Lee Erwin and Dejan Drazic turn the game around after Punjab FC’s early lead as Mohun Bagan SG secure three crucial points to climb to the top of the ISL standings.

Kolkata, October 31: In the ongoing Indian Super League Mohun Bagan SG came from behind to beat Punjab FC 2–1 in an intense contest on Saturday evening at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, recovering from an early setback to take control before half-time. Punjab FC started strongly, but the Mariners found their way back through Lee Erwin and Dejan Drazic to secure the win and move to the top of the table.

With a turnaround first-half display, the Mariners greeted their opponents with an attacking approach and left them behind. However, within three minutes, Punjab FC moved ahead with a 1–0 lead. Capitalising on a pass from Sanathoi Meitei, Planas Alfred found the back of the net with a shot from the edge of the box.

Mohun Bagan SG soon faced two setbacks as Sahal Samad went down with an injury, forcing Panagiotis Dilmperis to make an early substitution, bringing Anirudh Thapa into the game.

However, Lee Erwin soon changed the scenario and brought Mohun Bagan back into the contest. Capitalising on Thapa’s pass, Erwin attempted a straight shot from the left corner of the box and found the net to level the score.

As the game progressed, the Mariners held their nerve and continued to push forward with their attacks. Before the half-time break, they managed to turn the scoreline around and take a 2–1 lead.

With a long-range stunner, Dejan Drazic broke through to put Mohun Bagan SG ahead. Within two minutes, Samir Zeljkovic posed another threat, but Arshdeep was alert to the danger. Lee Erwin also followed up on the rebound, but Arshdeep came up with another save to deny the Mariners a third goal.

Before the half-time whistle, Punjab FC launched a counter-attack and found the net following a defensive error. However, the goal was ruled out for offside. The first half witnessed intense football, with both teams displaying physicality in their challenges as the contest grew increasingly competitive.

Punjab FC picked up the rhythm as the second half kicked off. In the 67th minute, they came close to scoring their second goal, but Mickael Malsa failed to meet Messi Bouli’s cross from the left properly, missing a golden opportunity.

However, the scenario soon started changing, much like in the first half, as Mohun Bagan SG began to storm forward with attacks and gradually came back into the game. With Liston Colaco coming onto the field, the pace of their attacks became faster. In the 75th minute, Liston launched a quick counter-attack from the left flank and passed the ball to Lee Erwin, who moved into the box and attempted a one-on-one shot, but Arshdeep Singh made the save.

As the game entered its final moments, the action shifted towards Punjab FC’s box, as all the green and maroon shirt started searching for more goals. Manvir Singh could have completed his hat-trick during the final ten minutes of regulation time. However, despite the continuous attacks and counter-attacks from both sides, the match ended with Mohun Bagan SG securing all three points.

The victory takes Mohun Bagan SG to the top of the standings with nine points from four match, while Punjab FC are left to rue the missed opportunities despite taking an early lead remained fourth with seven points. As the Mariners’ second-half resilience ensured they walked away with all three points.