Bagan Show Their Might to Blasters: A Dominant 3-0 Victory in ISL 2024-25
In a commanding display at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, ATK Mohun Bagan (MBSG) took all three points with a dominant 3-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) in an exciting ISL 2024-25 encounter. The visitors’ attacking prowess and defensive resilience proved too much for the Blasters, who were unable to break down a well-organized Mohun Bagan side. Jamie MacLaren’s brace and a late goal from Dimitri Petratos sealed the win for the Mariners, who demonstrated why they are one of the title favorites this season.
The match showcased Mohun Bagan’s ability to control the game, from their fluid attacking play to their compact defense, as they outclassed Kerala in nearly every aspect of the match. Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters, who were looking to extend their unbeaten home run, were left disappointed as they struggled to break down their opponents, with their defensive frailties and inability to finish chances leaving them with little to show for their efforts.
First Half: Mohun Bagan’s Early Dominance
As the game kicked off, the atmosphere at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was electric, with Kerala Blasters fans hoping to see their team continue their strong home form. However, it was ATK Mohun Bagan who quickly stamped their authority on the game. Coach Juan Ferrando’s side were organized in possession, and their pressing game made it difficult for Kerala Blasters to establish any rhythm.
Mohun Bagan’s attacking trio of MacLaren, Ashique Kuruniyan, and Dimitri Petratos were the key outlets for the visitors. The front three’s constant movement and sharp passing created numerous problems for Kerala’s defense, with the Blasters unable to deal with the speed and precision of their opponents. The first chance of the game came in the 9th minute, when a sweeping ball from Mohun Bagan’s midfield released Ashique Kuruniyan down the left wing. He cut inside, delivering a perfect low cross into the box, but MacLaren, despite being in space, failed to get enough contact on his shot, sending it wide.
Still, the visitors were on the front foot, showing their attacking intent with every attack. Kerala Blasters tried to respond, with Sahal Abdul Samad and Ivan Kaliuzhnyi seeing more of the ball in midfield, but MBSG’s defense, led by the formidable Tiri and Brendan Hamill, was unyielding. The Blasters struggled to find the space they needed to break down the Mariners, with the midfield duo of Joni Kauko and Deepak Tangri effectively shutting down Kerala’s creative players.
In the 23rd minute, Mohun Bagan made their dominance count. Ashique Kuruniyan once again found space on the left flank, delivering a brilliant cross into the box. This time, MacLaren’s positioning was perfect as he met the ball with a clean volley, sending it past Kerala goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill and into the back of the net. The strike was a testament to MacLaren’s clinical finishing, and the Mariners had taken a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal rattled Kerala, and they struggled to regain their composure. Their attempts to create chances were thwarted by the MBSG defense, with Tiri and Hamill winning nearly every aerial duel and intercepting through balls with ease. Kerala’s midfield lacked the creativity to break down the disciplined Mohun Bagan shape, and the Blasters were unable to create any meaningful pressure on the Mariners.
MacLaren’s Second: A Perfectly Executed Counter-Attack
The opening goal sparked the Mariners into even greater attacking form, and they doubled their lead in the 37th minute. A quick and well-executed counter-attack saw Mohun Bagan capitalize on Kerala’s defensive high line. After a clearance from the back, MacLaren was released into space. The Australian striker showed his class, controlling the ball with ease and then coolly placing his shot into the top corner of the net, out of Gill’s reach. The goal was a clinical example of MacLaren’s ability to read the game and exploit the slightest of defensive mistakes.
With Mohun Bagan now leading 2-0, Kerala Blasters were left in a difficult position. They had little to show for their possession, and despite their efforts to push forward, they could not break through the resolute Mohun Bagan defense. Kerala’s defense, already on edge after conceding twice, struggled to cope with the visitors’ fluid attacking play, and their chances of getting back into the game appeared slim.
As the first half drew to a close, Kerala had one last chance to reduce the deficit. Sahal Abdul Samad, who had looked lively throughout the half, found himself in space on the edge of the box after a neat pass from Luna. Samad’s shot was powerful but was brilliantly saved by MBSG’s goalkeeper, Amrinder Singh, who dived full stretch to his left to deny Kerala their best opportunity of the match.
Second Half: Kerala’s Struggles Continue
The second half began with a sense of urgency from Kerala Blasters. Head coach Ivan Vukomanović introduced fresh legs, bringing in Adrian Luna and Rahul KP to add more attacking options. Kerala pushed forward in search of a goal, hoping to reduce the deficit and create a pathway back into the game. However, their efforts were largely ineffective as Mohun Bagan continued to control the tempo.
Despite dominating possession, Kerala’s attacking players struggled to find the final ball. The Blasters’ crosses into the box were easily dealt with by the towering Tiri and Hamill, and the midfield was unable to find the creative spark necessary to break down the Mariners. Mohun Bagan remained compact in defense, and every Kerala attack was quickly snuffed out.
In the 60th minute, Kerala’s best chance came when a powerful header from Samad looked destined for the top corner, but once again, Amrinder Singh proved his worth with a stunning save, getting a fingertip to the ball and sending it wide. This moment encapsulated Kerala’s frustration, as they were unable to get past the formidable Mohun Bagan defense.
Petratos Seals the Win with a Third Goal
As Kerala Blasters pushed forward in search of a goal, they left themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks. Mohun Bagan, with their well-organized defense, was more than capable of absorbing the pressure and hitting Kerala on the break. In the 84th minute, MBSG sealed the game with a third goal. A quick counter-attack saw MacLaren’s clever pass find Dimitri Petratos, who was unmarked in the box. Petratos took a touch before calmly finishing past the advancing Kerala goalkeeper, Albino Gomes, making it 3-0 to the visitors.
The third goal effectively ended the contest, as Kerala had no response. The Mariners’ defense continued to hold firm, and Kerala’s attacking threat had all but evaporated. Mohun Bagan comfortably saw out the final minutes, and the referee blew the whistle to confirm a 3-0 victory for the visitors.
Key Performances:
Jamie MacLaren (MBSG) – The Australian striker was the standout performer of the match, scoring two clinical goals and causing constant problems for Kerala’s defense. His ability to read the game and finish with precision made him the focal point of Mohun Bagan’s attack.
Tiri (MBSG) – The Spanish defender was exceptional at the back, providing leadership and stability. His aerial dominance and timely interceptions ensured that Kerala had little to work with in attack.
Dimitri Petratos (MBSG) – Petratos was involved in both creating and finishing opportunities. His composure in front of goal sealed the win for Mohun Bagan, adding a third goal to their tally.
Sahal Abdul Samad (KBFC) – Despite the defeat, Samad was one of Kerala’s brighter players, looking dangerous at times and coming closest to scoring with his powerful header that was saved by Amrinder Singh.
Conclusion:
ATK Mohun Bagan’s 3-0 victory over Kerala Blasters was a comprehensive performance that demonstrated their title credentials in the ISL 2024-25 season. The Mariners’ attacking potency, combined with their defensive solidity, was too much for Kerala, who struggled to impose themselves on the game. With MacLaren in fine form, Mohun Bagan will be a team to watch as they continue their push for the top spot in the league. For Kerala Blasters, it’s back to the drawing board, as they must regroup quickly and address their defensive frailties to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
