In a tightly contested opening match of the AFC Champions League 2, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) played out a goalless draw against Ravshan Kulob (RVKB) at the salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The Mariners, aiming for a strong start on their home ground, were left frustrated as they struggled to break down a resilient Ravshan defense, settling for a 0-0 draw.
First Half: Early Chances, but No Breakthrough
The first half saw Mohun Bagan control much of the possession, with the home side pressing high and looking to unlock Ravshan's defensive lines. Despite the Mariners’ dominance in the middle of the park, clear-cut chances were hard to come by. A few early attempts, including a close-range header by Dimitri Petratos, were either off-target or saved by Ravshan goalkeeper Khuseynov.
Ravshan, on the other hand, seemed content to sit deep and absorb the pressure, looking for opportunities to hit Bagan on the counterattack. However, their rare forays into the Mariners’ half were efficiently dealt with by the solid Mohun Bagan backline, led by Anwar ali and Subhasish Bose.
Second Half: Ravshan Stand Firm
The second half unfolded much like the first, with Mohun Bagan continuing to push forward in search of a breakthrough. Coach Juan Ferrando introduced fresh legs, bringing on Sahal Abdul Samad and Jason Cummings to increase the intensity in the final third. However, despite their efforts, the Mariners found themselves up against an unyielding Ravshan defense that refused to give them any clear sights of goal.
Pritam Kotal’s overlapping runs and Liston Colaco’s dribbles added more width to Bagan’s attack, but they were met with disciplined and organized defending from the visitors. Ravshan's defensive structure, bolstered by captain Tursunov and Khuseynov, held firm till the final whistle.
Final Moments: Frustration for Bagan
In the closing minutes, Mohun Bagan pushed hard for a late winner, with Hugo Boumous creating a few promising moments around the Ravshan penalty area. However, a lack of precision in the final third and excellent goalkeeping from Khuseynov saw the match end in a stalemate.
Despite the goalless draw, Mohun Bagan will take confidence from their overall performance, especially their defensive solidity. The Mariners will look to sharpen their attacking edge as they move forward in the AFC Champions League 2 campaign.
Key Takeaways:
- Mohun Bagan dominated possession but couldn’t convert it into goals.
- Ravshan displayed excellent defensive organization, with Khuseynov standing out.
- Both teams shared the spoils in a hard-fought goalless draw at salt Lake Stadium.
The Mariners will hope to find their scoring boots in the upcoming fixtures as they continue their journey in the AFC Champions League 2.
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