Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan: Three key battles to watchout for in ISL 2024-25 semifinal 2

Jamshedpur FC beat NorthEast United FC to reach ISL semifinals.

Mohun Bagan are going to have to go through Jamshedpur FC in their attempts of doing the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) double. Following the Men of Steel’s thrilling win over NorthEast United in the playoffs, they will now face an even bigger challenge in having to defeat the reigning ISL shield champions across two legs in the semi-finals.

The Mariners had a tricky outing at the JRD Tata Sports Complex during their 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur FC earlier this season. That is why they’ll be pushing harder to take a positive result back to the Salt Lake Stadium. Jamshedpur FC, meanwhile, will hope to rally off their fans’ support to get a comprehensive win and take a formidable lead to the second leg.

This first leg should be a feisty affair because of the contrasting playing style of the two sides. It will, ultimately, be decided on the performances of certain individuals. Both teams are blessed with quality players and that will result in a few eye-catching duels on the pitch.

A few particular battles between the two sets of players could end up deciding the game and about which team gets the edge. Here we look at the three key battles for the first leg of the ISL semi-final between Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan.

3. Liston Colaco vs Ashutosh Mehta

Liston Colaco is coming off a prolific March (2025) international break in which he produced some stellar performances for India. He scored his first-ever international goal and was also their best attacker in the draw against Bangladesh. The winger is oozing off confidence and momentum, making him well suited to spearhead Mohun Bagan’s quest to win the ISL title.

However, Colaco, who has five goal contributions (three goals, two assists) in the ISL this season, faces a challenging task against the sturdy Ashutosh Mehta. The experienced full-back was rock solid in his side’s win over NorthEast United, using his clever game-reading ability and defensive qualities to nullify the threat of Alaaeddine Ajaraie & co. Mehta might’ve gotten booked, but he made a number of crucial challenges to frustrate the Highlanders. He’ll now aim to do the same against Mohun Bagan in the semi-final.

Colaco will need to be at his very best to dribble past a proactive full-back like Mehtra and get into the empty spaces in the final third. Ashutosh will look to use his high energy levels and clutch tackles to neutralize Liston, knowing that doing so will shut down a major supply chain in the Mariners’ attack.

2. Javi Hernandez vs Lalengmawia Ralte

With Jamshedpur FC likely to take a more defensive approach against Mohun Bagan, Javi Hernandez is expected to move deeper into the midfield. The Spaniard produce a tenacious outing in the game against NorthEast United, capping it off with a well-taken goal.

He will, although, be involved in an intense midfield battle with Lalengmawia Ralte in the clash against Mohun Bagan. Apuia has been one of the most consistent players for Mohun Bagan in the ISL and ranks as one of the top Indian midfielders. The Mariners’ midfielder’s press resistant ability, hard-working nature and ability to win back the ball in key areas make him a major threat for any midfielder.

Hernandez will need to use his high experience levels to find ways to outwit Apuia and ensure that his side comes out on top in the midfield battle. Javi will also be pushing forward to create chances for his side, which Apuia will look to avert with his timely tackles and ball-recovery ability. This should result in a feisty battle in the middle of the park, with the winners able to help their side dictate how things go in the midfield battle.

1. Jamie Maclaren vs Stephen Eze

Jamie Maclaren had a pretty solid end to the ISL league phase, scoring five goals in the last four games before the playoffs. With 11 goals so far in the ISL, he is coming into the semi-final in hot form and aiming to further increase that goal tally. He will, although, face off against an in-form Stephen Eze in the opposition half.

Eze produced a superb display in the win over NorthEast United and is a no-nonsense, rugged defender who loves to harass forwards. Eze will look to continue his good work by helping his side maintain a stubborn defensive shape and mark Maclaren tightly to neutralize his side. That is why the Australian forward needs to be more unpredictable and agile with his work in the final third.

Maclaren has to be really smart with his off-the-ball movement to escape the marking of Eze and get into the empty spaces in the final third. Eze will look to rattle his forward with hard challenges and by winning the duels, demoralizing him and neutralizing his threat. This should result in a pretty tight battle on the pitch which could decide how well the Mariners’ attack can prosper on the night.

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