In a highly anticipated ISL 2024-25 fixture, Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) faced off against ATK Mohun Bagan (MBSG) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. The match ended in a dominant 3-0 victory for the visitors, with a brace from MBSG’s star striker, Jamie MacLaren, and a commanding performance from the entire team, as they handed Kerala Blasters their first home defeat of the season. Mohun Bagan’s clinical finishing and resolute defense overshadowed the Blasters’ attacking intent, leaving them with little to show for their efforts.
This result further solidified Mohun Bagan’s place at the top of the ISL standings, while Kerala Blasters were left to reflect on a disappointing performance, struggling to contain the relentless attacking force of their opponents. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights, key moments, and standout performances from the match.
First Half: Mohun Bagan’s Early Pressure
The match kicked off with Kerala Blasters looking to make a strong start in front of their home fans, while Mohun Bagan, under the leadership of head coach Juan Ferrando, immediately set out to assert control over the game. The visitors pressed high from the outset, with their attacking trio of MacLaren, Dimitri Petratos, and Ashique Kuruniyan causing constant problems for Kerala’s defense.
MBSG’s early dominance in possession was evident as they sought to break down the Kerala defense with intricate passing and quick counter-attacks. The Blasters, on the other hand, tried to play with their usual flair but struggled to find space against the organized and disciplined Mohun Bagan backline, led by Tiri and Brendan Hamill.
The first notable chance came in the 10th minute when MBSG’s Ashique Kuruniyan made a blistering run down the left wing, cutting inside and delivering a low cross into the box. MacLaren was in the right place at the right time but couldn’t get enough contact on the ball to convert it into a goal. Kerala’s goalkeeper, Prabhsukhan Gill, did well to parry the effort, keeping the scoreline intact for the moment.
However, Mohun Bagan continued to dominate possession, with MacLaren and Petratos combining well. It was clear that the Blasters’ defense was struggling to cope with the attacking intensity of the Mariners.
MacLaren’s Brace: Clinical Finishing in First Half
The deadlock was broken in the 20th minute, and it was Jamie MacLaren who opened the scoring for Mohun Bagan. A beautifully weighted cross from the right by Ashique Kuruniyan found the Australian striker in space inside the box. MacLaren’s positioning and quick reaction ensured that he was able to volley the ball into the net, giving Gill no chance to make the save. The goal came as a result of excellent teamwork, with Kuruniyan’s cross being inch-perfect, and MacLaren’s clinical finishing showing why he’s one of the most dangerous strikers in the league.
Following the goal, Kerala Blasters tried to find their rhythm, pushing forward through the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad and Ivan Kaliuzhnyi. However, their attacks were easily thwarted by the resilient Mohun Bagan defense, and they struggled to break down the organized unit of Ferrando’s men. The midfield battle was largely controlled by MBSG, with Deepak Tangri and Joni Kauko ensuring that the Blasters’ playmakers had little time on the ball.
In the 37th minute, MacLaren struck again. This time, it was a combination of individual brilliance and a slight defensive lapse by Kerala. A quick throw-in from MBSG caught Kerala Blasters off guard, and MacLaren was released into space just outside the 18-yard box. He calmly took a touch before unleashing a powerful shot with his left foot, sending the ball crashing into the top corner of the net. Gill had no chance, and the goal was a perfect example of MacLaren’s sharp instincts and ability to capitalize on the smallest of mistakes.
With Mohun Bagan leading 2-0 at halftime, the Blasters had their work cut out for them. Kerala’s defense appeared vulnerable, and their attack lacked the fluidity and precision needed to break down the visitors’ well-organized defense.
MohunSecond Half: Kerala Blasters Struggle to Find a Response
The second half began with Kerala Blasters showing signs of urgency. Head coach Ivan Vukomanović made a couple of early substitutions, bringing in Albino Gomes in place of Prabhsukhan Gill and introducing a more attacking setup with Adrian Luna and Rahul KP. The Blasters aimed to increase the tempo of the game and mount pressure on the Mohun Bagan defense.
However, despite their best efforts, Kerala continued to struggle. Mohun Bagan’s defense, led by Tiri and Hamill, was resolute, and Kerala’s attempts to create meaningful chances were repeatedly shut down. The Blasters’ midfield struggled to control possession, and their attacks lacked the cutting edge necessary to break through the Mariners’ defense.
In the 60th minute, Kerala’s best opportunity of the match came when a brilliant cross from Luna found an unmarked Sahal Abdul Samad inside the box. Samad’s header was powerful but was superbly saved by MBSG goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who pulled off a world-class stop to deny the Blasters a chance to get back into the game.
As the second half wore on, the visitors’ control of the game only grew stronger. Mohun Bagan looked content to absorb the pressure and hit Kerala on the counter-attack, with MacLaren continuing to be a focal point of their offensive moves. The Blasters were caught out on several occasions as MBSG transitioned quickly from defense to attack, but they were unable to add to their goal tally.
MohunThe Final Nail: Petratos Scores to Complete the Rout
The final blow for Kerala Blasters came in the 84th minute, as Dimitri Petratos sealed the victory with a third goal for Mohun Bagan. A quick counter-attack saw MacLaren play a delightful through ball to Petratos, who was running free into the box. The Australian midfielder kept his composure and slotted the ball past the advancing Gomes to make it 3-0.
With the game effectively settled, Mohun Bagan controlled the remaining minutes, ensuring that Kerala had no opportunities to mount a comeback. The Mariners’ tactical discipline and clinical finishing had been too much for the Blasters, who were left to rue missed chances and defensive lapses.
MohunKey Performances:
Jamie MacLaren (MBSG) – The star of the show, MacLaren’s brace was a testament to his clinical finishing and sharp instincts in front of goal. He was a constant threat throughout the game, capitalizing on Kerala’s defensive mistakes and proving why he is one of the top strikers in the league.
Tiri (MBSG) – The Spanish defender was rock-solid at the back, leading Mohun Bagan’s defensive line with confidence and authority. His excellent positioning and composure under pressure were crucial in keeping Kerala’s attacking players quiet.
Dimitri Petratos (MBSG) – Petratos was instrumental in linking up play and contributing to the third goal, capping off an excellent all-around performance. His ability to find space and create chances in attacking situations made him a constant danger.
Sahal Abdul Samad (KBFC) – Although Kerala Blasters struggled as a team, Samad was one of the few players who looked dangerous in attack. He came close to scoring in the second half but was denied by a brilliant save from Amrinder Singh.
Conclusion:
The 3-0 victory for ATK Mohun Bagan was a dominant display of clinical finishing, tactical discipline, and defensive solidity. Kerala Blasters will be left to reflect on their defensive vulnerabilities and inability to convert chances, while Mohun Bagan’s impressive performance further cements their position as one of the top contenders in the ISL this season. With MacLaren’s brace, the Mariners showed they are a well-oiled machine capable of dominating games both at home and away. Kerala Blasters, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they are to bounce back from this disappointing result.
