Mumbai City overthrew leaders Mohun Bagan SG on the road after a crucial 1-0 victory, sending them to top spot on the league table ahead of the international break.
In a high intensity start, Jorge Pereyra Díaz received an early booking for a late sliding challenge on Anirudh Thapa as the home side enjoyed the majority of possession through the opening 15 minutes. Mumbai City remained cohesive at the back and prevented the hosts from creating any clear chances. In the 16th minute, the Islanders were tested when Mohun Bagan SG tried to launch a counterattack after a Mumbai City free kick. Valpuia reacted sharply to make a vital interception, cutting out a through ball intended for Jason Cummings.
Mumbai City threatened in the 22nd minute after a well-weighted pass from Pereyra Díaz sent Chhangte through on goal. The skipper was denied by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, but the move highlighted the Islanders’ attacking sharpness.
The breakthrough for Mumbai City arrived in the 27th minute after a flowing move from the midfield opened up the opposition defence. Noufal finished the move calmly by slotting the ball into the bottom corner to give the Islanders the lead.
The hosts came close in the 39th minute when Dimitri Petratos delivered a dangerous cross for Jason Cummings, whose header was saved by Phurba Lachenpa. The Islanders nearly doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute following a long ball from Bijay Chettri that found Chhangte. His initial effort was saved by Vishal Kaith, and Jorge Ortiz’s follow-up was also denied, as the visitors continued to look dangerous. The Islanders, backed by a solid defensive display and quality in attack, went into the break after 3 minutes of added time with the lead.
The pattern of the game remained similar after the restart, with the Islanders staying compact and disrupting Mohun Bagan SG’s rhythm. In the 63rd minute, Dimitri Petratos shown a yellow card for bringing down Vikram Partap Singh as the frustration continued to build for the hosts. In the 68th minute, a free kick into the box caused problems but Mumbai City’s defence managed to clear the danger, as the hosts continued to search for an equalizer.
Despite facing a series of attacks, including numerous corners, Mumbai City remained resolute at the back and continued to protect their advantage. Late changes saw Amandeep and Ayush Chhikara introduced in place of Joni Kauko and Noufal, both of whom had put in tireless shifts across the pitch. Eight minutes of added time were signalled as Mohun Bagan SG pushed forward hoping to salvage a point. Mumbai City continued to dig deep, winning crucial duels and maintaining their defensive discipline to go to the top of the table after a gritty display.
Petr Kratky’s side will look to consolidate their place at the summit when they return to action on 5th April, against Odisha FC at the Mumbai Football Arena.
