DOMINANCE AT HOME: Three goals, three points, top six locked! Mohun Bagan SG sails to a 3-0 victory against Punjab FC.
Mohun Bagan SG secured their spot in the top six of the ongoing Indian Super League. In the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Mohun Bagan SG hosted Punjab FC tonight and beat them 3-0. With that win, they further solidified their position in the top six with 46 points from 18 matches and moved a step closer to a record-breaking points total. On the other side, this heavy defeat makes it even more difficult for Punjab to qualify for the top six, as they remain in 9th place with 23 points from 18 matches.
The first half proceeded with a slow-paced game. From the kick-off, Mohun Bagan spread their attacking play, but as time passed, it faded. In the 10th minute, during a goal-bound move, Greg Stewart took a shot from the center of the box, which Punjab FC keeper Ravi Kumar denied with a classic save.
In the first 20 minutes of the match, Punjab FC didn’t attempt a single shot but defended hard. In the 39th minute, José Molina made a forced change as Sahal Abdul was unable to continue the match due to an injury. He was replaced by Abhishek Suryavanshi. In added time of the first half, Mohun Bagan launched another promising goal-bound move. In the 45+2nd minute from a quick attack, Liston Colaco got the rebound on the left. Liston unleashed a long ground shot, which Ravi Kumar caught on the first attempt but slipped. However, the last line of defense for the Sher’s managed to keep the net untouched.
In the second half, at the 55th minute, Punjab FC had their best chance of the match. From the left, Vidal placed the ball into the box for Petros Giakoumakis, but his shot hit the post. Just a minute later, Maclaren found the net for the Mariners. Receiving a pass from Dippendu Biswas, Maclaren got the ball and, from midfield, unleashed a shot on target.
In the 60th minute, Maclaren got another chance, but the visitors’ keeper saved the shot brilliantly this time. In the 63rd minute, Mohun Bagan scored their second goal. They launched an attack, from the left side of the box, and from a difficult angle, Liston sent the ball towards the net. Initially, it seemed to go into the net after a touch from Stewart, but there was no touch.
In additional time, at the 90+1st minute, Maclaren made it 3-0 for Mohun Bagan, sealing the scoreline. Ravi Kumar passed the ball to Asish Pradhan just outside the box, but he misplaced the pass to Cummings, who selflessly passed it to Maclaren. From inside the box, Maclaren sent the ball into the net.
Jamie Maclaren earned the Player of the Match award with a brace and an exceptional all-around performance. He also registered two tackles and successfully completed three out of five attempts.
NEXT FIXTURES: Mohun Bagan SG have their next away fixtures against Kerala Blasters FC on February 15. Punjab FC will play their next away fixtures against Odisha FC on February 10.
Watch highlights Mohun Bagan SG vs Punjab FC
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