Kolkata, May 17: End-to-end action in the Kolkata Derby. With the amount of thrill with which the derby began, it ended with the same intensity. Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC played out a 1–1 draw in the title decider of the Indian Super League 2025–26 season on Sunday evening at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. This result kept the title race hanging for both sides, though East Bengal FC remain ahead.
FIRST HALF SCENARIO:
The match started with high-pressing football. In the 4th minute, Subhasish cut back a ball from the left inside the box, but Sahal failed to capitalise on it, leading to a golden chance being wasted for the Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Within a few minutes, another attack saw Manvir send a cross into the box from the right. From close range, Sahal attempted to convert it, but his effort went off target.
In the 14th minute, East Bengal FC posed a threat after capitalising on a misplaced pass from Abhishek Tekcham. Anton attempted a shot from outside the box, but it took a deflection, hit the crossbar, and went out.
At the 37th-minute mark, Anton created another threat for their arch-rivals. From a quick attack, he made position for himself in a one-on-one situation, but just as he was about to take his shot, Vishal Kaith came out and dealt with the danger brilliantly.
In the first half, the Mariners posed several attacks and started the game relentlessly, not allowing their opponents to build up their combinations. However, in every attack, the Red and Gold brigade defended accurately, which saw the net remain untouched. On the other hand, whenever East Bengal FC created a goal-bound move, Vishal Kaith stood tall.
SECOND HALF SCENARIO:
In the second half, East Bengal FC started to pick up the rhythm. However, in the 57th minute, they conceded a free-kick when Jeakson fouled Apuia during a build-up. Liston stepped up to take the free-kick, but his shot went inches over the crossbar.
As the match progressed, the Red and Gold Brigade started playing a more attacking game, while the Mohun Bagan Super Giant gradually slowed down. With the intensity at which they had started the game, it was expected that they would eventually lose momentum, and East Bengal FC took advantage of it.
In the 67th minute, Miguel attempted a long-range shot, which Vishal saved. After that, East Bengal FC created back-to-back goal-bound chances, but the Mohun Bagan Super Giant defence somehow managed to stop them.
When Sergio Lobera started making changes to his team by bringing on more attacking players, East Bengal FC found the crucial breakthrough. In the 85th minute From a quick counter-attack down the right flank, Edmund went inside the box and placed the ball into the net, beating Vishal Kaith.
As the celebrations continued, East Bengal FC erupted with coaches and players coming together on the field. Once the game resumed, Mohun Bagan Super Giant found their equaliser. From a corner delivered by Petratos, Cummins headed the ball into the net at the end of regulation time.
After that, the Mariners picked up their rhythm again and started attacking relentlessly. In the 90+7th minute, Maclaren almost found the winner, but Prabhsukhan came up with a heroic save to keep his team in the game. Meanwhile, Edmund received his second yellow card of the match for creating an obstruction for Mohun Bagan Super Giant during a free-kick. However, the match eventually ended in a draw.
The match result has created an opportunity for other contenders like Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC, though the situation remains tight as both Kolkata giants still have one fixture left.
In the standings, East Bengal FC are on top with 23 points and a five-goal advantage over their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who are also on 23 points in second place. However, the calculations suggest that Mohun Bagan need to win by more than five goals in their final match if they want to defend their Indian Super League title. On the other hand, it almost feels like a fairytale as East Bengal, who also have one last match remaining.
Post Match Press Conference
ISL 2025-26: Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC highlights
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