The Indian Super League (ISL) is a stage for thrilling football rivalries, and the clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and NorthEast United FC has become a standout fixture. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups are always eagerly anticipated, as both teams bring a mix of tactical discipline, attacking flair, and passionate fanbases to the pitch.
A Rivalry Forged in Competition
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the Kolkata giants with a storied history dating back to 1889, are a powerhouse in Indian football, boasting seven Indian League titles, including the 2023-24 ISL Shield. Their passionate supporters, the Mariners, fill the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan with unmatched energy. NorthEast United FC, representing the eight northeastern states, have emerged as a resilient side, particularly after their historic Durand Cup win in 2024. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups reflect their contrasting styles: Mohun Bagan’s balanced attack and defense versus NorthEast’s flair-driven, counter-attacking approach.
In the 2024-25 ISL season, the two teams met twice in the league phase: on September 23, 2024, in Kolkata, and on December 8, 2024, in Guwahati. Mohun Bagan secured victories in both matches (3-2 and 2-0, respectively), reinforcing their dominance in this fixture. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups were critical in determining the outcomes, with tactical adjustments and individual brilliance shaping these high-stakes battles.
Recent Encounters: Mohun Bagan’s Mastery
September 23, 2024: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-2 NorthEast United FC
The first meeting at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was a five-goal thriller that showcased the attacking prowess of both sides. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups set the stage for a dramatic encounter. Mohun Bagan, coached by Jose Molina, deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation, emphasizing midfield control with Anirudh Thapa and Lalengmawia Ralte, while NorthEast United, under Juan Pedro Benali, opted for a 4-2-3-1 to leverage their wingers’ pace.
NorthEast struck early, with Mohammed Ali Bemammer scoring in the 4th minute, assisted by Jithin MS. Mohun Bagan responded quickly, as Dippendu Biswas equalized in the 10th minute from a Greg Stewart assist. NorthEast regained the lead in the 24th minute through Alaeddine Ajaraie, but Subhasish Bose leveled the score in the 61st minute. The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when Jason Cummings scored the winner, assisted by Dimitri Petratos. Mohun Bagan’s 60.4% possession and 15 shots (7 on target) compared to NorthEast’s 17 shots (6 on target) highlighted their second-half dominance.
December 8, 2024: NorthEast United FC 0-2 Mohun Bagan Super Giant
The return fixture at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati saw Mohun Bagan secure a more comfortable 2-0 victory. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups reflected both teams’ ambitions. Mohun Bagan stuck with a 3-4-2-1, with Vishal Kaith in goal and Jamie Maclaren leading the attack, while NorthEast maintained their 4-2-3-1, relying on Nestor Albiach and Alaeddine Ajaraie for goals.
Manvir Singh opened the scoring in the 63rd minute, assisted by Liston Colaco, and Colaco sealed the win in the 70th minute with a fine finish. Mohun Bagan’s control was evident, with 60% possession and 9 shots (2 on target) compared to NorthEast’s 4 shots (1 on target). Vishal Kaith’s crucial saves, including a close-range stop, earned him Player of the Match honors. NorthEast’s attacking threat fizzled out, despite their recent home form of scoring eight goals in two matches.
Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Shaped the Game
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups highlighted contrasting strategies. Mohun Bagan’s 3-4-2-1 allowed flexibility, with wing-backs Asish Rai and Subhasish Bose (later Ashique Kuruniyan) providing width, while Greg Stewart and Dimitri Petratos created chances centrally. Their defense, anchored by Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodríguez, recovered from early lapses in the first match to deliver a clean sheet in the second.
NorthEast’s 4-2-3-1 aimed to exploit the pace of Jithin MS and Ajaraie, with Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach adding flair. However, their midfield, led by Mohammed Ali Bemammer, struggled against Mohun Bagan’s pressing game, particularly in Guwahati. Substitutions played a key role; Mohun Bagan’s introduction of Jamie Maclaren and Deepak Tangri added fresh legs, while NorthEast’s triple substitution in the first match (including Parthib Gogoi) couldn’t turn the tide. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups underscored Mohun Bagan’s depth and tactical adaptability.
