Indian super league: Mohun Bagan pip East Bengal 2-0

Mohun Bagan asserted their dominance in the season’s first derby, securing a comprehensive 2-0 victory over East Bengal, propelling them to second place in the Indian Super League standings on Saturday.

In front of a packed 59,872 attendance at the Salt Lake Stadium, Jamie Maclaren broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, finishing calmly at the near post after exploiting a poor defensive positioning by Anwar Ali and a mistimed slide from Hector Yuste.

Substitute Dimitri Petratos sealed the win in the 89th minute, converting a powerful penalty after East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill brought down Greg Stewart inside the box.

With their third win in five matches, Mohun Bagan moved to second, just three points behind leaders Bengaluru FC.

In contrast, East Bengal, under the new guidance of Oscar Bruzon, were unable to spark a revival and extended their losing streak in ISL to four matches, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table without a point.

East Bengal also extended their winless run to nine matches in ISL derbies, suffering eight defeats and one draw. Early in the third minute, Manvir Singh’s cross was cleared by Yuste, averting an early danger for East Bengal.

Around the 13th minute, EB had their first real chance when Yuste lofted a ball over the top to David Hmar, who laid it off for Nandha Kumar and his cross found Cleiton Silva. But the resulting header was easily saved by Vishal Kaith.