Mumbai City FC drew 2-2 against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Mumbai Football Arena during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday, marking a thrilling comeback by the Islanders after being two goals down. This match brought Mumbai City FC to 33 points from 22 games, positioning them just one point away from securing their place in the playoffs.
The game was notable for its early intensity, as the Mariners created numerous chances within the first half-hour. Key players such as Jamie Maclaren and Deepak Tangri focused on creating openings against the Mumbai City FC defense, which was lacking the steady presence of their usual defender Mehtab Singh. It was Maclaren who broke the deadlock at the 32-minute mark, delivering a powerful right-footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom left corner, capitalizing on the defensive gaps of the home team.
Just nine minutes later, the visitors struck again. Dimitrios Petratos seized upon the lack of organization within Mumbai's backline to curl his shot expertly from inside the 18-yard area, extending Mohun Bagan’s lead to 2-0. At this point, Mumbai City FC’s prospects seemed dim as they struggled to regain control.
Despite trailing at halftime, Mumbai City FC fought back after the break, relying on key players like Brandon Fernandes to facilitate their attack. Fernandes’ corner kick at the 57-minute mark was pivotal; when his cross was poorly cleared, Jon Toral pounced on the opportunity to redeem his side’s hopes by slotting the ball home from close range, bringing the score to 2-1.
Just when Mumbai seemed to regain momentum, they faced another hurdle when Vikram Partap Singh was sent off following his second yellow card for a contentious tackle against Mohun Bagan captain Subhasish Bose. The Islanders were now down to 10 men, making their challenge even more perilous.
Despite being one player short, Mumbai City FC did not resign to their fate. The team's resilience was evident as they kept pushing forward, creating several chances late in the game. A particularly notable effort came from Yoell van Nieff, whose shot was saved spectacularly by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, showcasing the high stakes as time ran down.
The most dramatic moment of the match occurred deep in stoppage time. Nathan Rodrigues, only 19 years old, showcased tremendous composure to head the ball home from within the six-yard box after winning a free kick. This goal, scored just one minute before the final whistle, leveled the game at 2-2, earning a well-deserved point for the Islanders.
This draw not only kept Mumbai City's playoff hopes alive but also served as a reminder of their fighting spirit. The Islanders are now close to playoff qualification, set to meet Kerala Blasters FC on March 7, where they will aim to secure the necessary points to solidify their position.
Overall, the match highlighted the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the ISL, where fortunes can shift suddenly. Although Mohun Bagan Super Giant had previously retained the League Shield and entered the match confidently, they now face questions about their defensive solidity against teams fighting for survival.
With tension palpable and stakes high, both teams demonstrated the heart of the league—one striving for playoff relevance and the other for continued dominance. The return of Mehtab Singh for Mumbai City may change dynamics moving forward, but for now, both clubs departed the pitch with honors even.