ISL: Controversial refereeing & other talking points from Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal FC Kolkata Derby

The Kolkata Derby witnessed one of the fastest goals scored in the fixture’s ISL history.

The 10th iteration of the Indian Super League (ISL) version of the Kolkata Derby featuring Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC lived up to the billing. The Torchbearers succumbed to another 1-0 loss and were rattled early in the first half as Jamie Maclaren pounced on a delightful Asish Rai pass and got past Hector Yuste to give the hosts an early lead.

Although both teams have had contrasting seasons so far this season, East Bengal FC were expected to put up more of a fight. It was a tight game with not many chances being created by Mohun Bagan against a toothless East Bengal FC side.

Let us take a look at the talking points from the game.

Defensive lapses leading to Mohun Bagan’s opener

Another game and another early goal conceded by the Torchbearers. It’s been a miserable season defensively for Oscar Bruzon’s side as they were caught napping once again in possibly their biggest game of the season.A deflected long pass by Asish Rai was misjudged for bounce by Hijazi, which allowed Maclaren to latch on to the pass and score the decisive early goal.

Adding to the Torchbearers’ misery was the dismissal of Souvik Chakrabarti in the 64th minute. The hot-headed defender got his first yellow after a brief yet intense confrontation with Jamie Maclaren in the 39th minute. Chakrabarti lost his composure in the 64th minute after a silly challenge on Liston Colaco just outside the box granted him a second yellow card and his marching orders.

Mohun Bagan show why they are the best in the ISL

The league leaders proved once again why they are one of the best teams in the league this season. Winning 70% of their duels, Mohun Bagan seemed more up for the contest than their fierce rivals.

While offensively, it could have been 3 or 4 goals for Mohun Bagan, it was defensively that the league leaders impressed on the night. Restricting East Bengal’s attackers in Diamantakos and Cleiton Silva, Mohun Bagan defenders had a much easier night. The league leaders now go eight points clear at the top of the ISL standings.

ALSO READ: Mohun Bagan 1-0 East Bengal Live | ISL 2024-25

Were East Bengal FC robbed of a penalty?

One of the biggest talking points from the game, came in the first half added time. PV Vishnu’s shot at goal struck Mohun Bagan’s Apuia’s arm but was dismissed by the on-field officials. With the flailing arm being away from the body, East Bengal FC were denied a chance to get back in the game just before half-time.

As per the rules, defenders are expected to keep their arms closely tucked to their bodies, which Apuia didn’t do in this situation.

A tough night for East Bengal FC and coach Oscar Bruzon, who were toothless and motionless when it mattered on the night against a superior Mohun Bagan Super Giant side led by Joseph Molina.

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