ISL 2024-25 Opener: MCFC 2-2 MBSG

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season kicked off with a bang as defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) and Mumbai City FC (MCFC) played out an exhilarating 2-2 draw at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Friday.

The match, featuring two teams that have dominated the ISL in recent years, lived up to its billing with end-to-end action and late drama. MBSG started brightly, taking the lead in the 9th minute through an unfortunate own goal by MCFC defender Tiri. The home side doubled their advantage in the 28th minute when new signing Alberto Rodriguez marked his ISL debut with a goal, finishing off a well-worked move.

Mumbai City, however, refused to give up and mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute when Tiri made amends for his earlier error, scoring to halve the deficit. As the clock ticked down, it seemed MBSG would hold on for the win, but substitute Thaer Krouma had other ideas. In the 90th minute, Krouma latched onto a cutback from fellow substitute Noufal to slot home the equalizer, sending the away fans into raptures.

The match showcased the attacking prowess of both sides, with MBSG’s Liston Colaco and Dimitri Petratos causing problems for the MCFC defense, while Mumbai’s Bipin Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte looked dangerous on the counter.

The result leaves both teams with a point apiece to start their campaigns. MBSG will rue their inability to hold onto a two-goal lead, while MCFC will take heart from their fighting spirit and late equalizer.

With this thrilling opener setting the tone, football fans across India can look forward to another exciting ISL season as these two giants, along with the rest of the league, battle for supremacy in Indian football.