Mohun Bagan Super Giant made it count in the ISL 2025-26 season with a crucial away win over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The Mariners claimed all three points in style.
It was a disciplined, professional performance from Sergio Lobera’s men. They were sharper, more organised, and far more clinical in front of goal compared to the home side, who huffed and puffed without reward.
Robinho’s early goal in the sixth minute proved to be the difference between the two sides. The Brazilian forward struck with precision after a brilliant assist from Sahal Abdul Samad, and Mohun Bagan never looked back.
Starting Line-ups
NorthEast United FC (3-5-2): G. Singh (GK); Buanthanglun Samte, R. Yadav, A. Akhtar; Arshaf Attakul, Bekey Oram, Andy, Mayakkannan, Jairo; L. Lalbiaknia, Parthib Gogoi.
Mohun Bagan SG (4-4-2): Vishal Kaith (GK); Manvir Singh, T. Abhishek Singh, Subhasish Bose, Tom Aldred; Sahal Abdul Samad, Robinho, Liston Colaco, Anirudh Thapa; Jason Cummings, Jamie Maclaren.
Team Statistics at a Glance
Mohun Bagan completely dominated this match across all key metrics. They had more possession, more shots, more corners, and most importantly, more shots on target. Their control was visible from start to finish throughout.
| Stat | NorthEast United FC | Mohun Bagan SG |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 12 | 15 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 5 |
| Possession | 39% | 61% |
| Fouls | 11 | 9 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 1 | 1 |
| Corners | 6 | 13 |
The Only Goal: Robinho Strikes Early (6th Minute)
Mohun Bagan needed just six minutes to break the deadlock. Sahal Abdul Samad played a clever through ball, and Robinho, the Brazilian striker wearing jersey number 10, finished calmly past the NEUFC goalkeeper.
It was a goal that set the tone for the entire game. Robinho’s finish was composed and precise, leaving NEUFC with an uphill task right from the start. The Mariners celebrated loudly in enemy territory with great confidence.
Juan Pedro Benali’s NorthEast United tried to respond, but they never truly threatened Vishal Kaith in goal. The lack of shots on target, just two throughout the entire match, tells the story of a very frustrating night.
First Half Highlights: Mariners in Control
Mohun Bagan arrived with a clear game plan. After Robinho’s early goal, they didn’t sit back. The Mariners pressed high, won the ball back quickly, and kept NorthEast United penned inside their own half for long spells.
Vishal Kaith received a yellow card in the 26th minute for time-wasting, but that hardly disrupted the Mariners’ rhythm. Kaith remained alert whenever NorthEast United threatened, though those moments were few and far between.
Just before the break, Subhasish Bose received a yellow card in the 45+3rd minute for a foul on a NorthEast United attacker. Despite the card, Bose played his role defensively well throughout the first period and kept things tight.
At half-time, it was NorthEast United 0 – 1 Mohun Bagan SG. The home fans inside the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium grew restless as their side failed to create a clear-cut chance before the interval. Big changes were needed urgently.
Second Half Action: NEUFC Throw Caution to the Wind
The second half saw NorthEast United desperately push for an equaliser. They upped the tempo significantly. However, Mohun Bagan’s defensive structure held firm, with the backline proving incredibly disciplined and difficult to break down.
Thoi Singh Huidrom picked up a yellow card in the 50th minute after a reckless challenge. The midfielder had been one of NEUFC’s more energetic players after coming on, but that booking reduced his ability to press aggressively.
In the 73rd minute, Mohun Bagan brought on defender Amey Ranawade for Jamie Maclaren. This was clearly a move to shore up the defence and protect the lead as NorthEast United began launching balls into the Mariners’ box repeatedly.
Kiyan Nassiri came on for Liston Colaco in the 86th minute for Mohun Bagan. The substitution allowed the Mariners to keep the ball better in wide areas and use up valuable time as NorthEast United pushed desperately forward in search of a leveller.
Complete Match Events Timeline
Here is the full timeline of key events from this thrilling ISL encounter between NorthEast United FC and Mohun Bagan SG at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
| Time | Event | Player / Team | Player / Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6′ | GOAL | Robinho, Assist: S. Samad | Mohun Bagan |
| 26′ | Yellow Card | Vishal Kaith | Mohun Bagan |
| 42′ | Substitution | Thoi Singh IN, Bekey Oram OUT | NEUFC |
| 45+3′ | Yellow Card | Subhasish Bose | Mohun Bagan |
| 47′ | Substitution | Manvir Singh IN, Robinho OUT | Mohun Bagan |
| 47′ | Substitution | D. Tangri IN, J. Cummings OUT | Mohun Bagan |
| 47′ | Substitution | M. Nickson IN, Parthib Gogoi OUT | NEUFC |
| 50′ | Yellow Card | Thoi Singh Huidrom | NEUFC |
| 73′ | Substitution | Amey R. IN, Jamie Maclaren OUT | Mohun Bagan |
| 76′ | Substitution | Ankith P. IN, Mayakkannan OUT | NEUFC |
| 86′ | Substitution | K. Nassiri IN, Liston Colaco OUT | Mohun Bagan |
| 90+4′ | Substitution | L. Vanlalvunga IN, Ankith OUT | NEUFC |
| 90+4′ | Substitution | Abhishek S. IN, S. Samad OUT | Mohun Bagan |
| 90+8′ | Yellow Card | Buanthanglun Samte | NEUFC |
Key Takeaways from the Match
NorthEast United FC were outplayed at home as Mohun Bagan SG delivered a composed, clinical performance, controlling possession and dictating tempo from start to finish.
An early sixth-minute strike from Robinho, assisted brilliantly by Sahal Abdul Samad, set the tone, allowing Mohun Bagan to execute a disciplined, defensively solid game plan.
Despite increased second-half urgency, NorthEast United struggled creatively, managing only two shots on target, while Mohun Bagan’s organized backline and smart substitutions ensured their narrow lead remained intact.
This crucial away victory highlights Mohun Bagan’s title credentials, while NorthEast United face tough questions after an underwhelming display lacking attacking sharpness, control, and the cutting edge required at this level.
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Conclusion: A Vital Win for Mohun Bagan SG
This was a performance that showed why Mohun Bagan SG are one of the most formidable sides in the ISL. They came to Guwahati, did their job, and returned home with all three points thanks to Robinho’s brilliant early strike.
NorthEast United FC will be deeply disappointed. Playing at home with 39% possession and only two shots on target is simply not enough to compete at this level. Juan Pedro Benali will have plenty to think about before their next match.
For Mohun Bagan, this result strengthens their position in the ISL standings. Lobera’s men continue to prove that they are title contenders. This was a professional, composed display from a team that clearly knows how to win football matches.
The ISL 2025-26 season continues to deliver drama and entertainment at every turn. NorthEast United will be desperate to bounce back, while Mohun Bagan SG will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture with great confidence.
