Bagan Clinches Kolkata Derby Victory with 1-0 Win Over East Bengal in Guwahati

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Mohun Bagan Super Giant extended their dominance in the Kolkata Derby of Indian Super League (ISL) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over East Bengal FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Saturday evening.

Jamie Maclaren etched his name in the history books by scoring the fastest goal in a Kolkata Derby during the ISL era. His second-minute strike proved decisive for the reigning champions, who are now firmly atop the table with 35 points, eight clear of second-placed Bengaluru FC (27). Meanwhile, East Bengal FC languish in 11th place with 14 points from 15 games.

The Kolkata Derby is renowned for its electric atmosphere, with massive turnouts due to the passionate fan bases of both clubs. However, the shift of Mohun Bagan’s home game to Guwahati for security reasons resulted in a more subdued setting. Despite this, the Mariners showcased their mettle and delivered a professional performance.

The Mariners started on the front foot, with Maclaren capitalizing on Asish Rai’s pinpoint long ball in the second minute. Outpacing his marker, Maclaren calmly slotted the ball past a rushing defender.

Towards the end of the first half, East Bengal FC began to grow into the game. Jeakson Singh, Vishnu, and Cleiton Silva combined well in the attacking third, but their lack of clinical finishing kept them from equalizing.

The second half was a tactical battle, with Mohun Bagan dominating possession but failing to breach East Bengal’s resolute defense. East Bengal, under Oscar Bruzon, relied on counter-attacks to unsettle their rivals but in the 64th minute the side were reduced to 10-men as Souvik Chakrabarti fouled Liston Colaco near the penalty area and he received his second yellow card in the match followed by subsequent marching orders.

Later substitute Greg Stewart nearly made an immediate impact for Mohun Bagan in the 75th minute, setting up Liston on the left flank, but East Bengal’s goalkeeper Gill stood tall to deny the Mariners a second goal.

East Bengal pushed forward in the dying minutes but lacked the composure and quality to break through Mohun Bagan’s sturdy defense.

With this victory, the Mariners have extended their unbeaten record against East Bengal in ISL Kolkata Derbies to 10 matches, comprising nine wins and one draw.

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