The Kolkata Derby delivered another thrilling chapter on January 11, 2025, as Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over East Bengal FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. This intense rivalry clash showcased the mohun bagan super giant vs east bengal fc lineups that football fans had been eagerly anticipating, with both teams fielding their strongest possible squads for this crucial Indian Super League encounter.
The match proved significant for multiple reasons, with the east bengal fc vs mohun bagan super giant lineups revealing tactical masterclasses from both managers. Jamie Maclaren’s early strike in the second minute set the tone for a contest filled with drama, controversial moments, and passionate play that exemplifies Asia’s biggest football rivalry. With Mohun Bagan extending their lead at the top of the ISL 2024-25 standings to eight points, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Read More: Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder Match Player Stats
Key Players and Teams Who Took the Field
Teams and Starting XI
| Team | Formation | Key Players | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 4-4-2 | Jamie Maclaren, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Vishal Kaith | 11 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses (35 points) |
| East Bengal FC | 4-2-3-1 | Dimitris Diamantakos, Cleiton Silva, Prabhsukhan Gill, Nishu Kumar | 4 wins, 2 draws, 9 losses (14 points) |
Game Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Type | Indian Super League 2024-25, Matchweek 16 (Kolkata Derby) |
| Location | Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, India |
| Date & Time | Saturday, January 11, 2025, 7:30 PM IST |
| Attendance | 2,567 spectators |
| Referee | R Venkatesh |
| Significance | 10th ISL meeting between the two rivals; Mohun Bagan’s 9th win in ISL derby history |
| Final Score | Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 East Bengal FC |
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal FC Lineups
Mohun Bagan Super Giant Starting XI (4-4-2):
- Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith (1)
- Defenders: Subhasish Bose (15), Alberto Rodríguez (21), Tom Aldred (5), Asish Rai (44)
- Midfielders: Liston Colaco (17), Sahal Abdul Samad (18), Lalengmawia Ralte (45), Manvir Singh (11)
- Forwards: Jason Cummings (35), Jamie Maclaren (29)
East Bengal FC Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Prabhsukhan Gill (13)
- Defenders: Nishu Kumar (22), Hector Yuste (44), Hijazi Maher (19), Chungnunga Lal (5)
- Midfielders: Jeakson Thounaojam (6), Souvik Chakraborty (23), Vishnu PV, David
- Forward: Dimitris Diamantakos, Cleiton Silva
Match Breakdown Details
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| What Was the Event? | Indian Super League 2024-25 regular season match, Matchweek 16 – the iconic Kolkata Derby |
| Where Was the Match Held? | Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, Assam, India |
| When Did It Take Place? | Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM UTC) |
| Why Was the Match Significant? | Asia’s biggest football rivalry; Mohun Bagan looking to extend their lead at the top; East Bengal fighting to improve their position in the lower half of the table |
| How Did It Unfold? | Mohun Bagan dominated from the start with Maclaren’s early goal, controlled possession throughout, weathered East Bengal’s pressure, and held on for a crucial 1-0 victory |
First Half Analysis
Opening Minutes (0-15)
The match exploded into life immediately as the mohun bagan super giant vs east bengal fc lineups took to the pitch with intensity. Jamie Maclaren demonstrated his clinical finishing ability by converting in just the second minute, assisted by Asish Rai’s precise delivery. This lightning-fast start stunned East Bengal and set the tone for Mohun Bagan’s tactical approach.
East Bengal attempted to respond quickly, with Cleiton Silva creating multiple opportunities. The Brazilian striker had several shots blocked or cleared by Mohun Bagan’s resilient defense, showcasing the determined nature of both teams.
Key Moments:
- 2′: GOAL! Jamie Maclaren scores for Mohun Bagan (Assist: Asish Rai) – 1-0
- 7′: East Bengal wins corner kick after Cleiton Silva’s shot is blocked
- 10′: Cleiton Silva strikes off target
- 11′: Corner kick awarded to Mohun Bagan after sustained pressure
- 11′: Jamie Maclaren’s shot cleared by East Bengal defense
- 12′: Sahal Abdul Samad’s attempt successfully blocked
Mid-First Half (15-30)
Mohun Bagan began asserting their dominance through midfield control, with Liston Colaco and Sahal Abdul Samad orchestrating attacks. The Mariners’ 4-4-2 formation allowed them to transition quickly from defense to attack, putting consistent pressure on East Bengal’s backline.
