Football

Mohun Bagan Super Giant's remarkable comeback in the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final second leg against Odisha FC has propelled them into another final. The 2-0 victory at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday was a testament to the team's resilience and the tactical brilliance of coach Antonio Lopez Habas.Trailing 1-2 from the first leg in Bhubaneswar, Mohun Bagan needed a strong start, and they got it through Jason Cummings' goal in the 22nd minute. Dimitri Petratos' deflected shot found its way to Cummings, who slotted it home.Petratos was a constant threat throughout the match, driving the team forward from midfield and creating chances. His crossfield pass to Thapa set up the move that led to Cummings' goal.Mohun Bagan's defense also played a crucial role in the victory. Vishal Kaith made several key saves, while Hector Yuste cleared a goal-bound shot off the line. Dippendu Biswas and Manvir Singh made crucial interceptions, and the entire team defended with determination.The second goal came in the dying minutes of the match, with Manvir Singh's tireless effort paying off. His cut-back found Amrinder Singh, and Sahal Abdul Samad tapped in the rebound.Habas has now reached his third ISL final, having won the title with ATK Mohun Bagan in 2019-20. He will be aiming to become the second coach after Sergio Lobera to win the ISL twice.Mohun Bagan will face the winner of the Mumbai City FC-FC Goa semi-final in the final on Saturday. They will be confident of their chances, having already beaten Mumbai City FC 2-1 in the league shield match.

Mohun Bagan Super Giants emerged victorious in the Indian Super League (ISL) final, defeating Mumbai City FC 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium. The triumph marked the first time the Kolkata-based club had won the league shield.The match began with a packed stadium, with the crowd serving as the 12th player for Mohun Bagan. The team's determination was evident from the start, as Liston Colaco opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a header. Colaco's second goal came eight minutes later, giving Mohun Bagan a comfortable lead.Mumbai City FC fought back in the second half, with Lallianzuala Chhangte scoring a late goal in the 89th minute. However, Mohun Bagan held on for the victory, with Jason Cummings scoring the team's second goal in the 80th minute.The win was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. Mohun Bagan coach Juan Ferrando praised his players for their performance, saying, "We played with a lot of heart and passion. We knew it would be a tough game, but we never gave up."Captain Subhasish Bose echoed Ferrando's sentiments, saying, "This is a dream come true. We have worked so hard for this moment, and it feels amazing to finally win the league shield."The victory also earned Mohun Bagan a berth in the Asian Champions League 2, a significant achievement for the club. The team's success is a testament to the growing popularity of football in India and the passion of its fans.

The Indian Super League (ISL) is set for a thrilling climax as Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC prepare to battle for the League Winner's Shield in the final fixture of the round-robin stage. The match will be a clash of titans, with both teams vying for the prestigious trophy that symbolizes supremacy in Indian football.Mohun Bagan, the Kolkata giants, will be banking on their home support and the desire to erase their unfavorable record against Mumbai City. The Mariners have never defeated the Islanders in eight previous ISL meetings, a psychological hurdle they must overcome to claim their maiden League Shield.Mumbai City, on the other hand, holds a commanding lead with 47 points from 21 matches. A draw will suffice for the Islanders to secure the crown, while Mohun Bagan needs a victory to overtake their rivals and reverse the heartbreak of the 2020-21 season, when Mumbai City emerged victorious in the Shield race.The match promises to be a tactical battle between two of the most formidable teams in the league. Mohun Bagan's midfield marshal, Joni Kauko, emphasized the importance of patience and composure, stating, "We need to be patient and calm and play our game."The Mariners will rely on the attacking prowess of Liston Colaco and Hugo Boumous, while Mumbai City will look to their star striker, Igor Angulo, and the creativity of Ahmed Jahouh.The match will be a fitting end to a captivating ISL season that has witnessed some of the most exciting football in recent memory. The League Winner's Shield will be a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill of the players and coaches involved.

