ISL: Mohun Bagan makes a winning start

Australian striker Jamie Maclaren opened the scoring in the 36th minute, while substitute Tom Aldred sealed the win for Mohun Bagan deep into added time.

Mohun Bagan dominated proceedings from the outset, creating several opportunities but struggled to break through Blasters’ disciplined defence. Anirudh Thapa came close in the 22nd minute with an effort that sailed over the bar, and Liston Colaco tested goalkeeper Sachin Suresh with a 31st-minute free-kick. Brazilian winger Robson Robinho also made a couple of angular attempts from close range that narrowly missed the target.

The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when Dimitri Petratos surged down the left flank and delivered a precise cut-back to Maclaren. The striker controlled the ball neatly, evaded defender Aiban Dohling, and calmly slotted home with his left foot.

Blasters attempted a comeback after the break, introducing German midfielder Marlon Trujillo and French forward Kevin Yoke to bolster their attack. Despite enjoying a period of midfield dominance in the second half, the visitors failed to create clear chances inside the Mohun Bagan box.

Aldred, who came on in the 80th minute, put the result beyond doubt in the fifth minute of stoppage time, heading in Thapa’s free-kick to ensure a strong start for Mohun Bagan.

The result: Mohun Bagan SG 2 (Jamie Maclaren 36, Tom Aldred 90+6) bt Kerala Blasters 0.