Mohun Bagan Super Giant end FC Goa’s unbeaten streak after a strike by Dimitrios Petratos in Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Wednesday.

FC Goa looked really positive coming into the match as Manolo Marquez’s men were on an unbeaten streak for 12 matches in the on-going Indian Super League (ISL) season. The Gaurs made 2 changes in their starting lineup, including Raynier Fernandez and Boris Singh replacing Rowlin Borges and Mohammed Yasir.

On the other hand, the Mariners also came looking for revenge for the 1-4 defeat in their last encounter in Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, last year. Habas made 4 changes to the lineup as Glan Martins, Abhisekh Suryavanshi, Amandeep Bhan and Jason Cummings made their way for Dippendu Biswas, Deepak Tangri, Asish Rai and Armando Sadiku.

Match Report: As It Happened

First Half

Gaurs had a hold of the game early from kick-off as a floated pass by Brandon Fernandes on the 5th minute found Carlos Martinez who’s attempt hit the crossbar. The referee later ruled out the Spaniard’s attempt for offside. On the mark in the 13th minute, Odei Onaindia found the back of the net which was controversially ruled out for the ball going out of play.

Mohunbagan Super Giant created their first potential threat in the 21st minute of the match as Dimitri Petratos cut back and tried to curl the ball to find the back of the net, pulling off an excellent save from the FC Goa goalkeeper Arshedeep Singh. During the 35th minute mark, Noah Sadaoui played a great ball for Boris Singh who set up Carlos Martinez for a shot, which was missed by a whisker.

Second Half

Before starting the second half, Antonio Lopez Habas decided to substitute Joni Kauko in for Anirudh Thapa. The second half started on a really strong note as both of the teams showed their sparks of positivity within the first 5 minutes of the commencement of the half. The Gaurs again came close to delivering the breakthrough as a shot from outside the box missed the net by inches.

Mohun Bagan also came close to scoring their first goal in the 58th minute after a good counterattack led by Manvir Singh who’s pass in the middle for Petratos was not complete enough. The ball later fell to the feet of Armando Sadiku, who’s shot was collected comfortably by Arshdeep Singh, courtesy to a deflection.

The Mariners were close on utilizing a defensive failure by Odei Onaindia in the 63rd minute, as Joni Kauko chased the loose ball, but was eventually recovered brilliantly by the Spaniard. The deadlock was finally broken at the 74th minute as a well measured by Joni Kauko for Manvir Singh forced the keeper to step out and clear it out, but the ball fell in the feet of Dimitri Petratos, who did not fail to score on an empty net.

Brison Fernandes had a chance to equalise for FC Goa in the 85th minute, but he missed after receiving a cross from Mohammad Yasir. When Manvir Singh had a chance to score in the ninetieth minute, he transferred the ball to Petratos in the penalty area, where Carl McHugh intercepted it and touched it with his hands, reigniting the debate. The referee continued the game despite the players from Mohunbagan’s protest.

What’s Next For Both Teams?

The Gaurs will be facing Northeast United FC on 21st of February at the Fatorda Stadium. The kick off is scheduled at 7:30PM.

On the other hand, Antonio Habas’ men will be facing Northeast United FC on Saturday, 17th of February at the Salt Lake Stadium. The kick off is scheduled at 5PM.

Also Read: ISL 2023-24: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal; Kolkata Derby Match Report