The Indian Super League (ISL) is a stage for fierce rivalries and electrifying matches, and the encounters between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and RoundGlass Punjab FC have quickly become must-watch fixtures. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups are a focal point for fans, as these teams bring contrasting styles—Mohun Bagan’s storied legacy and attacking flair against Punjab’s gritty, emerging prowess.
A Clash of Legacy and Ambition
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the Kolkata-based giants, are one of India’s oldest and most successful clubs, with a record seven Indian League titles, including back-to-back ISL Shields in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Their passionate fanbase, the Mariners, fills the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan with unmatched energy. RoundGlass Punjab FC, the Shers from Delhi, are relative newcomers, entering the ISL in 2023 but quickly establishing themselves as playoff contenders. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups reflect this contrast—Mohun Bagan’s star-studded squad versus Punjab’s blend of youth and experience.
In the 2024-25 ISL season, the two teams met twice: on December 26, 2024, in Delhi, and February 5, 2025, in Kolkata. Mohun Bagan secured 3-1 and 3-0 victories, respectively, showcasing their dominance. These matches, detailed below, highlight why the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups are pivotal in shaping this growing rivalry.
Recent Encounters: Mohun Bagan’s Dominance
December 26, 2024: RoundGlass Punjab FC 1-3 Mohun Bagan Super Giant
The first clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi saw Mohun Bagan stage a comeback to win 3-1. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups set the stage for a competitive battle. Mohun Bagan, coached by Jose Molina, deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing midfield control with Greg Stewart and Dimitri Petratos. Punjab, under Staikos Vergetis, used a 3-4-3 to leverage their wingers’ pace.
Punjab took a surprise lead in the 38th minute through Ricky Shabong’s solo run and strike. However, their momentum was disrupted when Ezequiel Vidal received a second yellow card in the 67th minute, reducing Punjab to 10 men. Mohun Bagan capitalized, with Alberto Rodríguez equalizing in the 70th minute via a header. Jamie Maclaren put Mohun Bagan ahead in the 80th minute, assisted by Petratos, and Liston Colaco sealed the win in the 89th minute. Possession was 53% for Mohun Bagan, with 15 shots to Punjab’s 9, reflecting their second-half dominance.
February 5, 2025: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-0 RoundGlass Punjab FC
The return fixture at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was a one-sided affair, with Mohun Bagan cruising to a 3-0 victory. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups saw Mohun Bagan retain their 4-2-3-1, with Alberto Rodríguez back from injury, while Punjab stuck with a 3-4-3 despite missing Asmir Suljić due to suspension. The match, attended by over 50,000 fans, showcased Mohun Bagan’s home invincibility, marking their ninth consecutive home win.
No goals came in the first half, but Mohun Bagan broke through in the 55th minute with Subhasish Bose’s header from a Greg Stewart corner. Jamie Maclaren doubled the lead in the 70th minute, bursting past Ravi Kumar, and Jason Cummings added a third in the 82nd minute after a swift counter. Punjab’s defense, led by Ivan Novoselec, struggled against Mohun Bagan’s relentless attack, managing only 4 shots to Mohun Bagan’s 18. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups underscored Mohun Bagan’s superior depth and clinical finishing.
Tactical Analysis: Lineup Dynamics and Key Decisions
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups revealed distinct tactical approaches. Mohun Bagan’s 4-2-3-1 allowed Greg Stewart and Dimitri Petratos to dominate midfield, with wingers Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh exploiting the flanks. Their defensive line, anchored by Subhasish Bose and Tom Aldred, was resolute, with Vishal Kaith’s goalkeeping ensuring clean sheets or minimal damage. Substitutions, like Jason Cummings for Stewart in the second match, added fresh attacking impetus.
Punjab’s 3-4-3 aimed to stretch Mohun Bagan’s defense with wingers Nihal Sudeesh and Ezequiel Vidal, supported by Filip Mrzljak in midfield. However, their high defensive line was exposed, especially after Vidal’s red card in the first match. Punjab’s substitutions, such as Singmayum for Shabong, failed to shift momentum. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups highlighted Mohun Bagan’s ability to adapt and exploit numerical advantages, while Punjab struggled with discipline and depth.
