Kolkata Derby Ends in a Thrilling Draw: Title Race Goes Down to the Wire
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Kolkata witnessed the main match of the ISL on Sunday as two arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, shared the spoils with a 1-1 scoreline at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan. Deemed as the title decider by the fans, it was a must-win from the point of view of both teams, but East Bengal had a 5-goal edge on goal difference over the defending champions. The stage was set as the two giants geared up for the Mother of all Games, the 'Kolkata Derby'.
Mariners, here's how we're lining up against East Bengal FC, in the Indian Super League Kolkata Derby! Joy Mohun Bagan ⚔️🟢🔴
— MBFT (@MBFT89) May 17, 2026
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The Mariners lined up with Vishal in goal; Alberto and Aldred in the heart of the defence; captain Subhasish and young gun Abhishek as wing-backs. Thapa, Sahal, and Apuia donned the midfield with Manvir and Liston on the wings, and Maclaren in the centre of the attack. The decision of fielding just 3 foreigners in a match of this magnitude by coach Lobera raised a lot of eyebrows and questions.
The Red and Golds lined up with Gill in goal; Anwar, Sibille, Rakip, and Jay Gupta in defence; Figueira, Jeakson, and Rashid in midfield, with Bipin, Vishnu, and Søjberg leading the attack.
Bagan kicked off the proceedings and were straight up in attacking mode. They got their first great chance as early as the 8th minute when Manvir tried to pounce on a defensive howler by Anwar due to Manvir's excellent pressing. He passed it towards Sahal, but he couldn't capitalise as Rakip cleared it. A big let-off for East Bengal. But they also got a chance against the run of play when Søjberg hit the woodwork in the 14th minute. Bipin and Søjberg both had 1v1 opportunities in the 21st and 36th minutes respectively, but they failed to convert. Liston showed a few glimpses of magic in the first half but to no avail. Vishal was brilliant and made some very crucial saves. The first half ended 0-0, with the defending champions having the edge in both possession and shots, but their arch-rivals had more clear-cut chances.
East Bengal carried the momentum from the end of the first half, with Bipin creating another good chance in the 46th minute. Bagan got a free-kick in the 58th minute, and Liston missed it just by a whisker. East Bengal were on a flurry of attacks with Jeakson and co. taking shots at goal left, right, and centre. And their attack finally paid off with substitute Edmund scoring a goal in the 84th minute. It was celebrations all around among the East Bengal folks as they thought the game was done and dusted with the title secured. But never count the Mariners out, as they are the defending champions for a reason. In the 89th minute, super-sub Jason Cummings scored a beautiful header courtesy of a magnificent corner from Petratos. The set-piece was picture perfect. The Mariners got an excellent chance to kill the game in the 97th minute courtesy of an excellent counter and an outrageous pass from Cummings to Maclaren, but Gill made a stunning save. It was almost game, set, and match for the champions, but they missed it by a whisker. Edmund was also shown a second yellow for time-wasting in the 97th minute, which resulted in a red card. He got his first one for taking his shirt off during his goal celebration. The match ended 1-1, with the title drama dragging to the last matchday.
FULLTIME.
— MBFT (@MBFT89) May 17, 2026
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Both teams are still in contention for the title, with East Bengal having the upper hand as they have a much superior goal difference. They travel to the Kishore Bharati Stadium for their last match against a newly promoted and highly motivated Inter Kashi FC on Thursday, 21st May.
The defending champions will face SC Delhi at home in the legendary Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan on Thursday, 21st May as well. It will be a humongous task for the Mariners to retain their title, and that too against their arch-rivals. They were literally in the driving seat but botched up their last 3 matches. But never count the champions out. And with the amount of talent and firepower the Mariners possess, they are more than capable of turning the tide at any moment.
শতাব্দী প্রাচীন রাইভালরি। বিভিন্ন সময়ে যাকে কেন্দ্র করে থেকেছেন একেক জন চরিত্র। তেমনই দুই ক্লাবের দুই কিংবদন্তি কর্মকর্তা টুটু বোস এবং পল্টু দাস। ধীরেন দে কিংবা জ্যোতিষ গুহর যোগ্য উত্তরসূরী হিসেবে দীর্ঘ সময়ে সামলেছেন নিজেদের ক্লাবকে সন্তান স্নেহে। পল্টু দাস আমাদের মধ্যে নেই… pic.twitter.com/y3QDZzWQLM
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