New Year, but same old Bagan dominance to go 5 points clear at the top of the league. Mohun Bagan vs Hyderabad ISL 2024-25 Match Review

byRichik Nag -

New Year, but same old Bagan dominance to go 5 points clear at the top of the league. 

Picture Courtesy :- ISL & MBSG Media

They say, begin as you mean to go. And while it may not always hold good, it surely does feel good to get a win in the first home game of the new year. A win elevates the mood in the dressing room and brings joy to the fans who have been nothing short of superb this season. With this in mind, Mohun Bagan took the field on the second day of the new year against a travelling Hyderabad team.

The match was largely expected to be a one sided affair. Hyderabad have been struggling yet again this season largely due to their delayed team building. But they were high on spirit after securing a draw against in form East Bengal in their last match. Bagan were riding high as well with the team sitting pretty at the top of the table. The match promised much and it surely didn't disappoint.

Bagan started with Vishal Kaith in goal. Ashish Rai, Alberto Rodriguez, Tom Aldred and Subhasish Bose made up the defense. Deepak Tangri and Anirudh Thapa started in the middle of the park with Sahal and Liston on the wings. Maclaren and Cummings were the two centre forwards for the night.

The match begun almost evenly with both the teams looking to attack. Hyderabad's young guns looked to up the pressure against Bagan. But Bagan responded and it didn't take long for the first goal of the game to take place. 

Picture Courtesy - ISL & MBSG Media

A sweeping cross with pace on it by Liston from the left was met first time by Sahal. The shot was initially blocked by the keeper but it bounced back Sapic and entered into the net, almost at crawling pace. Bagan didn't mind as the goal gave them the lead and put them up one nil. The home fans danced and celebrated in joy. Bagan had resumed their business from where they had left off last year. 1-0 within the first 8 minutes of the game.

Liston looked sharp on the left flank throughout the first half. His movement, his passing and even his shooting was a much improved affair. His free kick was on target as well and it looked only a matter before he would create another goal scoring opportunity. And so he did. 

Picture Courtesy - ISL & MBSG Media

40th minute of the game, Liston made another brilliant cross which was met by the head of a diving Tom Aldred. The goal, though initially given as offside, took two minutes of everyone's time to be rewarded to Bagan. Replays showed Aldred was clearly onside and no debate should ever arise about the legitimacy of this goal. Bagan thus doubled their lead just before half time and looked well on course to extend their lead at the top of the table.

The second half almost instantly bring joy again for Bagan. 50th minute of the game, Cummings won the ball back and passed on to Macca. Macca turned provider this time and made a pass which was made brilliantly by the left foot of Cummings. Not a bad finish for someone who has rarely played this season. The new "Aram se" celebration was out. The stadium was in ruptures. This is the Bagan we know and love. Lethal and professional.

Hyderabad did try to create some chances but failed to capitalize. Correa was a constant danger while Alan missed a golden oppertunity in a one versus one situation with the keeper. Liston was brilliant yet again and was unlucky to not be on the score sheet. He worked his heart out on the pitch and it showed. 

The match ended 3-0 in favour of Bagan. A brilliant way to start the new year. A brilliant way to give back to club chairman Dr. Sanjiv Goenka who had announced free tickets for the game. Bagan is more than a club, it's a family of people who come from different paths of the society. And it showed. The warmth between the players and the fans melted the ice cold weather of early January. 

Bagan sit pretty at the top with 5 points clear of Bengaluru FC who face Jamshedpur next. The season still has a long way to go and at no point should complacency be allowed to creep in. Bagan need to win the shield in order to play ACL 2 again after being wrongly disqualified this year. Only time will tell if Bagan can repeat this historic feat again or not.

Until next time, Joy Mohun Bagan and a Very Happy New year to our readers!!

Follow MBFT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Telegram, Whatsapp & Google News to stay updated with all the Mohun Bagan & Indian Football related News & Updates. Jai Hind Jai Bharat! Joy Mohun Bagan!

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Richik Nag

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