In what turned out to be an underwhelming Kolkata Derby, Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a straightforward 1-0 victory over East Bengal FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, on January 11. Jamie Maclaren’s second-minute strike proved enough to seal the league double for the Mariners, who now sit eight points clear at the top of the Indian Super League (ISL) table.
Despite the historic rivalry between the two sides, the match lacked the intensity and excitement typically associated with the Kolkata Derby. Defensive errors, a slow tempo, and a controversial refereeing decision overshadowed the occasion, leaving fans disappointed.
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Maclaren’s Early Strike Sets the Tone
The game’s decisive moment came within two minutes of kickoff. Asish Rai’s well-timed long ball found Jamie Maclaren, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by Hector Yuste. Maclaren’s calm finish gave Mohun Bagan an early advantage, but instead of igniting the derby atmosphere, the goal seemed to deflate East Bengal.
The Mariners dominated possession early on but struggled to convert their control into meaningful chances. East Bengal’s lack of creativity in response left the game devoid of attacking flair for large stretches.
Defensive Mishaps and Missed Opportunities
East Bengal’s defensive woes were once again laid bare. Hijazi’s misjudgment of the ball’s trajectory allowed Maclaren to pounce for the game’s only goal, adding to the Torchbearers’ season-long struggles at the back.
Mohun Bagan, while clearly the superior side, were uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal. Multiple opportunities to extend their lead went begging, keeping the scoreline close but failing to inject life into the contest.
As the match progressed, it became evident that East Bengal’s attackers, Cleiton Silva and Dimitrios Diamantakos, were unable to test Mohun Bagan’s defense. The duo failed to put a single shot on target throughout the match. In contrast, Mohun Bagan made 14 attempts on goal, four of which were on target, with their early strike proving decisive. The contrast in attacking efficiency was clear, highlighting the disparity in performance between the two teams.
Refereeing Controversy Clouds the Game
A significant talking point arose late in the first half when PV Vishnu’s shot appeared to strike the outstretched arm of Mohun Bagan’s Apuia inside the penalty area. Despite protests from East Bengal players, the referee waved play on, sparking outrage among fans and pundits alike.
“With the flailing arm away from the body, it’s difficult to understand why this wasn’t given as a penalty,” said one analyst post-match. The decision denied East Bengal a crucial opportunity to level the score before halftime, further frustrating an already subdued fanbase.
Chakrabarti’s Dismissal Adds to East Bengal’s Misery
East Bengal’s task became even more challenging in the 64th minute when Souvik Chakrabarti received his marching orders. Having already been booked for a heated exchange with Jamie Maclaren in the first half, Chakrabarti’s reckless challenge on Liston Colaco earned him a second yellow card, reducing East Bengal to ten men. The dismissal effectively ended any hope of a comeback for the Torchbearers, who were already struggling to create chances.
Mohun Bagan’s Defensive Excellence
While the game lacked excitement, Mohun Bagan’s defensive discipline was a standout feature. The Mariners effectively neutralized East Bengal’s attacking duo of Dimitrios Diamantakos and Cleiton Silva, ensuring goalkeeper Vishal Kaith had a relatively quiet evening.
Winning 70% of their duels, Mohun Bagan showcased why they are the league leaders. The victory further cements their status as favorites for the ISL title, with their organized approach continuing to deliver results.
The match statistics reveal the gap between the two teams. Mohun Bagan created 11 goal-scoring opportunities, while East Bengal could only muster five. The Mariners showed their attacking intent by entering the opposition box 29 times, while they restricted East Bengal to just 14 touches inside their own box.
Despite being in good form, players like Jamie Maclaren and Liston Colaco were unable to extend their tally, primarily due to the lack of cohesion from teammates like Jason Cummings and Manvir Singh, who failed to hit their usual rhythm. However, had Mohun Bagan capitalized on their chances, they could have easily increased their goal tally and exploited East Bengal’s defensive frailties even further.
A Step Closer to the League Shield
With their 11th win of the season, Mohun Bagan moved up to 35 points, maintaining their position at the top of the table. Adding to their advantage, East Bengal’s city rivals, Mohun Bagan’s historic foes, lost to Bengaluru FC before the match, allowing the Mariners to extend their lead by eight points.
Mohun Bagan’s dominance continues, and with the title race heating up, they are steadily moving closer to reclaiming the prestigious League Shield.
Another Yet Disappointing Derby for East Bengal
For East Bengal, the match highlighted their ongoing struggles this season. Despite the derby’s significance, the Torchbearers failed to rise to the occasion, appearing disjointed and uninspired. Coach Oscar Bruzon’s frustration was evident on the touchline as his side struggled to find rhythm or creativity.
The lackluster performance has raised questions about East Bengal’s ability to compete at the highest level, with fans calling for significant improvements in the squad and tactics.
The Kolkata Derby may hold a special place in Indian football, but the latest edition failed to live up to its storied reputation. Mohun Bagan’s narrow win, secured by Jamie Maclaren’s early strike, highlighted their superiority but lacked the drama and passion expected from such a historic rivalry.
For East Bengal, the loss underscores a season of missed opportunities and unresolved issues, with defensive lapses and lack of discipline once again proving costly. The refereeing controversy added further disappointment, with calls growing louder for improved officiating standards in the ISL.
While the Mariners march on at the top of the table, East Bengal must regroup quickly to salvage their season as they hover at the bottom of the table in the 11th position with 14 points. For fans of the derby, however, this edition will be remembered as a subdued chapter in the rivalry’s illustrious history.
FAQs
What was the final score in the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in ISL 2024/25?
Mohun Bagan defeated East Bengal 1-0 in the Kolkata Derby, with Jamie Maclaren scoring the only goal of the match.
What was the key moment of the Kolkata Derby match?
The match was decided by Jamie Maclaren’s early second-minute goal, assisted by Asish Rai, which gave Mohun Bagan the lead.
How did East Bengal perform in the match?
East Bengal struggled throughout the game, failing to register a shot on target. Defensive errors and lack of offensive creativity were key issues.
Was there any controversy in the Kolkata Derby match?
Yes, East Bengal was denied a penalty for a handball by Mohun Bagan’s Apuia in the first half, which sparked controversy over the refereeing decision.
How did the result affect the ISL standings?
With their victory, Mohun Bagan moved eight points clear at the top of the table with 35 points, while East Bengal remains in the 11th position with 14 points.