Mumbai City FC, the reigning Indian Super League (ISL) league shield winners, are on the cusp of another title as they face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a thrilling final match. Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mumbai City's star forward, exudes confidence despite the intimidating atmosphere at Salt Lake Stadium.Chhangte acknowledges the intensity of the match, stating, "It will be wonderful to go out there, fight against them, and win it." He emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude in such high-pressure situations.Despite never having played for a Kolkata team, Chhangte believes the atmosphere will only enhance the experience. He draws upon his previous experience playing for India in Kolkata, describing it as "wonderful."Chhangte's impressive performance this season has seen him score six goals and provide six assists, making him a key contributor to Mumbai City's success. He credits head coach Peter Kratky for instilling a sense of responsibility and teamwork within the squad.While the ISL title is the immediate focus, Chhangte also reflects on the national team's recent struggles. He takes full responsibility for India's underwhelming performances and vows to learn from the experience.With the World Cup qualifiers approaching in June, Chhangte is determined to help India make history by reaching the third round for the first time. He believes the team will come back stronger after the wake-up call of the Afghanistan defeat.

The Indian Super League (ISL) is a highly competitive league where fortunes can change rapidly. Last year, Kerala Blasters pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Kolkata. Days later, Bagan sacked its coach Juan Ferrando and brought back Antonio Habas, the league's most successful coach.Now, Kerala Blasters and Mohun Bagan are set to face off again at the Nehru Stadium on Wednesday. The Kolkata giant is a different beast under Habas, having won four of its last five games and amassing 36 points. Meanwhile, the Blasters have won just one of their last five matches and sit fifth in the standings with 29 points."It will not be an easy game because Bagan is one of the best teams in the league," said Ivan Vukomanovic, Blasters head coach. "It's true we won against them but it was a different energy back then in Kolkata. Now, it's different because they changed the energy with new coaching staff and a different approach."Vukomanovic emphasized the importance of focus and determination in such high-stakes matches. "At the top level, when you play big games, it's about one moment, one small detail, one small mistake that can solve the game," he said. "I think the boys should enjoy the fight tomorrow, show their best face and try to get a positive result."The Blasters will need to be at their best to overcome a formidable Bagan side. The Kolkata team has a strong defense, led by goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya, and a potent attack featuring Liston Colaco and Hugo Boumous.The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Blasters will be looking to upset the odds and secure a crucial victory, while Bagan will be aiming to continue their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the table.

Mohun Bagan Sporting Club (MBSC) emerged victorious in the highly anticipated return derby of the Indian Super League (ISL) against its arch-rival East Bengal FC (EBFC) at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday. The 3-1 triumph propelled MBSC to the top of the league standings with 36 points from 17 matches.The match began with a missed penalty opportunity for EBFC captain Cleiton Silva in the 14th minute. MBSC goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made a crucial save, denying EBFC an early lead. This setback seemed to galvanize MBSC, who took control of the game and found the opening goal in the 27th minute. Jason Cummings tapped home a rebound after Dimitri Petratos' effort was blocked by EBFC custodian Prabhsukhan Gill.MBSC continued to dominate the proceedings and doubled their lead in the 37th minute. Petratos set up Liston Colaco with a precise pass, allowing the latter to slot the ball into the net. The first half ended with MBSC firmly in control, leading 2-0.The second half saw EBFC make a valiant effort to get back into the game. They pulled one back through Saul Crespo's stunning goal in the 53rd minute. However, MBSC remained resolute and sealed the victory with a penalty converted by Petratos in injury time.The result was a major setback for EBFC, who remain in the bottom half of the table. MBSC, on the other hand, extended their unbeaten run to five matches and strengthened their position as title contenders.

