Mumbai City FC staged an impressive comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League 2024-25 match at the Mumbai Football Arena on Saturday. As a result, the Islanders moved to 33 points from 22 games. Now, they need just one more point to qualify for the playoffs.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant Dominates the First Half

From the very beginning, Mohun Bagan Super Giant looked dangerous in attack. They created multiple chances in the first 30 minutes, with Jamie Maclaren and Deepak Tangri leading the charge. They constantly tested Mumbai City FC’s defense, looking for openings.

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Although Mumbai City FC survived a few close calls, they eventually conceded in the 32nd minute. Maclaren reacted quickly to a loose ball and struck a powerful right-footed shot into the bottom left corner. His precise finish gave Mohun Bagan Super Giant a well-deserved lead.

Furthermore, the visitors continued to press forward, keeping Mumbai City FC on the back foot. The Islanders, clearly missing Mehtab Singh in central defense, struggled to stay organized. As a result, Dimitrios Petratos took advantage of the defensive gaps in the 41st minute. He fired a stunning right-footed shot from inside the box, sending the ball into the center of the net. Consequently, Mohun Bagan Super Giant doubled their lead before halftime.

By this point, the visitors had completely disrupted Mumbai City FC’s rhythm. Their pressing and clinical finishing ensured a strong 2-0 lead going into the break.

Mumbai City FC Fights Back in the Second Half

After halftime, Mumbai City FC responded with renewed energy. Determined to turn the game around, they regained control in the opening minutes of the second half. Brandon Fernandes, using his creativity, found space and started troubling Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s defense. Then, in the 57th minute, Liston Colaco, while tracking back for defensive duties, conceded a corner.

Brandon delivered a well-placed corner kick, leading to a crucial moment. Hmingthanmawia Ralte attempted a right-footed shot, but the Mohun Bagan Super Giant defense blocked it. However, an ineffective clearance gave Jon Toral a golden opportunity. Positioned at close range, he calmly nudged the ball into the bottom left corner in the 57th minute. As a result, Mumbai City FC reduced the deficit to one.

Nathan Rodrigues Secures a Last-Minute Equalizer

Toral’s goal completely shifted the momentum in Mumbai City FC’s favor. Encouraged by the breakthrough, they increased their attacking intensity. Soon after, Bipin Singh sprinted into the Mariners’ half and set up Yoell van Nieff at the edge of the box. The midfielder struck a firm shot, but Vishal Kaith reacted swiftly, making a brilliant save in the 62nd minute.

Nevertheless, Mumbai City FC refused to back down. They continued to push forward, piling numbers in attack. Finally, their persistence paid off in the 89th minute. Nathan Rodrigues, positioned deep inside the six-yard box, timed his header perfectly and sent the ball into the net. His dramatic late goal secured a crucial 2-2 draw.

In the end, Mumbai City FC’s resilience earned them a vital point, keeping their playoff hopes alive.