Mohun Bagan Super Giant come from behind to beat Punjab FC 2-1 in ISL-13 at Salt Lake Stadium

Mohun Bagan Super Giant rallied to beat Punjab FC 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in an ISL-13 fixture on Saturday, overturning an early deficit to secure the victory. The win moved Mohun Bagan to the top of the standings with nine points from four matches.

Punjab began the match on the front foot and took an early lead in the third minute when Alfred Planas’ right-footed shot from outside the box beat Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to the bottom-right corner. The visitors’ quick transitions troubled the home side and defenders Alberto Rodriguez and Rahul Bheke sustained bleeding injuries while carrying out their defensive duties. Mohun Bagan also remained without several regulars through injury.

Mohun Bagan responded before half-time. Scottish forward Lee Erwin equalised in the 18th minute with a left-footed finish after an assist from Anirudh Thapa, and Dejan Drazic put the hosts ahead in the 42nd minute with a right-footed strike from outside the box that took a deflection off a defender before crossing the goal line.

The second half developed into an intense contest, but Mohun Bagan gradually asserted control and generated multiple chances. Punjab goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh denied repeated attempts from Lee Erwin, Manvir Singh and substitute Liston Colaco, with his saves preventing a larger margin. Vishal Kaith also made important interventions when Punjab threatened in the opening stages of the match.

Mohun Bagan finished the stronger side despite missing key players through injury; the club continued to be without Jamie Maclaren, Miguel Figueira and Apuia. The victory was Mohun Bagan’s second successive home win in the competition.

The result left Mohun Bagan Super Giant on nine points from four matches, placing the former champion atop the standings, while Punjab FC suffered its first defeat and remained on seven points.