Full Scorecard Breakdown
The table below compares the two matches, detailing the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups, key events, and statistics.
|
Match Details |
RoundGlass Punjab FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant (December 26, 2024) |
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC (February 5, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
|
Venue |
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi |
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
|
Final Score |
RoundGlass Punjab FC 1-3 Mohun Bagan Super Giant |
Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-0 RoundGlass Punjab FC |
|
Mohun Bagan Lineup |
Starting XI: Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodríguez, Subhasish Bose (C), Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Greg Stewart, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren |
Starting XI: Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodríguez, Subhasish Bose (C), Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Greg Stewart, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren |
|
RoundGlass Punjab Lineup |
Starting XI: Ravi Kumar (GK), Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Ivan Novoselec, Abhishek Singh, Nikhil Prabhu, Filip Mrzljak, Ricky Shabong, Muhammad Suhail, Ezequiel Vidal, Luka Majcen |
Starting XI: Ravi Kumar (GK), Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Suresh Meitei, Ivan Novoselec, Abhishek Singh, Nikhil Prabhu, Filip Mrzljak, Ricky Shabong, Muhammad Suhail, Ezequiel Vidal, Luka Majcen |
|
Goals |
Ricky Shabong (38’) – Alberto Rodríguez (70’), Jamie Maclaren (80’), Liston Colaco (89’) |
Subhasish Bose (55’), Jamie Maclaren (70’), Jason Cummings (82’) |
|
Assists |
None – Dimitri Petratos (2), Greg Stewart (1) |
Greg Stewart (2), Dimitri Petratos (1) |
|
Key Moments |
– Shabong’s solo goal (38’) |
– Bose’s header opens scoring (55’) |
|
Player of the Match |
Alberto Rodríguez (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) |
Jamie Maclaren (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) |
This table captures the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups and pivotal moments, showing Mohun Bagan’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and Punjab’s struggles to maintain leads or convert chances.
Key Players to Watch in the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC Lineups
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
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Jamie Maclaren: The Australian striker’s clinical finishing, with goals in both matches, makes him a cornerstone of the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups.
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Alberto Rodríguez: The Spanish defender’s goal and defensive solidity in the December match were pivotal, earning him Player of the Match honors.
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Greg Stewart: The Scottish midfielder’s two assists in the February match and playmaking ability dictated Mohun Bagan’s attacking rhythm.
RoundGlass Punjab FC
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Ricky Shabong: The young midfielder’s solo goal in December showcased his potential, though he needs more support in the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups.
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Luka Majcen: The Slovenian striker’s work rate troubled Mohun Bagan’s defense, but he lacked finishing precision.
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Filip Mrzljak: The Croatian midfielder’s tenacity in midfield was notable, but Punjab’s numerical disadvantage limited his impact.
Historical Context: Head-to-Head Record
Mohun Bagan hold a perfect record against Punjab, with 4 wins and 1 draw in their 5 ISL meetings, including the 2024-25 season’s 3-1 and 3-0 victories. A notable non-league encounter was the 2024 Durand Cup quarter-final, where Mohun Bagan won 6-5 on penalties after a 3-3 draw, further highlighting their edge. Mohun Bagan’s 12 goals to Punjab’s 2 in ISL matches reflect their attacking superiority. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups consistently favor Mohun Bagan’s experience and depth.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups sparked lively discussions on X. After the February win, a Mariners fan posted, “Maclaren and Stewart are unstoppable! Punjab had no answer. #MBSG #ISL”. Punjab fans expressed frustration, with one user noting, “Shabong’s spark isn’t enough. Our lineup needs more firepower to compete with Mohun Bagan. #PFC”. The Salt Lake Stadium’s 50,000+ crowd created an electric atmosphere, with tifos and chants amplifying the occasion.
Tactical Takeaways and Future Prospects
Mohun Bagan’s dominance in the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups stemmed from their balanced squad and tactical flexibility. Jose Molina’s use of substitutions, like Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad, ensured fresh legs and attacking options. Punjab’s 3-4-3 showed promise but was undone by defensive errors and a lack of squad depth, particularly after Vidal’s red card in December.
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, Mohun Bagan, fresh off their ISL Shield win, aim to maintain their dominance, potentially strengthening their midfield with new signings. Punjab, sitting ninth with 23 points in 2024-25, need to bolster their attack and defense to challenge top teams. A potential cup or playoff clash could see tweaks to the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups, with Punjab aiming to break their winless streak against the Mariners.
Conclusion
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups defined two one-sided ISL 2024-25 encounters, with Mohun Bagan’s 3-1 and 3-0 victories showcasing their title-winning pedigree. Players like Jamie Maclaren, Alberto Rodríguez, and Greg Stewart shone, while Punjab’s Ricky Shabong offered glimpses of potential. The scorecard breakdown highlights Mohun Bagan’s clinical finishing and Punjab’s missed opportunities.
As Indian football grows, this matchup represents the clash between legacy and ambition. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs RoundGlass Punjab FC lineups will continue to evolve, promising more thrilling battles in the ISL and beyond.
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