ISL2425 : MohunBagan SG clinches SF spot for the season, at doorstep of topping points table & winning shield

 


The ISL 2024-25 season is gradually reaching its climax and Mohun Bagan SuperGiants the leading team in the league is going from strength & strength . They are now well poised to end as the leaders in the points table which will assure them the League- Shield for the 2nd year running . On the other hand they have reached the season's semi finals with a big win over the dangerous Kerala Blasters . 

Mohun Bagan once again proved that in football, goals are all that matter. Despite arguably their worst performance of the season against Kerala Blasters, they secured a commanding 3-0 victory. If not for the brilliant efforts of Subhasish Bose and Vishal Kaith, Mohun Bagan could have conceded at least four goals within the first 30 minutes. However, despite relentless attacks, Kerala failed to convert their chances, while Mohun Bagan capitalized on the few opportunities they got through Jamie Maclaren, Alberto Rodríguez, and others. This win secured Bagan’s place in the ISL semifinals, ensuring they cannot drop below second place. With 49 points from 21 matches, they now need just one more win from their remaining three games to clinch the ISL League Shield for the second consecutive time, a feat no other team has achieved. A victory in their next home match against Odisha would see them crowned champions in front of their fans.

Kerala’s Early Dominance and Missed Chances

Right from the start, Kerala leveraged their home advantage, launching attacks from both flanks. Mohun Bagan’s defense struggled under pressure. In the 9th minute, Kerala came close to scoring, but Subhasish made two goal-line clearances inside the box. Bagan’s midfield, particularly Deepak Tangri and Apuia, had a poor game, failing to maintain possession. As a result, Kerala repeatedly regained the ball and launched waves of attacks through Adrián Luna and Jesús Giménez. However, despite their dominance, they could not find the back of the net. In the 25th minute, Vishal Kaith made a crucial save, diving full stretch to deny an almost certain goal.

Subhasish: A Defensive Wall

While most Mohun Bagan players underperformed, Subhasish Bose delivered a captain’s performance, single-handedly keeping Kerala at bay. His fearless approach, throwing himself in front of shots, was crucial in nullifying Kerala’s attacks. Not only was he solid in defense, but he also contributed to the attack. If any player deserved a perfect 10/10 in this match, it was Subhasish.

Maclaren’s Clinical Finishing

Jamie Maclaren demonstrated exactly what a box striker should do. Despite Kerala dominating the first half, Mohun Bagan made the most of their limited chances. In the 28th minute, Liston Colaco dribbled past two defenders and squared the ball inside the box, where Maclaren was perfectly positioned to slot it home. In the 41st minute, he latched onto a pass from Jason Cummings and beat Kerala’s goalkeeper Sachin Suresh with a composed finish. He had another goal disallowed for offside in the first half. The Australian forward had the chance to complete his hat-trick in the second half but failed to convert.

Bagan’s Second-Half Improvement

Mohun Bagan showed significant improvement after halftime, gaining better control in midfield, which led to more structured attacks. With Subhasish needing less defensive cover, Alberto Rodríguez and Tom Aldred stepped up to take greater responsibility at the back. As a result, Kerala found it much harder to create clear-cut chances in the second half. Even when they did, Bagan’s defensive structure remained resolute, denying them any breakthrough.

Alberto Continues His Scoring Form

Alberto Rodríguez has been exceptional this season, scoring six goals as a defender. In the 66th minute, he capitalized on a rebound from Tom Aldred’s shot following a Jason Cummings free kick, slotting the ball into the net with a precise low-driven shot. At 3-0, the match was effectively sealed.

Vishal’s Clean Sheet Streak Continues

Vishal Kaith has been outstanding this season, making it incredibly difficult for opponents to score against him. Kerala, too, struggled to get past him in this match. Every time they threatened, Vishal was in the right position, making crucial saves. His confidence is growing with each game, and he secured yet another clean sheet.

Kerala Paid the Price for Missed Chances

Kerala had at least six clear-cut opportunities but failed to convert any. Some shots were blocked, some went off target, and others were saved by Vishal. Despite playing well, their inability to finish cost them the match, forcing them to leave the pitch empty-handed.


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