Chingri reigns supreme over Ilish as mariners continue their winning spree. Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal ISL 2024-25 Match Review.

 Chingri reigns supreme over Ilish as mariners continue their winning spree.

Picture Courtesy - ISL & MBSG Media 


Chingri triumphs over Ilish once again as the Mariners defeat Emami East Bengal on Saturday, 11th of January by a 1-0 scoreline and completed their fourth league double in ISL over their arch rivals. This was more than just a win as it also secured this year's bragging rights for Bagan along with all 3 points. 

Although this match didn't have the most ideal atmosphere as it was conducted in the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati which lacked the most important part of the "BORO MATCH", the fans, but the anticipation and excitement among football fans remained top notch, whether they were present there or not. This season's derbies were even spicier than the previous ones due to the scandalous Anwar Ali saga and the Mariners were desperate to respond in the field with their performance.

#Mariners, here's how we're lining up against Emami East Bengal FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati ⚔️💚❤️#JoyMohunBagan #MBFT #MBSGEBFC pic.twitter.com/TPsRCK2Lod

— MBFT : Mohun Bagan (@MBFT89) January 11, 2025

Mohun Bagan :- 

Lineup:- Vishal(Gk), Ashish, Tom, Alberto, Subhashis(C), Manvir, Apuia, Sahal, Liston, Maclaren, Cummings.

Subs:- Arsh(Gk), Dippendu, Abhishek, Glan, Bhanwala, Tangri, Suhail, Stewart, Petratos.

Emami East Bengal :- 

Lineup:- Gill(Gk), Hector, Nunga, Hijazi, Vishnu, Jeakson, Souvik, Nishu, Diamantakos, David, Cleiton(C).

Subs:- Debjit(Gk), Mahesh, Nandhakumar, Chaku, Suman, Shyamal, Aman, Sayan, Peka.

Both teams were without key players with Bagan missing out on the likes of Ashique, Thapa who were instrumental to the squad while East Bengal were without players like Crespo, Anwar,etc. A big relief for the Mohun Bagan faithful was that marquee players Dimi and Stewart, though on the bench, were back.

East Bengal started the proceedings and were trying to move forward with Vishnu but Bagan thwarted the attack and scored immediately from the counter via a lovely pass from Ashish Rai which was deflected from an East Bengal player and went straight to Macca who slotted the ball in the back of the net in the 2nd minute. Hector Yuste went to defend but had no chance. It was 1-0 to the Mariners.

It's not a Ferrari, it's Maclaren, JAMIE MACLAREN! 😎 #MBSGEBFC #ISL #LetsFootball #ISLonJioCinema #ISLonSports18 #KolkataDerby #MBSG #JamieMaclaren #ISLPOTM | @mohunbagansg @JioCinema @StarSportsIndia @Sports18 pic.twitter.com/1gtlKuAC9l

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 11, 2025

It was a horrific start for East Bengal. The players were in complete state of shock. Mohun Bagan on the other hand, were rejuvenated with such an early lead and continued to pile  up the pressure. Cummings, Liston were excellent on the ball while Maclaren's off the ball game and positioning was on point. Vishnu and Jeakson, on the other hand were trying to get something out of the counter attack balls for East Bengal. 

The game began to settle down slowly after the erratic opening. Both teams were trying to build up from the back. But the difference in quality of play between the teams was clearly visible. Mohun Bagan were much better both  on and off the ball from their historic arch rivals and their superior build up play almost earned them a second goal in the 21st minute with Macca playing a wonderful ball to Manvir off a pass from Cummings but he missed a sitter.

His shot was too soft straight into the path of Gill. East Bengal tried to play possessional football in hopes of break the Bagan defense but their defense seemed unbreachable. Macca got another chance to score in the 42nd minute after a corner but his header was off target. 

A controversy erupted in the 45th minute when Vishnu tried to feed the ball inside the box and the ball hit Apuia's arm in the process. The referee had a clear view of it but didn't give the penalty as he thought it to be a natural motion of hand. This incident again highlights the importance of VAR in ISL as all the teams have suffered from  bad refereeing decisions.

End of first half. Leading 1-0 thanks to the 2nd min goal from Macca 💚♥️#JoyMohunBagan #MBFT pic.twitter.com/LUVQ4QETCO

— MBFT : Mohun Bagan (@MBFT89) January 11, 2025

Mohun Bagan literally lost a shield title because of it in the 2020-21 season and it also cost Odisha F.C. their Super Cup title against East Bengal last season. Mohun Bagan also lost the shield race in 2021-22 season on head to head advantage with Jamshedpur FC as Mohun Bagan lost to away leg, all thanks to referring blunders, which later costed Bagan, the  shield.

The 2nd half began much positively for our neighbours as they tried for an equalizer with Vishnu at the forefront once again. But the Bagan defense was rock solid and the East Bengal attack was no match for it. Things became bad to worse for East Bengal as in the 64th minute, Souvik was sent off after a second yellow for a foul against Liston. He received his 1st yellow in the 1st half for a foul against Apuia.

The Mariners tried to take full advantage of it almost immediately when Sahal supplied an exquisite pass to Ashish whose shot was stopped by Gill with his fingertips. So close yet so far! Mohun Bagan were also desperate to close out the game. Stewart and Dimi were brought in to ensure the win.They tried but the scoreline remained unchanged. The Mariners did the double against East Bengal once again in ISL.

Macca's clinical first-half strike seals the VICTORY for us tonight!

জয় মোহনবাগান 💚❤️#JoyMohunBagan #MBFT" pic.twitter.com/0RjrNdLycL

— MBFT : Mohun Bagan (@MBFT89) January 11, 2025

The Kolkata Derby is never just about just 3 points, it is always more than that. It is about identity, passion, self esteem, bragging rights and more. It is about establishing dominance over each other. This is the reason why it is one of the world's biggest rivalries, if not the biggest.

কলকাতা সবুজ মেরুন 💚♥️#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/HcVnnGZEil

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) January 11, 2025

The dominance that Bagan have shown over our arch rivals in the past 5-6 years is unbelievable and extraordinary at the same time. We may not recognize this right now, but one day we will realize how big this achievement is. Wining 9 out of 10 ISL derbies and drawing 1 is not a matter of joke. Kudos to our players and management for giving us such joy and keeping our "PAAL TOLA NOUKO" afloat with such grace and pride.

As far as today's performance is concerned, our players were pretty good and aggressive in the 1st half but seemed to have toned down a little as the game progressed into the later stages. Sahal was exquisite, Ashish was also very good. Macca was clinical as well. Though more goals were expected, still a derby win after all is a derby no matter the margin.

Good Night, #Mariners !#JoyMohunBagan #MBFT pic.twitter.com/gE0whEiXzU

— MBFT : Mohun Bagan (@MBFT89) January 11, 2025

The defending champs extend their lead at the top to 8 points now after this win with 35 points from 15 matches and are looking favourites to win this year as well. East Bengal on the other hand are in a dismal 11th position with just 14 points from 15 matches. Their hopes of reaching the top 6 seems grim day by day.

The Mariners will play their next match against the in form and dangerous Jamshedpur on the 17th of Jan. It will be a tough encounter for us as the Men of Steel have amassed 24 points in just 13 matches and are one of the top challengers for the title. But with the quality and form that we have shown over the past few games and that too without our key players, I see no reason for Bagan to worry about.

Follow MBFT on TwitterFacebookInstagramYoutube, TelegramWhatsapp & Google News to stay updated with all the Mohun Bagan & Indian Football related News & Updates. Jai Hind Jai Bharat! Joy Mohun Bagan!

Previous Post Next Post