Listu-Mannu Worldies Help Bagan Trounce NorthEast | ISL 24-25 Match Review

bySREYAS MUKHERJEE -

Listu-Mannu Worldies Help Bagan Trounce NorthEast | ISL 24-25 Match Review

asish liston
Courtesy: MBSG Media

This Sunday's Mutton Kosha tasted a 100 times better for the Bengalis as the Defending ISL Champions completed a dominating 2-0 win over Benali's tricky Northeast United side placed 6th in the league table at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, December 8th, thus maintaining their position at the top. This was their 3rd win in a row.

NorthEast are always a tricky side to face as the Durand holders are known for being an unpredictable team. And with the likes of Albiach, Guillermo and Ajaraie, the Highlanders are playing some top class football this season. The main focus was unsurprisingly on Ajaraie as the Moroccan has been on the form of his life with 11 goals (highest in ISL till now) and 4 assists (2nd Highest in ISL till now). 


He caused massive problems for Bagan in the reverse fixture scoring a goal and even in the final of the Durand Cup. Bagan were desperate to win this match as it would give them the crucial edge over Bengaluru and solidify their pole position. And with Bemmamer out, the Greeen and Maroons were not going to spare this chance.

The Highlanders lined up with Gurmeet in goal, Dinesh, Asheer, Regragui and Tondomba in defence. Bemmamer was a huge miss, so they combined Nickson and Mayakkannan in the DMF roles while Albiach played the role of the playmaker. Jithin, Ajaraie and Guillermo were given the attacking duties.

First Half Rumblings


Bagan's lineup was a unique if not a baffling one. Our wall Vishal was in goal while Dippendu and Ashique replaced Alberto and Captain Subhasish who missed the match due to suspension, with Aldred and Rai completing the 4-man defence. 

Apuia and Sahal were placed in a classic double pivot role with Dimi acting as the playmaker. The front three consisted of Manvir, Liston and  Macca. Our midfield magician Stewart was on the bench which raised a few eyebrows and Mohun Bagan were playing with 3 foreigners instead of 4.

The game started with both sides showing full energy and enthusiasm with a hunger to win. Ajaraie and Liston seemed to be in full flow with both teams going at each other. Mohun Bagan were enjoying regulars spells of good possessive gameplay but were unable to convert them.


Rai was looking surprisingly good as he was on point in his calculated passes. It seemed like increased competition for gametime had worked wonders for Mariners and Molina rightfully deserves credit for that. But NorthEast were not that easy to contain. 

In the 19th minute, completely against the run of play, Ajaraie provided Albiach with a gem of a pass who made good contact with the ball and almost scored but 'Our Wall' Kaith was their to make a brilliant save. Still can't digest the fact that how is he  not the numero uno for India. The Mariners were on a relentless attacking spree with Dimi, Manvir, Liston and even Aldred aided in it.

Petratos missed a great chance in the 20th minute and there was also a half chance for the Mariners in the 37th minute. Dimi and Liston had many chances but it seemed as if someone had cast a magic spell on them and luck was not on their side.

Second Half Humblings


The 2nd half began with NorthEast United F.C. putting their foot on the gas and tried to assert dominance over the visitors. Nickson and Ajaraei were the most active among the hosts. The first big chance for the Mariners in the 2nd Half came in the 55th minute with Colaco playing a through ball to Maclaren but he just couldn't reach it.

Liston got created good chance himself in the 61st minute but it was eventually thwarted by Dinesh. But the football gods finally listened our knocks on their door in the 65th minute with Manvir scored the opener with a beautiful finish. He chopped and churned and turned and danced past the defensive line and hit and absolute cracker. The Goalkeeper literally had no chance. 

The goal had injected a new life in the team and Bagan continued their attack. The NEUFC players looked like mere spectators and their defence seemed like a punching bag absorbing a barrage of Mariner attacks one after another. But the day would have been incomplete if Liston didn't score against NorthEast and boy he did.


In the 71st minute, Liston charged past the Highlanders' defence via a classic shoulder drop and finished with a beautiful shot in the botton right corner, a goal of the highest calibre. Ashish with both the assists showed his quality to the doubters. NorthEast were on a verge of pulling one back via Parthib in the 83rd minute but a point blank save from Vishal saved the day. Vishal Kaith is undoubtedly now a Mohun Bagan legend.

The match ended with happy faces all over the Mohun Bagan camp. The Mariners currently sit on top of the table with 23 points in 10 matches, tied on points with Bengaluru with one match in hand and with a GD of 11. Molina Ball seems to have finally settled into the squad after a turbulent phase post the Durand Cup final. 

Jose's methods have been on point regarding squad rotation and youngster development. The final third problem seems to be on the way for a possible solution with big players stepping up on crucial occasions. The 1st half of the season has been good for the Champions, and the fans hope that the performance continues in the 2nd half.


The Mariners will now be up against Kerala Blasters in their final home match of the year on the 14th of December. Kerala, though trophyless, have always proved to be a tough opponent for us. And in the race for the prestigious league shield, each and every point will matter.

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SREYAS MUKHERJEE

HELLO GUYS,I AM SREYAS,A STUDENT,SPORTS LOVER AND A SCIENCE GEEK.I WRITE REGULAR ARTICLES AND BLOGS.HOPE THESE ARE WILL BE HELPFUL FOR YOU AND YOU FIND THESE INFORMATIVE.PLEASE SHARE YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS.THANK YOU.

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