The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata hosted the opening match of the Indian Super League on Friday.
Mohun Bagan Super Giants faced Mumbai City FC.
MBSG took an early lead with a score of 2-0 but the islanders fought back in the second half of the game and brought the match to an equal.
In the first half of the game, MC’s goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa missed the ball and it deflected off Tiri to hit his net. This happened in the 9th minute of the game.
The 13th minute of the game was a crucial turning point as Captain Lallianzuala’s cross found Nikolaos Karelis at the faraway post.
Unfortunately for the team, the striker mistimed his header and missed the opportunity.
This year marked Spanish footballer Alberto Rodríguez Martín’s ISL debut for Mohun Bagan.
Rodríguez delivered a brilliant strike in the 28th minute, doubling the Mariner’s stake at the game.
However, the player had to be sent back with a cramp in the 79th minute of the game. This served as a huge disadvantage for Mohun Bagan.
After a stressful first half for team Mumbai City, the match came to a 2-2 draw and the hosts failed to snatch the win despite being ahead.
This happened as Team Mumbai City brought in Krouma and Brandon Fernandes.
Syrian footballer Thaer Krouma scored a late equaliser amidst heavy downpours and a wet field, bringing the match to a draw.
MC’s José Luis Espinosa Arroyo better known as Tiri scored the team’s first goal in the 70th minute.
Mumbai City’s head coach Patr Kraftky expressed confidence in the team following their draw with Mohun Bagan.
The coach said in a post-match interview, “I believe we have some quality in the team, which we showed it again. I’m very proud of the boys, especially in the first game of the season when you don’t know what to expect in terms of new players, characters, and Mohun Bagan Super Giants”
MBSP head coach José Francisco Molina Jiménez grieved the team’s defence lapses.
Team Mumbai City not only dominated the game but also registered more shots on target, revealing the team’s strategic play.
The coach said “We made mistakes in some specific actions but the game was under control.” and “Mumbai City took advantage of our mistakes”.
Last season, Mumbai City won the ISL trophy while Mohun Bagan claimed the shield.
Saturday marks the second day of the football championship.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar between Odisha Football Club and Chennaiyin Football Club at 17:00.
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