Mohun Bagan Super Giant continued their impressive form in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, securing a convincing 2-0 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
The match, played on December 8, 2024, saw Mohun Bagan dominate proceedings, especially in the second half. The Mariners’ midfield maestro, Anirudh Thapa, was the architect of both goals, providing precise assists to Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco.
A balanced First Half
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating half-chances. Mohun Bagan’s midfield duo of Thapa and Hugo Boumous controlled the tempo, while NorthEast United’s attacking duo of Parthib Gogoi and Romain Philippoteaux posed a threat on the counter-attack. However, neither side could find the breakthrough, leaving the scoreline goalless at the halftime break.
Mohun Bagan’s Second-Half Dominance
The Mariners stepped up the intensity in the second half, and their dominance was rewarded in the 65th minute. Thapa’s incisive pass found Manvir Singh, who calmly slotted the ball past the NorthEast United goalkeeper.
Just six minutes later, Mohun Bagan doubled their lead. Thapa once again played a crucial role, setting up Liston Colaco, who finished with aplomb to seal the victory.
Key Takeaways:
Anirudh Thapa’s Masterclass: The Indian midfielder was the star of the show, dictating the tempo of the game and providing crucial assists.
Mohun Bagan’s Defensive Solidity: The Mariners’ defense, led by Brendan Hamill and Subhasish Bose, was resolute, thwarting NorthEast United’s attacking forays.
NorthEast United’s Struggles: The Highlanders struggled to create clear-cut chances and lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
With this victory, Mohun Bagan solidified their position at the top of the ISL table. NorthEast United, on the other hand, will need to improve their performance to climb up the standings and secure a playoff spot.