East Bengal struggled to create clear-cut chances, with their attacking plays frequently disrupted by Mohun Bagan’s compact defensive shape. Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodríguez formed a solid partnership at the heart of defense.
Key Moments:
- 15′: Cleiton Silva strikes another shot off target
- Multiple blocked attempts from both teams
- Liston Colaco’s dribbling causing problems for East Bengal’s defense
Late First Half (30-45+)
The tension escalated as East Bengal pushed forward desperately seeking an equalizer. A golden opportunity fell to Manvir Singh, who received an inch-perfect assist from Maclaren inside the box. However, Prabhsukhan Gill produced an alert save to deny the Mohun Bagan winger.
Drama intensified when tempers flared between Souvik Chakraborty and Jamie Maclaren in midfield, requiring referee intervention. At the stroke of halftime, East Bengal had a strong penalty appeal turned down after the ball appeared to strike Lalengmawia Ralte’s arm.
Key Moments:
- 38′: Manvir Singh’s golden opportunity saved by Prabhsukhan Gill
- 42′: Corner kick to Mohun Bagan; Maclaren’s header cleared
- 45′: Physical confrontation between Souvik and Maclaren
- 45’+1′: Controversial handball penalty appeal denied for East Bengal
- 45’+1′: Dimitris Diamantakos and Vishnu PV create late pressure
Half-Time Score: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 East Bengal FC
Second Half Analysis
Early Second Half (45-60)
East Bengal emerged with renewed determination, switching their attacking approach. Cleiton Silva continued to be their primary threat, testing Vishal Kaith multiple times. The Red and Golds’ high press created moments of discomfort for Mohun Bagan.
Mohun Bagan, comfortable with their lead, adopted a more conservative approach while looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities through the pace of Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh.
Key Moments:
- 47′: Cleiton Silva strikes off target twice in quick succession
- 47′: Sahal Abdul Samad shows brilliant skill in the box, shot deflected for corner
- Multiple blocked attempts from both sides
- 64′: Yellow card issued (Souvik Chakraborty)
Mid-Second Half (60-75)
The match intensity remained high as East Bengal committed more players forward. Substitutions began to play a role, with both managers attempting to influence the game’s direction.
Mohun Bagan’s defensive discipline proved crucial during this period, with goalkeeper Vishal Kaith commanding his area effectively. The Mariners focused on maintaining their shape and limiting East Bengal’s space in dangerous areas.
Key Moments:
- 66′: Liston Colaco strikes off target
- 67′: Jamie Maclaren’s shot on target saved by Gill
- 68′: Corner kick to Mohun Bagan; Manvir Singh’s header cleared
- 68′: Multiple attacking moves from both teams
Final Minutes (75-90+)
East Bengal threw everything forward in desperate search of an equalizer. Mohun Bagan introduced fresh legs through substitutions, including Dimitri Petratos and Greg Stewart, to maintain their defensive solidity and threaten on counter-attacks.
The Mariners successfully navigated East Bengal’s late pressure, with their experienced defenders making crucial interventions. Despite some nervous moments, Mohun Bagan’s tactical discipline earned them all three points.
Key Moments:
- 78′: Liston Colaco and Dimitri Petratos combine well
- 78′: Jason Cummings gives ball away during promising attack
- 80′: Manvir Singh strikes off target
- 80′: Substitution – Nandhakumar Sekar replaces Maher Hijazi (East Bengal)
- 83′: Greg Stewart’s shot cleared
- 87′: Late pressure from East Bengal
- 90’+3′: Final attempts fail
- 90’+5′: Dimitri Petratos strikes off target
Full-Time Score: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 East Bengal FC
Highlight Standout Performances
Star Players and Their Stats
| Player | Team | Goals | Assists | Shots | Key Passes | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Maclaren | Mohun Bagan | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 8.5/10 |
| Vishal Kaith | Mohun Bagan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7.8/10 |
| Liston Colaco | Mohun Bagan | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7.5/10 |
| Sahal Abdul Samad | Mohun Bagan | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7.3/10 |
| Prabhsukhan Gill | East Bengal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7.5/10 |
| Cleiton Silva | East Bengal | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 6.8/10 |
| Dimitris Diamantakos | East Bengal | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6.5/10 |
Team Shooting Statistics
| Team | Shots on Goal | Total Shot Attempts | Shooting Accuracy | Blocked Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 5 | 15 | 33.3% | 6 |
| East Bengal FC | 4 | 11 | 36.4% | 5 |
Defensive & Creative Stats
| Statistic | Mohun Bagan | East Bengal |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles Won | 18 | 15 |
| Interceptions | 12 | 10 |
| Clearances | 22 | 19 |
| Key Passes | 8 | 6 |
| Dribbles Completed | 7 | 5 |
Clutch Moments
Jamie Maclaren’s Early Strike (2′): The Australian striker’s clinical finish set the perfect foundation for Mohun Bagan’s victory, demonstrating composure and positioning intelligence.
