“Kolkata Derby Drama: Mohun Bagan SG 2-2 East Bengal in ISL 2023-24 – Petratos Levels the Score After Cleiton’s Goal!”

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Mohun Bagan

On Saturday, in the ISL-X Derby at the Salt Lake Stadium, Mohun Bagan Super Giants secured a 2-2 draw against East Bengal, but the latter only managed to take the lead twice and squandered it.

The first goal came in the third minute, but Bagan equalized in the 17th minute. In the 55th minute, Carlos Cuadrat’s Red-and-Gold Brigade took the lead again, but Bagan didn’t give up, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 87th minute.

Early goal for East Bengal

East Bengal should blame themselves for not securing their second derby win in 15 days. In both instances, defender Lal Chungnunga made crucial mistakes.

Firstly, he allowed Armando Sadiq to volley, then slipped at the wrong time, leading to Dimitri Petratos volleying. Defender Hijazi Maher was also in a generous mood, failing to clear the ball after Chungnunga’s fall.

Before the ISL break in December, Cuadrat had succeeded in strengthening the defense, making it difficult for opponents to score. However, strangely, on Saturday, East Bengal’s defense wavered repeatedly. They were fortunate that Bagan couldn’t capitalize on the errors.

Once, defender Mohammad Rakep couldn’t handle a center from the right by Chungnunga, leaving Sadiq with a clear shot at the goal. He quickly turned the tables.

East Bengal took the lead again in the 55th minute. Nishu Kumar sent a cross from the left, and before Brandon Hamill could clear the ball, Ajay Chhetri put it into the net.

Sadiku scores for Mohun Bagan

Mohun Bagan didn’t have to wait long to equalize. In the 17th minute, Armando Sadiq’s right-footed shot from the center of the box beat East Bengal’s goalkeeper Prabhshukhan Singh Gill. Sadiq cleverly directed Kiyan Nasiri’s ball from the right, while Chungnunga was catching his breath.

In the 87th minute, Bagan leveled the score at 2-2. Sahil Abdul Samad lost his footing under Chungnunga’s challenge on the left side. Hijazi also stumbled, and Petratos, who doesn’t let such opportunities go, secured a remarkable victory. He turned towards the delighted Bagan supporters, sprinting with his teammates. East Bengal had no idea what hit them.

Bagan is in the 5th position on the ISL table with 20 points, while East Bengal has climbed to the 7th position with 12 points.

Injury Note

Playing his first match in over three months, Bagan’s defender Anwar Ali had to be substituted in the 13th minute due to a hamstring injury in his left leg. He had not played many matches since suffering a thigh injury during an AFC Cup match on October 24 last year.

On Saturday, as soon as the 23-year-old defender suffered a hamstring injury, Amardeep Vrish Bhan took his place.

East Bengal’s Naorem Mahesh Singh also suffered a head injury and was taken to the hospital.

Star Performer of the Match

Dimitrios Petratos (Mohun Bagan Super Giants)

Besides potentially altering the course of the game’s most crucial moments, Petratos completed an impressive 23 out of 30 passes and created three goal-scoring opportunities for his team. He earned two fouls, played a perfect foil to Sadiq, but it was his lightning-quick focus and top-notch finishing skills that ensured Mohan Bagan Super Giants didn’t leave this game empty-handed.

What lies ahead for both teams?

Mohun Bagan Super Giants and East Bengal FC will face Hyderabad FC and Northeast United FC on February 10 in their upcoming matches.

Brief Score

Mohun Bagan Super Giants 2 (Armando Sadiq 17′, Dimitrios Petratos 87′) – 2 (Ajay Chhetri 3′, Cliton Silva 55′) East Bengal FC

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