Mohun Bagan Super Giant kicked off the 2025-26 ISL season with a clinical performance. Thrashing Kerala Blasters with securing a 2-0 win at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The match ignited early on when Dimitri Petratos unleashed a stinging shot from the left, which was deflected wide for a corner. The Australian import then swung a dangerous ball into the box however, no one could connect, allowing the Blasters to clear the danger quickly.
Despite that initial clearance, the pressure continued to build until the deadlock broke in spectacular fashion. History was made when Jamie Maclaren etched his name on the opening book at just 36 minutes by scoring the first goal of the new campaign.
The move was orchestrated by Petratos, who found Maclaren with a visionary pass. Without hesitation, the forward drove the ball past Suresh Singh Wangjam to spark wild celebrations among the home fans.
Following the opening goal, Kerala Blasters found themselves pinned on the back foot and appeared to lack the hunger to find an equalizer. They struggled significantly, finishing the half with zero shots on target and inferior possession, leaving coach David Catala with a massive mountain to climb at the interval.
Seeking a spark after the drinks break, Catala introduced Sreekuttan to replace Bartomeu. In response, MBSG opted for a double change of their own, bringing on Tom Aldred and Sahal Abdul Samad to replace Petratos and Mehtab Singh to maintain their grip on the contest.
As the clock ticked deep into stoppage time, the Mariners’ persistence finally reaped dividends. In the 97th minute, a perfectly placed set-piece found Tom Aldred, who ghosted past a sleeping defense to bury a clinical header into the back of the net.