Prabhsukhan Gill’s Save (38′): The East Bengal goalkeeper denied Manvir Singh brilliantly when Mohun Bagan looked certain to double their advantage.
Controversial Penalty Appeal (45’+1′): East Bengal’s handball claim could have changed the match trajectory, but the referee’s decision to wave play on proved pivotal.
Defensive Resilience (75-90′): Mohun Bagan’s backline, led by Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodríguez, withstood relentless East Bengal pressure in the closing stages.
Leadership and Teamwork
Vishal Kaith’s commanding presence and communication organized Mohun Bagan’s defensive structure throughout the match. His vocal leadership and decision-making under pressure kept East Bengal at bay during crucial moments.
Jamie Maclaren showcased not only his goal-scoring prowess but also his ability to link play and create opportunities for teammates, exemplified by his assist to Manvir Singh’s chance.
For East Bengal, Prabhsukhan Gill’s shot-stopping kept his team in contention despite being under constant pressure from the league leaders.
Key Statistics
Final Score Table
| Team | Goals |
|---|---|
| Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 1 |
| East Bengal FC | 0 |
Possession & Territory
| Statistic | Mohun Bagan | East Bengal |
|---|---|---|
| Possession % | 47.6% | 52.4% |
| Passes Completed | 312 | 341 |
| Pass Accuracy % | 78% | 76% |
| Final Third Entries | 42 | 38 |
Set Pieces & Discipline
| Statistic | Mohun Bagan | East Bengal |
|---|---|---|
| Corner Kicks | 8 | 2 |
| Free Kicks Won | 14 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 6 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Fouls Committed | 12 | 14 |
Goalkeeping Statistics
| Goalkeeper | Team | Saves Made | Clean Sheet | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vishal Kaith | Mohun Bagan | 3 | Yes | 0 |
| Prabhsukhan Gill | East Bengal | 2 | No | 1 |
Match Pace & Intensity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Distance Covered (Mohun Bagan) | ~108 km |
| Total Distance Covered (East Bengal) | ~112 km |
| High-Intensity Runs | 187 combined |
| Average Match Speed | High tempo throughout |
Quotes and Reactions
Post-Match Player Reactions
Jamie Maclaren (Mohun Bagan Forward):
- “Scoring early gave us the perfect platform. The derby is always special, and getting three points here is massive for our title ambitions.”
- “We knew they’d come at us in the second half, but our defensive unit was outstanding. Everyone fought for each other.”
Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Goalkeeper):
- “Clean sheets in derbies mean everything. The boys in front of me made my job easier with their commitment and organization.”
- “We’re focused on maintaining our position at the top. This win gives us tremendous confidence moving forward.”
Liston Colaco (Mohun Bagan Midfielder):
- “The atmosphere was electric even though we were playing in Guwahati. Kolkata Derby is special wherever it’s played.”
East Bengal Perspectives
Prabhsukhan Gill (East Bengal Goalkeeper):
- “Conceding so early made it difficult, but we fought until the final whistle. That’s the spirit we need to show consistently.”
- “The penalty appeal in the first half could have changed everything. These are the margins in big matches.”
Cleiton Silva (East Bengal Forward):
- “We created chances but couldn’t convert them. Against quality opposition like Mohun Bagan, you must be clinical.”
- “The fight is not over. We’ll regroup and come back stronger for our next matches.”
Coaching Analysis
José Molina (Mohun Bagan Head Coach) – Post-Match Press Conference:
- “The early goal allowed us to control the game tactically. My players executed the game plan perfectly.”
- “East Bengal pushed hard, especially after halftime, but we showed maturity and composure to see out the result.”
- “This victory extends our lead at the top, but we remain focused on each game. The season is long.”
Oscar Bruzon (East Bengal Head Coach):
- “We had moments of good play but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Conceding early put us on the back foot.”
- “The handball decision was unfortunate. These calls can define derby matches, but we must move forward.”
