Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) are determined to fight for their fans as they welcome Jamshedpur FC to their bastion, the Salt Lake Stadium, which is expected to be packed with over 50,000 passionate supporters.
The 2-1 defeat in the first leg of the ISL semi-final served as a wake-up call for the Mariners. Fresh off their ISL Shield triumph — the highest prize in the league phase — they are now fired up to chase the ISL Cup and overturn the deficit in the second leg at home.
“The time to analyse the last match is over,” said head coach Jose Molina, remaining optimistic about a comeback. “Now it’s time to think about tomorrow. With the support of our fans in our stadium, we will do it.”
For Mohun Bagan’s marquee striker Jamie Maclaren, the first leg in Jamshedpur felt like the first half of a match. Now, he and his teammates are ready to take on the second half — the all-important return leg.
“We look at it as halfway,” he said ahead of the do-or-die clash. “We saw their celebrations — that’s how we wanted to celebrate. We still have another half left, and it’s down to us. We know they are a very good team, but we are ready. We need to score two goals, and as an attacking player, that’s the kind of challenge you live for.”
Salt Lake Stadium has been nothing short of a fortress for Mohun Bagan this ISL season — they remain unbeaten at home. In this crucial encounter, Molina is once again counting on the home support to be the difference-maker.
“At home, we have the advantage,” said the coach. “Our opponents don’t feel as comfortable here in front of our fans as they do on their own turf. The crowd creates pressure — and that’s the difference our fans make.”
An extra layer of motivation
However, the clash is also emotionally charged. A disturbing incident involving a lathi-charge on Mohun Bagan fans in Jamshedpur — with Ripon Mondal suffering a head injury — has stirred emotions within the fanbase and the squad.
Molina addressed the incident, saying, “We fight every day for our fans. That incident could give us extra motivation. But ideally, I hope such things never happen again. I want my players to give everything on the pitch for the fans — every single day. They shouldn’t need incidents like that for extra effort.”
Jamshedpur’s missing men
For the visitors, head coach Khalid Jamil will have to manage without key players — defenders Stephen Eze, Ashutosh Mehta, and midfielder Mobashir Rahman are all suspended for the second leg. But Jamil is placing his trust in the rest of the squad.
“Yes, we will miss them — they’ve been important for us,” he said. “But this is part of the game. Injuries, suspensions — they happen. What matters is that whoever steps in shows they belong here too. I believe in every player in this squad.”
Tactical reshuffle for the hosts
Mohun Bagan will also miss winger Manvir Singh, who, although recovering from injury, remains at risk if overburdened. In training, Molina has tested Liston Colaco on the right wing while shifting Ashique Kuruniyan to the left to use his flair and dribbling.
The good news for the home side is that midfield dynamo Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) has fully recovered and is expected to start, reinforcing the midfield.
Key Battles to Watch
Javi Hernández vs Apuia
This midfield duel could define the outcome. Hernández has been in sensational form — 9 goals and 3 assists this season — and he scored in his last two outings. Apuia’s return from injury could be a timely boost for the Mariners, and keeping Javi quiet will be high on his agenda.
Ashish Rai vs Mohammed Sanan
In the first leg, Sanan’s pace and skill troubled Ashish Rai throughout. Expect Mohun Bagan to deploy Liston ahead of Ashish to allow him more defensive focus. Jamshedpur will likely rely on counters, and Sanan will be crucial. Rai must stay alert to prevent any repeat.
Kolkata is set for a blockbuster clash tonight. Mohun Bagan are driven by the desire for revenge and redemption, while Jamshedpur aim to create history. For Khalid Jamil, this is also a chance to become the first Indian coach to win the ISL — raising the stakes even higher.
Also Read: A win at VYBK will be the best medicine for my wounds, says Ripon Mondal, devoted Mohun Bagan fan