Kolkata, October 9: Mohun Bagan SG kicked off their IFA Shield 2025 campaign with a commanding 5-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala on Thursday at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. Both teams played with attacking intensity, and Mohun Bagan SG took an early lead. Though Vishal was not tested in the first half, Gokulam Kerala resumed the second half by pressing high.
Within 9 minutes, Manvir Singh earned a free kick just outside the box from a promising position. Robson took the kick, but it didn’t yield any result. Moments later, Mohun Bagan SG took the lead. Robson delivered an inch-perfect cross from a corner into the box, where Alberto used his height to head the ball into the net.
In the 27th minute, Maclaren doubled the lead with a classic trivela shot. Robson squared the ball to Maclaren on the right edge corner of the box, from where Maclaren attempted a powerful shot towards the net. Before the end of regulation time in the first half, Maclaren found the net again, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Early in the second half, Gokulam Kerala reduced the deficit. At 48th minute from an attacking move, Martinez sent in a cross that Apuia tried to intercept, but the ball deflected off him and went into the net, giving Gokulam Kerala a 1-2 score through an own goal. Within two minutes, Alberto Rodriguez scored another header to restore the two-goal lead for the Green and Maroon.
In the 53rd minute, Robson made it 4-1 for Mohun Bagan SG. Maclaren passed the ball to Robson, who entered the box and unleashed a shot that deflected off the post and went into the net. In the 69th minute, Lalrinzula’s shot hit the post and went out, missing a scoring chance for Gokulam Kerala.
Maclaren completed his brace and sealed the scoreline at 5-1 in the 75th minute. Receiving a through ball, Abhishek Tekcham entered the box from the left side and, from the six-yard box, passed the ball to Maclaren, who was close to the goal line. Making no mistake, he calmly placed the ball into the net. Gokulam also showed attacking intensity, creating a few good chances but failing to make the most of them, despite their efforts, they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunities they created.
Analysis:
Mohun Bagan SG dominated the match with clinical finishing and creative play, earning a convincing 5-1 victory over Gokulam Kerala. Alberto’s early header set the tone, followed by Maclaren’s brilliant trivela. Robson was the key playmaker with one goal and three assists, while Maclaren sealed the result with a brace. Gokulam showed intent but couldn’t convert their limited chances. Strong pressing, precise passing, highlighted Mohun Bagan’s control throughout the game.
Next fixtures:
October 12, Gokulam Kerala will play against United Sports Club, at Kalyani.
Mohun Bagan SG have their next fixtures against United Sports Club on October 15 at Kishore Bharati Krirangan.
Watch Gokulam Kerala vs Mohun Bagan SG IFA Shield 2025 highlights
Read more about IFA Shield
