Derby Fuelled by Hope, Fatigue, and Fierce Rivalry