MUMBAI: It's been one of the classic fixtures in the Indian Super League in recent seasons, and Saturday was another example why.
Reduced to 10 men in the 58th minute, harshly they might have felt, Mumbai City produced a spirited second half comeback to hold newly crowned champions Mohun Bagan SG to a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Mumbai Football Arena.
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In a season where the Islanders have often looked vulnerable at home, Petr Kratky's side appeared to be heading for another defeat here when they found themselves 2-0 down at halftime. The visitors showed no signs of any hangover from the 1-0 win over Odisha last Sunday which saw the Mariners become the first team in the ISL to defend the Shield.
A fine finish by Jamie Maclaren in the 32nd minute followed by Dimitrios Petratos's tap-in from close range (41st) had the Bagan supporters in the stands buzzing.
Around 1300 of them belonged to the Mumbai Pune Mariners fan club. “There was already a plan to come for this game as there was the possibility of the title being won here,” one of the supporters told TOI.
Odisha's loss, of course, spared Mumbai that embarrassing likelihood, but the Islanders had more to gain from this fixture with their playoff berth far from guaranteed.
The Islanders gave the home fans reason to believe in another comeback when a wellworked corner routine was finished off in fortunate fashion (57th). Bagan defender Thomas Aldred's headed clearance off Valpuia's rightfooted attempt saw the ball rebound off Jon Toral's knee into the goal.
Less than a minute after the restart, Mumbai were reduced to 10 men when Vikram Partap Singh picked up a dubious second booking following a tussle with Subhasish Bose. As often happens in these situations, the sense of injustice appeared to galvanise Kratky's men, and they were duly rewarded with an 89th minute equaliser through Nathan Rodrigues.