Full Scorecard Breakdown
Below is a detailed breakdown of the two matches, highlighting the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups, key events, and player performances.
|
Match Details |
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC (September 23, 2024) |
NorthEast United FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant (December 8, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
|
Venue |
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati |
|
Final Score |
Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-2 NorthEast United FC |
NorthEast United FC 0-2 Mohun Bagan Super Giant |
|
Mohun Bagan Lineup |
Starting XI: Vishal Kaith (GK), Dippendu Biswas, Tom Aldred, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose (C), Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Greg Stewart, Dimitri Petratos |
Starting XI: Vishal Kaith (GK), Dippendu Biswas, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodríguez, Asish Rai, Ashique Kuruniyan, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Jamie Maclaren |
|
NorthEast United Lineup |
Starting XI: Gurmeet Singh (GK), Dinesh Singh, Michel Zabaco, Asheer Akhtar, Buanthanglun Samte, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Mayakkannan, Jithin MS, Nestor Albiach, Guillermo Fernandez, Alaeddine Ajaraie |
Starting XI: Gurmeet Singh (GK), Hamza Regragui, Bekey Oram, Asheer Akhtar, Buanthanglun Samte, Guillermo Fernandez, Mayakkannan, Jithin MS, Nestor Albiach, Alaeddine Ajaraie, Parthib Gogoi |
|
Goals |
Dippendu Biswas (10’), Subhasish Bose (61’), Jason Cummings (87’) – Mohammed Ali Bemammer (4’), Alaeddine Ajaraie (24’) |
Manvir Singh (63’), Liston Colaco (70’) |
|
Assists |
Greg Stewart (1), Dimitri Petratos (1) – Jithin MS (1) |
Liston Colaco (1), Sahal Abdul Samad (1) |
|
Key Moments |
– Bemammer’s early strike (4’) |
– Manvir breaks the deadlock (63’) |
|
Player of the Match |
Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) |
Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) |
This table encapsulates the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups and the defining moments of these matches. Mohun Bagan’s ability to stage comebacks in the first match and maintain control in the second highlighted their championship pedigree.
Key Players to Watch in the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC Lineups
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
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Jason Cummings: The Australian striker’s late goal in the September match was decisive, maintaining his record of scoring in every game against NorthEast. His impact off the bench is vital in the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups.
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Vishal Kaith: The goalkeeper’s heroics in Guwahati, including a close-range save, earned him Player of the Match honors, solidifying Mohun Bagan’s defense.
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Greg Stewart: The Scottish midfielder’s vision and assist in the first match were crucial, making him a key orchestrator in midfield.
NorthEast United FC
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Alaeddine Ajaraie: The forward’s goal in the September match and his league-high 18 open-play goals in 2024-25 make him a constant threat in the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups.
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Jithin MS: The winger’s pace and assist in the first match troubled Mohun Bagan’s defense, though he faded in the second game.
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Nestor Albiach: The Spaniard’s creativity adds flair, but he needs more support to convert chances against top sides.
Historical Context: Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record favors Mohun Bagan, with 7 wins to NorthEast’s 2 in 10 ISL meetings, alongside one draw. Mohun Bagan’s 22 goals to NorthEast’s 14 reflect their attacking edge. However, NorthEast’s 4-3 penalty shootout win in the 2024 Durand Cup final, despite trailing 2-0, showed their potential to upset the odds. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups in the 2024-25 season reinforced Mohun Bagan’s dominance, with their 5-0 aggregate scoreline in league play.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups sparked lively discussions on X. After the September thriller, a Mariners fan posted, “Cummings clutch again! Our lineup was too strong for NEUFC. #MBSG.” NorthEast supporters praised Ajaraie, with one user noting, “Ajaraie is a gem, but our defense needs work. #NEUFC.” In Guwahati, fans lauded Kaith’s saves, with a post reading, “Vishal Kaith is a wall! Clean sheet vs NorthEast! #JoyMohunBagan.” Attendance figures of 23,035 in Kolkata and 15,000 in Guwahati underscored the passion for this fixture.
Tactical Takeaways and Future Prospects
Mohun Bagan’s success in both matches stemmed from their tactical flexibility and squad depth. Jose Molina’s adjustments, such as introducing Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad, turned games in their favor. Their high pressing and wing play overwhelmed NorthEast, particularly in the second match. NorthEast, despite their attacking talent, struggled with defensive consistency, conceding late in Kolkata and failing to penetrate in Guwahati. Juan Pedro Benali’s side showed promise but lacked the cohesion to match Mohun Bagan’s intensity.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Mohun Bagan, fresh off defending their ISL Shield, will aim to maintain their dominance, potentially strengthening their midfield. NorthEast, buoyed by their Durand Cup triumph, may target defensive reinforcements to bolster their Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups. A potential cup clash could reignite this rivalry, with both teams eager to assert supremacy.
Conclusion
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups defined two memorable ISL 2024-25 encounters, from a thrilling 3-2 comeback in Kolkata to a controlled 2-0 win in Guwahati. Players like Jason Cummings, Vishal Kaith, and Alaeddine Ajaraie shone, while tactical battles highlighted Mohun Bagan’s championship quality. The full scorecard breakdown captures the intensity, with Mohun Bagan’s depth proving decisive.
As the ISL evolves, this rivalry continues to captivate fans. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs NorthEast United FC lineups will remain a focal point, promising more drama and excitement in future seasons.
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