The Kolkata derby in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday evening witnessed a dominant performance by Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who outplayed East Bengal 3-1 to secure a spot in the play-offs.Mohun Bagan's victory was orchestrated by a scintillating first-half display, with Jason Cummings, Liston Colaco, and Dimitri Petratos finding the back of the net. East Bengal's only goal came from Saul Crespo in the second half.The match started with a penalty awarded to Mohun Bagan in the 13th minute, but East Bengal goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made a crucial save to deny Cleiton Silva. However, Mohun Bagan's relentless pressure paid off as Cummings tapped in a rebound from Prabhsukhan Gill's parry in the 27th minute.Colaco doubled the lead ten minutes later with a simple finish after a defensive lapse by East Bengal. Petratos then extended the advantage just before half-time with a powerful penalty kick, taking his tally for the season to eight goals.East Bengal showed more urgency in the second half, but Kaith continued to be a formidable presence in goal, denying Silva on multiple occasions. The Mariners also missed a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit when Nandhakumar Sekar's pass was overhit, preventing Silva from getting a clear shot on goal.Despite East Bengal's efforts, Mohun Bagan maintained their composure and controlled the tempo of the game. Petratos's right-footed strike in the 45th minute sealed the victory for the Mariners, who now sit atop the ISL standings with 36 points.The match was also notable for the presence of India head coach Igor Stimac, who witnessed the impressive performances of Mohun Bagan's Sahal Abdul Samad and Petratos.

The upcoming Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal promises to be a high-octane affair, with both teams vying for different goals in the Indian Super League (ISL).Mohun Bagan, currently third in the standings with 33 points from 16 matches, is eyeing the League Shield. East Bengal, on the other hand, is struggling for survival, sitting in 10th place with 18 points from as many outings.Despite East Bengal's lower position, the psychological advantage lies with them in derby meetings this season. They have won two of the three encounters so far, including a 2-2 draw in the last meeting on February 3.That draw marked a turning point for Mohun Bagan under coach Antonio Lopez Habas. Since then, they have remained unbeaten, picking up four wins and two draws in a stretch of six matches.East Bengal, on the other hand, has been inconsistent. They recently lost away to Goa and will be looking to regain their form in time for the derby.The match will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium, which is expected to be packed to capacity. The atmosphere will be electric, with both sets of fans creating a deafening roar.Mohun Bagan will be relying on the likes of Roy Krishna, Hugo Boumous, and Liston Colaco to provide the attacking spark. East Bengal will look to their experienced players, such as Cleiton Silva, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Lalrinliana Hnamte, to guide them to victory.The derby is not just a match; it's a battle of pride and passion. Both teams will be determined to give their all and emerge victorious. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere will be unforgettable.

East Bengal Corrects Ticket Pricing for Kolkata Derby After Mohun Bagan Boycott ThreatIn a significant development, East Bengal has announced that it will rectify any discrepancies in ticket pricing for the highly anticipated return leg of the Kolkata Derby against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan on Sunday. This decision comes after Mohun Bagan fans threatened to boycott the match due to perceived disparities in ticket costs.The announcement was made after discussions with West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas and in recognition of the sentiments of the football community. East Bengal director Sandeep Agarwal, representing principal owners Emami, stated that any discrepancies in ticket pricing would be corrected immediately.Agarwal also promised that there would be uniform pricing for all spectators in future derby matches. Previously, tickets for East Bengal stands ranged from ₹100 to ₹1000, while Mohun Bagan tickets varied from ₹250 to ₹3000.East Bengal, as the home team for the return leg, had determined the ticket prices through its principal owners, Emami Limited. However, Mohun Bagan general secretary Debasish Dutta had called for an official boycott, citing the disparity in pricing.Emami East Bengal defended its pricing strategy, stating that such practices are common worldwide. They also pointed to Mohun Bagan's similar approach on February 3, 2024, where discounts were offered to their fans.Agarwal acknowledged that the discount structure had caused confusion and, in light of the discussions with the Sports Minister and the sentiments of the football community, they had decided to correct the pricing.The Kolkata Derby is one of the most iconic rivalries in Indian football, and the return leg is expected to draw a massive crowd. The correction in ticket pricing is a welcome move that will ensure fairness and accessibility for all fans.