Mohun Bagan 3-2 Kerala Blasters Highlights: Alberto Rodriguez scores decisive late goal, securing victory for Mariners in ISL 2024-25.
In a nail-biting encounter that took place on 21 December 2024, Mohun Bagan defeated Kerala Blasters football club by a margin of one goal and thug on to win the match 3-2. This match could have been a proper example as to how attacking football should be executed as both the sides managed to create a good number of chances throughout the length of the match.
The fans were, however, left spellbound as in the dying minutes of the match, Alberto Rodriguez scored a late goal which turned out to be the winner for Mohun Bagan. This victory not only showcased the fighting spirit and the attacking strength of Mohun Bagan but more importantly, stressed the fact that the Indian Super League is proving to be quite competitive this season.
As soon as the match kicked off, both teams started off with an aggressive mindset Mohun Bagan was aiming to maintain their status as the supreme rulers of India, hence from the first incidence they tried to create sustained pressure. It was the connection between Rodrigues, Petratos, and Kauko that was able to unleash the first wave of an attack, turning the Kerala defenders into a scramble.
But, on the other hand, Kerala Blasters were in no position to take things lightly as they are known for their quick fight back and a solid midfield. Alvaro Vazquez and Dimitrios Diamantakos led the attack against Mohun Bagan and refused to allow a moment’s respite.
These first thirty minutes were chaos for both teams as they attempted to score goals as often as they could.
Kerala Blasters almost broke the deadlock when Mohun Bagan supremo Amrinder Singh saved Dimitrios Diamantakos’s close range header off a set-piece beating their guests at the scoring point. This, however, only paid lip service to the resolve of the Mariners. Amrinder Singh of Mohun Bagan was forced to make aware that barricade when Spencer Gaya was faced with him. Spencer couldn’t score from that position as his shot seemed to be desperately trying to elusive the goalpost as it hit the top one.
Kerala Blasters Draw First Blood
The sequence of events took an unusual turn in the 38th minute when the Blasters scored first even during the odds that were clearly stacked against them. Under constant duress, Alvaro Vazquez utilising a precise through ball from Kibu Vicuña and ploughing his way through the Mohan Bagan defence grabbed the opportunity. Always insatiable for goals, Amrinder Singh had lost a confrontation to Vasquez Enamtee, who smoothly took the ball to the back of the net pushing the score line to 1-0.
This goal is a testimony of not only Kerala’s ability to counter attack but also their effectiveness in changing the dynamics of the game when the opposition is struggling to defend. This dejection was evident in the anticipation that surrounded Hazel Voral where Vasquez’s consummate goal celebration had bestowed him upon.
Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan managed to overcome the baneful conclusion razzle. This has turned out to be the case as not long after, they integrated their rhythm as well as started to regain control of the pace.
Mohun Bagan Pulls Level and Goals Equaliser
The Mariners responded quickly, and their determination paid off as close to half time, in the 44th minute, they scored. Dmitri petratos, who had been very active in the first half, received a neat pass from the left flank and scored.
The ball found Joni Kauko in the box who controlled it very well and slotted it past Kerala’s goalie, Prabhsukhan Gill, making the score 1-1.
It was a beautiful moment for Kauko because his placement and calmness in the box were the most important for the goal. At the end of the first half though, both teams were level at 1 goal each and were set for a great second half.
Kerala Blasters Seize Back The Lead
The second half started with both teams looking for the all-important goal. Blasters managed to regain their lead in the 55th minute thanks to Dimitrios Diamantakos. The forward of the Blasters picked up the rebound from a free kick taken by Jessel Carneiro and slotted it into the bottom corner of the goal, which was at the time an alarming subpar season for the Blasters. It was a classic poachers goal, showcasing Diamantakos’ striking skills inside the box, thereby enabling Kerala to lead by 2 goals to 1.
This goal, however, brought back the sense of urgency for Mohun Bagan as they could not afford points loss at their fortress. The Mariners made a number of attempts which were all frantic efforts to find the goal which would cancel out Kerala’s lead.
Drama Unfolds Late: Alberto Rodriguez’s Daredevilry
As the time went down and Mohun Bagan was slowly making advances, it looked like the match was slipping away from the grasp of Mohun Bagan.
Alberto Rodriguez stepped up to the occasion in the dying minutes of the match. It was vintage Rodriguez, as he displayed core determination and scored a phenomenal header off a perfectly executed corner taken by Petratos in the 88th minute.
The fans cheered as Rodriguez’s leap and precision assisted him in guiding the ball past the goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill. Not only did the goal bring the game level for Mohun Bagan, it also gave them the motivation to go for the win. The equalizer came in when it looked that Kerala would grab the three points.
It wasn’t finished though; Rodriguez was still hungry for more of the action. In the last minute of added time, he capitalized on a careless clearance from the Kerala backline, and fired a shot from just outside of the box. His shot hit the target with such power that it took Gill by surprise as it nestled into the bottom corner of the net. The goal led Mohun Bagan to finish 3-2, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Conclusion: Mohun Bagan’s Hard Earned Victory
The moment Rodriguez netted his second goal, the final whistle was blown which confirmed that Mohun Bagan had struggled their way through and won 3-2. It was a contest filled with emotions where both the sides showed their instincts to attack along with holding their defensive lines. The Kerala Blasters managed to take the lead twice but sloppy defending and some late madness from the Mariners turned the tide.
Once again, Alberto Rodriguez proved to be a match winner after his brilliant performance, he managed to secure Mohun Bagun’s dominance in the match and showed the benefits of being patient and consistent.
A win put them higher in the ISL 2024-25 and confirmed their position as one of the serious contenders of the contest.
It was sad for Kerala Blasters in particular as they were able to overtake their rivals twice in the course of the match. The Blasters defence is in need of improvement for them to be able to compete effectively with the best teams of the league. Despite the loss, they were able to showcase great potential and barring a few changes here and there, they will remain a force to reckon with in the competition.
And lastly it was the strength of character combined with dogged commitment which helped Mohun Bagan to clinch all the three points against in a very fascinating contest.
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