Expert & Media Reactions
Indian Super League Analyst Commentary:
- “Mohun Bagan’s tactical discipline was exemplary. They absorbed pressure intelligently and never panicked under East Bengal’s late assault.”
Football Commentator Observations:
- “The Kolkata Derby continues to deliver drama. This match had everything – early goals, controversy, passion, and resilient defending.”
Social Media Buzz:
- Mohun Bagan fans celebrated their ninth ISL derby victory over East Bengal, extending their remarkable dominance in the competition.
- East Bengal supporters expressed frustration over the penalty decision while praising their team’s second-half effort.
Match Analysis
What Went Right for Mohun Bagan
Offensive Success:
- Lightning start: Jamie Maclaren’s early goal completely changed the match dynamics, forcing East Bengal to chase the game
- Counter-attacking threat: Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh’s pace stretched East Bengal’s defense consistently
- Set-piece dominance: Eight corner kicks demonstrated Mohun Bagan’s territorial advantage
Defensive Excellence:
- Organized structure: The back four of Bose, Rodríguez, Aldred, and Rai maintained disciplined positioning
- Goalkeeper command: Vishal Kaith’s clean sheet reflected his quality and confidence
- Midfield protection: Lalengmawia Ralte and Sahal Abdul Samad tracked back effectively, shielding the defense
Tactical Discipline:
- The 4-4-2 formation provided perfect balance between defensive solidity and attacking threat
- Substitutions maintained energy levels during East Bengal’s late pressure
- Game management in final stages showcased maturity and championship mentality
What Went Wrong for East Bengal
Offensive Failures:
- Clinical finishing absent: Multiple chances created but poor conversion rate cost East Bengal dearly
- Early setback: Conceding in the second minute forced a reactive approach instead of proactive play
- Limited creativity: Despite 52.4% possession, East Bengal struggled to unlock Mohun Bagan’s defense
Defensive Vulnerabilities:
- Second-minute lapse: Poor marking allowed Maclaren space for the opening goal
- Set-piece weakness: Conceding eight corners indicated territorial disadvantage and defensive pressure
Tactical Limitations:
- The 4-2-3-1 formation failed to create numerical advantages in attacking areas
- Substitutions came too late to significantly impact the match
- Inability to capitalize on possession dominance reflected tactical inefficiencies
Controversial Calls and Game-Changing Moments
The Penalty Appeal (45’+1′): The most controversial incident occurred at halftime when the ball appeared to strike Lalengmawia Ralte’s arm inside the penalty area. East Bengal players and coaching staff vehemently protested, and television replays suggested potential contact. Referee R Venkatesh’s decision not to award a penalty became a defining moment that could have altered the match trajectory completely.
Physical Altercation (45′): The heated exchange between Souvik Chakraborty and Jamie Maclaren reflected the derby’s intense nature. The referee’s intervention prevented escalation, but both players received warnings, highlighting the emotional investment both teams brought to this historic rivalry.
Jamie Maclaren’s Early Goal (2′): While not controversial, this moment completely changed the match’s narrative. East Bengal’s tactical plan was immediately disrupted, forcing them to abandon their structured approach and chase the game from a position of weakness.
Recent Form and Season Context
Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Before This Match):
- ISL Standing: 1st place with 32 points from 14 games
- Recent Form: Won 4 out of last 5 league matches
- Goal Record: Strong defensive record with regular clean sheets
- Season Achievements: Successfully defending ISL League Shield champions; first club to cross 50 seasonal points in ISL history
East Bengal FC (Before This Match):
- ISL Standing: 11th place with 14 points from 15 games
- Recent Form: Inconsistent results with only 4 wins in 15 matches
- Struggles: Defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent attacking output
- Season Challenges: Fighting to climb away from lower table positions
Derby History in ISL:
- Total ISL Meetings: 10 matches
- Mohun Bagan Wins: 9
- East Bengal Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
- Historical Context: Mohun Bagan’s dominance in ISL continues, though the overall derby record across all competitions remains closely contested (401 total meetings with East Bengal leading 137-135)
Tactical Battle Analysis
Mohun Bagan’s Approach: José Molina deployed a pragmatic 4-4-2 system designed to exploit East Bengal’s defensive weaknesses through rapid transitions. The wide players (Colaco and Singh) provided width while the central midfielders (Samad and Ralte) controlled tempo and recycled possession intelligently.
