The Indian Super League gets underway: Mohun Bagan Super Giants off to a winning start against Kerala Blasters

Mohun Bagan Super Giants begin their ISL campaign with a win in Kolkata. (Image credits – Heute; licence details)  

Mohun Bagan Super Giants started their league defence in a strong fashion as they cruised past Kerala Blasters by 2-0 on Saturday in Kolkata. Kerala mounted some serious pressure late on, but the Mariners held on, securing all three points.

Australian star Jamie Maclaren gave Sergio Lobera’s side the lead in the 36th minute after being played on by Dimitri Petratos following a quick counterattack. The home side dominated possession throughout the game and kept creating chances but were unable to convert them in the final third.

Blasters pressed a bit more aggressively in the second half and improved gradually. The introduction of new signing Kevin Yoke from the bench made the team perform much better.

As Kerala started to mount pressure, Lobera made a conservative change by taking off Petratos for defender Tom Aldred in the 81st minute. However, it turned out to be the difference maker as Aldred headed in Mohun Bagan’s second goal deep in injury time.

It was a spectacular affair for all the 30,000 fans who were present in the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium after waiting for such a long time for the return of the Indian Super League. Although it wasn't the best performance from Lobera's men, it was just the start they needed to ignite their title defence.

Sergio Lobera’s official debut as the manager of Mohun Bagan started with a win, and he has maintained his record of maintaining a winning debut for each club he has coached in the Indian Super League.

In the other fixture of the day, newly promoted Inter Kashi held Super Cup champions FC Goa to a 1-1 stalemate. Habas’ side was much better than the Gaurs, and they were lucky to escape with a point.