East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant played out a thrilling 2-2 draw on Saturday at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The Mariners came from behind twice to ensure their unbeaten record against East Bengal in ISL’s Kolkata Derby remain intact. Ajay Chhetri and Cleiton Silva was on target for the Red and Gold Brigade, while Armando Sadiku and Dmitri Petratos scored for the Mariners.
It was an end-to-end game, with both sides looking to make opportunities count right from the start. Both sides pushed for an opener, but it was East Bengal who had the early breakthrough.
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End to End Kolkata Derby
Nishu Kumar’s cross from the left-side was put away expertly by Ajay Chhetri in the fourth minute as one section of the Salt Lake Stadium erupted with joy. However, East Bengal’s joy did not last for long as Mohun Bagan equalised through Armando Sadiku in the 17th minute. Brendan Hamill’s cross from the right was met by Sadiku ahead of an East Bengal defender. He scored a poacher’s goal, giving EB goalkeeper Gill no chance.
Both sides were forced to make a change each in the first half. Mohun Bagan lost their central defender Anwar Ali to an injury with Amandeep Singh replacing him. East Bengal had to substitute Saul Crespo with young Sayan Banerjee.
The second half began in a more feisty manner, with tackles flying in and yellow cards being flashed all around.
East Bengal had a penalty in the 51st minute when Deepak Tangri cluttered into Naorem Mahesh inside the Mariners penalty box. Cleiton Silva stepped up to take the spot kick and converted it wonderfully with a Panenka kick.
Though Mohun Bagan tried really hard to get into the match, East Bengal’s plan appeared to slow down the game to frustrate the Mariners. However the Mariners never lost hope and Dmitri Petratos equalised for the Mariners finally in the 87th minute.
Sahal’s cross was blocked by the East Bengal defence, but the rebound fell to an unmarked Petratos. He made no mistake in putting it past the East Bengal goalkeeper. The goal ensured Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten record against the arch-rivals in ISL remained intact.
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