5* Bagan too good for MDSC | Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan; Indian Super League Review!

byRichik Nag -

Mohun Bagan SG vs Mohammedan SC, Indian Super League Match Review!


From the day Mohun Bagan announced about the signing of Sergio Lobera as a coach, the fanbase has been waiting to see the effect. Few coaches in the Indian circuit demand as much respect and fear from the opposition as Sergio Lobera. But with the situation in Indian Football in dire waters, it was unclear whether we would get to see the peak Lobera-ball we have come to love and appreciate so much! Well, if Saturday's Mini Derby was any indicator, then the wait finally seems to be over!


Mohun Bagan hosted Mohammedan FC at the VYBK in the first mini derby of the season. Two historical teams with their own set of generational fans, but with very different realities. While Bagan have prospered into a real giant of Indian Football over the years with a steady financial backing, Mohammedan have encountered various hurdles both on and off the field. After languishing in the I League 2 for years, they won the I-league and joined the ISL last year. But that didn't clear away the clouds of uncertainty hovering over this once-prestigious club. With a curtailed Indian Football season underway, Mohammedan chose to go with a full-Indian Squad and coaching set-up. While it may sound good for Indian Football on paper, the reality is quite the opposite. The team has looked terrible this season with no shape, fight or motivation in them. With such high contrast between the calibres of the teams, Bagan were expected to decimate the opposition. Meanwhile, rival club East Bengal had already dropped points and the onus was on Bagan to make full use of it.



Lobera made a few changes to the starting lineup. Kaith started in goal. Alberto and Tangri made up the centre back pairing. Amey made his first start with Abhishek partnering him on the flanks. Thapa and Apuia continued their partnership in the mid field. Manvir started in place of Liston along with Robson Robinho on the opposite flank, who kept his place. Cummings and Maclaren started up top with the later taking the captain's armband for the day.

Bagan began in their usual way.  They attacked the Mohammedan goal left, right and centre. Robson looked dangerous from the very beginning. He had a good long range shot punched away by the MFC keeper. Bagan kept their usual gameplan, with short passes in the buildup leading to scoring opportunities in front of the goal. Everyone was expecting Bagan to take the lead soon. But instead it was a Mohammedan goal that rocked the VYBK.

11th minute of the game. A floated corner from the right was met with the head of Lalthankima, who guided it past a diving Vishal Kaith. And suddenly a pin drop silence fell on the VYBK. Bagan went behind for the first time this season. The few MFC fans had come rejoiced to their heart's content. Bagan had to fight back as this was a game they couldn't afford to lose. And they did.

Robson, who had looked threatening from the start finally made his efforts count. After hitting the bar a few moments ago, he found the lower right corner of the net with a thunderous right footer from close range. Credit should be given to Jason Cummings as well. The Aussie made his first start of the season and pulled off an outrageous back heel pass to set up Robson for the goal. The stadium erupted in joy and life was injected back into the game for the Mariners.

Bagan kept the ante up and pushed for the lead. And it was the same magician from Brazil who got the crowd dancing again. Manvir long ranger found the feet of Gaurav Bora who failed to clear the ball well. The ball fell at the feet of Robson who saw the gap and gently placed a curved shot in his favorite right corner. The samba magic had well and truly taken over the VYBK. A man who is synonymous with breaking records in South East Asia was back to his blistering best. Bagan looked dangerous and threatened to increase their lead.



Bagan never sat back. They kept up the pressure with precise passing and long range shots. And they did get the reward pretty soon. Amey did well to keep himself onside in a run down the right wing and delivered a accurate cross for Cummings, whose header was blocked by the keeper. And guess who was there to slot it home on the rebound? Our very own Aussie goal machine Jamie Maclaren. Last season he missed a lot of the opening games due to injury. This year he just made up for that lost time. Jamie slotted the ball in on the rebound from close range. A goal in his third successive match. The stadium danced to the tunes of this blistering Bagan side as the score now read 3-1.


Bagan's first half wasn't just about smiles and merry. Robson had a muscle issue and had to be subbed off soon after he scored the second goal. The extent of his injury is not known at the time of writing. One can only hope he doesn't miss any games in this already curtailed season. With the magic brewing at his feet, he is one of the very few who can light up a game anytime he wants to. He was replaced by Dimi in the 38th minute.

Bagan went into the half time with a 3-1 lead. So many shots that came close to ruffling the net went agonizingly wide towards the end of the half. But fans were not complaining. A lot more of the same was expected in the second half as well.



Bagan showed no signs of slowing down in the Second Half. The kept pushing up and up and shortly after, they were rewarded with a goal. Abhishek put in a brilliant pin point cross from the left and it was met with the diving head of Manvir Singh. Manvir, who also made his first start this season, made full use of the opportunity given to him. Bagan fans celebrated again as the score line now read 4-1. MSC couldn't do anything about it. It was utter domination at this point. But the cruelty of football is, no matter what, the whistle blows only after 90 minutes. And unfortunately for Mohammedan, they were on the receiving end.


Bagan didn't rest even at this scoreline. Coach Lobera's philosophy of scoring as many as possible was on display in full letter and spirit. Jamie came really close to getting the 5th goal for the team, but his one-on-one shot attempt was saved by the keeper. Bagan, however, didn't have to wait for long for expected 5th goal.

It was the 69th minute of the game. The Mohammedan defence failed to clear an aerial pass again, and the bouncing ball fell at Dimi's feet in the midfield. And something happened. Dimi met the ball first time with his right boot and unleashed a thunderbolt volley. The ball dipped and swerved and gave no chance to the keeper as it hit the right post and crossed the white line. A long range masterclass and goal of the season contender from Dimi. The stadium erupted with the chants of his name. The sten gun celebration was on. The man who many had thought to be at his career's worst, was back to his best. Freed from the shackles, Dimi was nothing short of excellent in the first three matches. Lobera has reignited the legend who was adored by Bagan fans. He's back, he's fitter and better than he ever was. And he's here to leave a mark and leave his name etched in the hearts of his devotees.


Bagan had several opportunities to increase the lead even further. Even at 5-1, they looked to extend the score line even more. This has now become the hall mark of Lobera-ball. No matter what the score line, Bagan will keep going for more!

The final whistle brought down the curtains on an exhilarating game of football. Bagan were too good, almost too hot to handle. Mohammedan had no chance whatsoever. With three points, Mohun Bagan sits on top of the table with a healthy goal difference. 


One cannot but express the appreciation at how coach Lobera uses his full backs. Amey and Abhishek were constantly pushing up the field and put in some really dangerous crosses. Amey already looks to have settled in well with the team. If this is the state of the team after only 3 games, one can only imagine what the team has in store for us in the upcoming fixtures.

If you followed the match on Fancode, during the match a thought to ponder about was put forward by the commentators. Bagan are the best team in India, but how will this team fare in Asia? A team that destroys almost anyone who comes in its way will surely be a treat to watch, right? Well, Bagan fans have been trying to get the same answer now for years. With our fate in Asia still undecided, what is the future of this team beyond this season? Was Asia just a dream that was sold to the fans or was it ever any substance to it?

That's a thought for some other day. But for now, let's rejoice the three points and 5-Star Performance in the Mini-Derby. A perfect start to an imperfect season. Long may this continue! Until next time, Joy Mohun Bagan!

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Richik Nag

Hello and welcome to my blog! I look forward to sharing my views with you. So do support by following my blog and sharing your valuable feedback. Follow me on Instagram; @rikzerka007

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