Kolkata, Feb 14: Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant started Indian Super League 2025-26 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the season opener here at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharathi Krirangan (VYBK).
A first-half strike from Jamie Maclaren (36’) and a second-half injury-time goal from Tom Aldred (90+6’) secured three points for the Mariners.
Mohun Bagan SG head coach Sergio Lobera named a very strong lineup with all the familiar faces, including Dimi Petratos, Jamie Maclaren and Alberto Rodriguez, taking the field for the Spaniard’s first match in charge of the Mariners.
New signings Mehtab Singh, Robson Da Silva, and Amey Ranawade were the fresh faces in the whole match day squad. On the other hand, David Català named a young lineup in his first ISL match with foreign signings Oumar Ba and Victor Bertomeu making their debuts along with midfielders Y Ebindas and Rowllin Borges.
The defending champions had the better possession in the first half with Anirudh Thapa and Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) controlling the midfield, allowing Robson and Liston Colaco to find space to attack through the wings.
Kerala Blasters became stronger in the final quarter of the game, especially with the introduction of Kevin Yoke, who showed his pace and dribbling abilities down the wings, but could not muster any clear-cut chances to trouble Vishal Kaith in goal.
Jamie Maclaren was named Player of the Match.
