Mohun Bagan Super Giant delivered a commanding performance to defeat Mohammedan Sporting Club 5-1 in the Kolkata derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday.
The Mariners moved provisionally to the top of the table with nine points, edging past Jamshedpur FC on goal difference. Mohammedan SC remained at the bottom without a point. Robson Azevedo was named Player of the Match for his brace and overall influence.
Head coach Sergio Lobera made four changes to the Mohun Bagan starting XI, bringing in Amey Ranawade, Manvir Singh, Deepak Tangri and Jason Cummings. Mohammedan coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo introduced Lalthankima and Lalngaihsaka in midfield as the visitors fielded an all-Indian lineup.
Mohun Bagan started on the front foot, forcing an early corner and testing the Mohammedan defence inside the opening minutes. However, it was Mohammedan who struck first in the 12th minute. Lalngaihsaka delivered a precise corner and Lalthankima rose highest to head into the top-left corner, giving Vishal Kaith no chance.
The lead lasted just 10 minutes. Robson Azevedo equalised in the 22nd minute with a curling right-footed effort into the bottom-left corner. Four minutes later, he capitalised on a loose ball inside the box to fire home and put Mohun Bagan 2-1 ahead.
Jamie Maclaren extended the advantage in the 35th minute after a defensive lapse allowed him to slot in from close range, sending the hosts into halftime with a 3-1 lead.
Mohammedan attempted to respond in the second half, but Mohun Bagan remained in control. In the 62nd minute, Manvir Singh met Abhishek Singh’s cross with a diving header that deflected off Sajjad Hussain and found the net to make it 4-1.
Dimitri Petratos completed the rout in the 70th minute with a powerful long-range strike that clipped the woodwork before going in. Mohun Bagan continued to press until the final whistle, sealing a comprehensive derby victory.
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