The intensity of the Kolkata Derby rose steadily on Saturday as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal locked horns in a tightly contested match. After a series of missed opportunities, it was Jamie Maclaren who finally broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, putting Mohun Bagan ahead with a well-placed strike. The game, which had fans on the edge of their seats, saw both teams struggle to convert chances until that decisive moment.
Maclaren’s goal came after a superb assist from Manvir Singh, who delivered a sharp cross from the right. Maclaren skillfully slipped past defenders Anwar Ali and Hector Yuste to slot the ball past East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill, sending the Mohun Bagan supporters into jubilation. The timing of the goal was perfect, coming just before halftime when both sides were still looking to break through.
Prior to Maclaren’s strike, both teams had wasted several opportunities to take the lead. Early in the match, Mohun Bagan’s Souvik Chakraborty advanced into the East Bengal box with the ball but failed to find any teammate to finish the move. Shortly after, East Bengal’s Talal took a shot from the edge of the box, but it missed the target, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
Mohun Bagan showed dominance in the first 10 minutes of the game, while East Bengal gradually found their rhythm as the match progressed. However, despite several forays into the opponent’s box, neither team could find the back of the net until Maclaren’s goal.
The starting line-ups saw both teams fielding their strongest players. Mohun Bagan’s line-up included Vishal Kaith, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodríguez, Ashish Rai, and captain Subhasish Bose in defense, with Anirudh Thapa, Apuia, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Greg Stewart, and Jamie Maclaren leading the attack.
East Bengal’s first eleven featured Prabhsukhan Gill in goal, with Mohammad Rakip, Hector Yuste, Anwar Ali, and Prabhat Lakra in defense. In midfield and attack, they fielded Souvik Chakraborty, Saul Crespo, Nand Kumar, Clayton Silva (captain), Madiha Talal, and David.
As the match moved towards halftime, East Bengal attempted to increase their pressure on the Mohun Bagan defense but found themselves trailing due to Maclaren’s clinical finishing. The second half promised more drama as East Bengal looked to level the score, while Mohun Bagan aimed to extend their lead.
The Kolkata Derby, one of Indian football’s most anticipated fixtures, once again lived up to its reputation, with high energy and skillful play on display. However, as the first half drew to a close, it was Mohun Bagan who took the upper hand, thanks to Maclaren’s crucial goal.