Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal: Jamie Maclaren Creates History For Mohun Bagan, Bags Fastest Kolkata Derby Goal In ISL

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Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal: Jamie Maclaren scripted history on Saturday, 11th January as the Mohun Bagan Australian star scored the fastest-ever goal in the history of the Indian Super League (ISL) derby.

He scored in the 1st minute and 38th second after latching onto a delightful ball from Asish Rai, which made him through on goal and had all the time to slot the easiest of goals.

Maclaren's goal was enough to secure victory for the defending champions, extending their lead at the top of the table to eight points (35), ahead of second-placed Bengaluru FC (27). This win marked the Mariners' ninth triumph in their last 10 Kolkata Derby encounters against East Bengal FC in the ISL, with only one draw to their name.

After the Mariners' goal, East Bengal FC responded around the sixth minute, creating two good chances through PV Vishnu and Cleiton Silva. However, both players were unable to find the target, as their attempts were blocked.

In the 21st minute, the Mariners came close to doubling their lead when Maclaren delivered a pinpoint cross to Manvir Singh, but his shot was straight at Gill, who had left the goal wide open.

As the first half progressed, East Bengal FC began to assert more pressure, with Jeakson Singh, Vishnu, and Cleiton Silva creating chances in the final third. Despite their efforts, they couldn't capitalize on these opportunities, and the first half ended with the Mariners still ahead.

The second half was much more cagey, with the Mariners controlling possession but struggling to break down East Bengal FC's solid defense. The Red & Golds, on the other hand, focused on quick counter-attacks but failed to create many clear-cut chances in the early stages of the second half.

In the 64th minute, the game took a significant turn when Souvik Chakrabarti received a second yellow card for fouling Liston Colaco near the penalty area. The subsequent red card left East Bengal FC with 10 men, now trailing by a goal and forced to chase the game. In response, coach Oscar Bruzon brought Naorem Mahesh Singh on for David Lalhlansanga to strengthen the midfield.

In the 75th minute, Mariners coach Jose Molina made a change, replacing Jason Cummings with Greg Stewart. The substitution almost paid off immediately, as Stewart released Liston on the left wing, but Gill was quick to block his shot.

Much like the first half, East Bengal FC enjoyed a strong finish to the game, pushing forward in the final 10 minutes. To help see out the match, the Mariners brought on Dimitrios Petratos and Deepak Tangri to shore up the defense.

Despite their best efforts, East Bengal FC struggled to break down the Mariners' defense in the dying moments of the match. The Mariners held firm, securing yet another win in this fiercely contested Kolkata Derby.