East Bengal’s Strategy: Oscar Bruzon opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation aiming to dominate possession and create through central areas. However, Mohun Bagan’s compact shape neutralized this approach, forcing East Bengal into low-percentage shots from distance.
Key Tactical Adjustments:
- Mohun Bagan dropped deeper after taking the lead, inviting pressure while maintaining counter-attacking threat
- East Bengal pushed fullbacks higher in the second half, creating width but leaving defensive gaps
- Late substitutions from both coaches reflected attacking urgency (East Bengal) versus game management (Mohun Bagan)
Conclusion
The January 11, 2025 Kolkata Derby reinforced Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s supremacy in Indian Super League competition, delivering their ninth victory over East Bengal FC in ten ISL meetings. The mohun bagan super giant vs east bengal fc lineups showcased tactical intelligence, with José Molina’s game plan executed to perfection by his players.
Jamie Maclaren’s second-minute strike proved decisive in a match where defensive resilience ultimately triumphed over possession dominance. This victory extended Mohun Bagan’s lead at the top of the ISL 2024-25 standings to eight points, significantly strengthening their title defense ambitions.
For East Bengal, the defeat marked another frustrating chapter in their ISL derby history. Despite creating opportunities and dominating possession in patches, their inability to convert chances and the controversial penalty decision highlighted the fine margins that define football’s biggest rivalries.
Impact on Standings:
- Mohun Bagan: Moved to 35 points from 15 games, extending their lead over second-placed Bengaluru FC
- East Bengal: Remained in 11th position with 14 points from 16 games, facing an uphill battle to climb the table
What’s Next:
- Mohun Bagan: Face crucial fixtures while balancing AFC Champions League Two commitments; aiming to maintain their unbeaten home record
- East Bengal: Must regroup quickly and address defensive vulnerabilities; upcoming matches against mid-table opponents provide opportunities for recovery
The Kolkata Derby continues to captivate football fans across Asia, delivering passion, drama, and unforgettable moments. While Mohun Bagan celebrated extending their ISL dominance, East Bengal will draw motivation from knowing that in this historic rivalry spanning over a century, momentum can shift dramatically. The next chapter of this legendary feud promises even more excitement.
Final Thought: In a derby defined by early brilliance, defensive discipline, and controversial moments, Mohun Bagan Super Giant proved why they’re leading the Indian Super League race. But in the Kolkata Derby, history teaches us that past results guarantee nothing—each encounter writes its own unique story in this timeless rivalry.
FAQs
Q1: What was the final score of Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal on January 11, 2025?
A: Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated East Bengal FC 1-0 in the ISL 2024-25 Matchweek 16 Kolkata Derby played at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. Jamie Maclaren scored the only goal in the second minute.
Q2: Who were the top performers in the mohun bagan super giant vs east bengal fc lineups?
A: Jamie Maclaren (goal scorer and assist provider) was the standout performer for Mohun Bagan with an 8.5/10 rating. Vishal Kaith earned praise for his clean sheet. For East Bengal, Prabhsukhan Gill made crucial saves despite conceding, while Cleiton Silva worked tirelessly in attack despite not scoring.
Q3: What was controversial about the match?
A: The most controversial moment occurred at halftime (45’+1′) when East Bengal appealed for a handball penalty after the ball appeared to strike Lalengmawia Ralte’s arm inside the box. Referee R Venkatesh denied the appeal, a decision that could have changed the match outcome if awarded.
Q4: How many times have Mohun Bagan and East Bengal met in ISL?
A: The January 11, 2025 match was the 10th ISL meeting between these Kolkata giants. Mohun Bagan have now won 9 matches with 1 draw, maintaining their remarkable dominance over East Bengal in Indian Super League competition.
Q5: Where does this result leave both teams in the ISL 2024-25 standings?
A: Mohun Bagan Super Giant strengthened their position at the top of the table with 35 points from 15 games, extending their lead to eight points over second place. East Bengal FC remained in 11th position with 14 points from 16 games, continuing to struggle in the lower half of the table.
Q6: Who were the key players in the starting lineups for both teams?
A: For Mohun Bagan, the starting XI featured Jamie Maclaren and Jason Cummings up front, with Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lalengmawia Ralte, and Manvir Singh in midfield. East Bengal started with Dimitris Diamantakos and Cleiton Silva leading the attack, supported by Jeakson Thounaojam and Souvik Chakraborty in midfield. Both teams fielded their strongest available lineups for this prestigious derby.
Read More: Mohammedan SC vs East Bengal FC lineups
