New Delhi: Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant began their Indian Super League campaign with a convincing 2 0 victory over Kerala Blasters at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharathi Krirangan in Kolkata. Goals from Jamie Maclaren and Tom Aldred ensured a winning start in a season that was delayed and reduced in duration.
Under new head coach Sergio Lobera, Mohun Bagan fielded a strong lineup featuring Dimi Petratos, Jamie Maclaren and Alberto Rodriguez. New signings Mehtab Singh, Robson Da Silva and Amey Ranawade were included in the matchday squad. Kerala Blasters coach David Catala opted for a youthful combination, handing debuts to foreign recruits Oumar Ba and Victor Bertomeu.
Mohun Bagan controlled possession from the outset, with Anirudh Thapa and Lalengmawia Ralte dictating play in midfield. Petratos, operating in his preferred playmaking role behind Maclaren, was central to the attacking moves. After sustained pressure, the breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Petratos set up Maclaren, who turned his marker and finished calmly to register the first goal of the new season.
The home side maintained dominance in the second half, forcing Kerala to defend deep. The visitors showed greater urgency in the closing stages, particularly through Kevin Yoke, but failed to create clear chances against goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Mohun Bagan sealed the result in injury time when substitute Tom Aldred headed in from a Thapa free kick to double the lead. Maclaren was named Player of the Match.
Off the field, the All India Football Federation confirmed that relegation will be implemented in the ISL for the first time. The bottom placed team will drop to the newly renamed Indian Football League, while the second tier champions will earn promotion. The ISL champions will qualify for the AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Round next season.
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