Mohun Bagan beaten by East Bengal in Durand Cup quarter final. Red & Gold brigade impressed in defending well against Mogun Bagan attack at VYBK, and was found intercepting Bagan moves and was better off in the ball distribution from the flanks. Mohun Bagan’s defensive vulnerability, particularly from the right back position show that adjustments are needed on the right side of the team, beside some visible fitness concerns. 

 

Mohun Bagan started Durand Cup journey when many of the senior players were not in the town. The pre-season sessions were definitely missed as East Bengal was allowed to move freely in the middle third.  Besides, East Bengal was able to block Bagan attack by not allowing Bagan players much into their box. In spite of that, Bagan players got few loose balls and they should have scored from the same. Vishal saved the ball twice during this phase.

East Bengal’s first goal came from a penalty when Ashish Rai tried to snatch the ball from Bipin inside the box. Dimitrios made no mistake in converting the penalty to a goal. Bagan went for counter attacks but they were getting blocked by EB defense.

 

EB got some advantages as at least for2 occasions Bagan was deprived of a penalty – first a foul on Jamie and then another foul on Sahal. In few other occasions EB players fouled Bagan players , particularly Jamie and Pasang, and referee decided to look at the other way. This refereeing advantage helped East Bengal to play freely knowing that the referee will be soft on them.

 

In the second half Jason replaced Pasang – and Bagan saw some movements in attack. However, from a counterattack Bagan defense failed to cover Dimitrios and he scored his second goal with an ease at 52nd minute of the game.

Soon after Bagan went all out for a goal and East Bengal players had taken brilliant tactics to slow down by wasting time. Bagan had to wait for 67′ when a Liston corner from left found Thapa outside the EB box and his long shot got past EB defense into the far post.

At the 70th minute Bagan made 3 more changes- and increased the pace of the attack. However East Bengal players look fitter than Bagan players and they managed to ensure they concede no more goals. 

in the last 20 mins of the game Bagan players were seen hurrying to score a goal – and missed some opportunities, at least 2 of them from handshaking distance from the goal.

The only positive finding of this game was Abhishek in left back position – unfortunately his contribution will be marred by the loss.