Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) faced off against Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 11 season opener at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Kirangan, Kolkata. The two champions of last season have transformed completely in two ways. MBSG has included some of the best foreigners and Indian footballers. On the other hand, Mumbai has let go of its core foreigners and some crucial Indians.
However, the visitors started the game well, creating early chances in the match. They exploited the three-man defense of the home side by stretching the game towards the wing. Jon Toral who would score his first goal of the ISL was denied by his teammate. His low-driven shot that was travelling towards the goal was touched by Bipin Singh who was found offside in the 3rd minute of the game.
Against the run of play, Jose Molina’s side took the lead with a chaotic own goal from Tiri. The side doubled up their lead in the 28th minute after Alberto Rodriguez’s left-footed strike ended up in the back of the net. However, despite taking the lead MBSG’s defense was kept in question every time Mumbai was coming for the attack. Asish Rai failed to deliver as a wing-back and provide support to the back line.
Mohun Bagan will finish at the bottom of the ISL table
The team in their last four games across all competitions this season has conceded 9 goals. Despite looking at the factor that the 3-man back is not working. Does the coach need to shift the back line to four men? Bagan’s defensive frailties have haunted them since the quarter-final of the Durand Cup 2024. Despite having the best-attacking line in the league. Bagan has failed to build up the game from the back and always playing long-ball counterattack.
This cost them in the ISL opener as well they gave away the two-goal lead as the match ended 2-2 with a late equaliser from Syrian defender Thaer Krouma. For playing a back three the team needs to have a foreign defensive midfielder who can build up the play from the middle area and then destroy the opponent’s attack there, to have control of the midfield. Mohun Bagan needs to shift immediately to the four-man back line to survive in the long competition and defend their ISL shield title.
