In today's matchup against East Bengal FC, Coach Petr Kratky made a couple of changes to the Mumbai City FC lineup, featuring Phurba Lachenpa in goal, Skipper Rahul Bheke alongside Akash Mishra manned the full-back roles, with Thaer Krouma making his debut for the Islanders alongside Tiri in central defense. The midfield trio comprised Jayesh Rane, Apuia, and Alberto Noguera, while the attacking force was led by Iker Guarrotxena making his full debut, along with Vikram Singh and LZ Chhangte on the wings for support.
The early proceedings showcased Mumbai's attacking intent, creating a couple of chances. In the fifth minute, a promising build-up between Jayesh Rane and Vikram Partap led to a quick left-wing attack, resulting in Vikram's cross deflected goalwards by Iker Guarrotxena, only for East Bengal's custodian Prabhsukan Gill to make a reflex save at the near post, maintaining the score at 0-0. In the 15th minute, a rapid Mumbai throw-in allowed Guarrotxena to attempt a bicycle kick inside the box, narrowly missing the target.
At the other end, East Bengal had an opportunity with a counter attack when Souvik Chakraborty sent a Forbes through on goal, however the latter failed to release the ball in time as Mumbai defence recovered and blocked his shot to safety.
The breakthrough for Mumbai came in the 24th minute when Alberto Noguera's exquisite ball over the East Bengal defense found Iker Guarrotxena. The Spanish forward controlled the ball, turned, and calmly slotted it past the keeper, breaking the deadlock. Moments later, Islanders almost doubled the lead when Akash Mishra delivered a brilliant cross into the box, but Jayesh Rane's attempt, arriving late into the box, went over the bar.
Guarrotxena remained a constant threat with couple of chances going very close. On one occasion, Iker’s shot from a cross, came off the crossbar before being ruled offside. Moments later another attempt from Iker saw his header sailing over the bar.
At the other end, Mumbai's high press strategy kept East Bengal on the back foot, struggling to test Mumbai's resolute defense and often costing them their possession.
At halftime, Mumbai City FC held a 1-0 lead over East Bengal.
The second half saw both teams engage in end-to-end football, but concrete attempts on goal were scarce. The Islanders won a free-kick just outside the box, but Chhangte's shot was blocked by the wall.
Around the hour mark, a counter-attacking move saw Chhangte feed Guarrotxena, whose shot from the right side of the box narrowly missed the target. In the 63rd minute, another quick attack from the right saw Iker's close-range attempt blocked by Hijazi just in time.
At the other end, East Bengal came close when Vishnu’s cross into the box finds an unmarked Nandha however the latter took a touch to get the ball in control instead of going for a first time shot from close range and Mishra managed to get back and clear away the danger just in time.
Few minutes later, Vishnu had an opportunity to find the equalizer himself when he was at a receiving end of the cross however he chose to head it across the goal to setup his teammate but missed the angle and the danger was averted.
In the 84th minute, Vishnu once again did well to get past his marker and send in ball into the centre of the Mumbai box where after a series of pin ball movements, the ball finds its way to Víctor Vázquez. The latter’s right footed shot from just outside the box is however misses to the right of the target
Mumbai also had their chances, with Tiri sending a long ball to Chhangte, who did well to drive into the box beat his marker before firing in a left-footed shot that was blocked by East Bengal Goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill.
In the dying minutes of the game, Mahesh Naorem swung in a cross that Phurba tries to push out however the ball bounced back off an onrushing East Bengal attacker, however Phurba recovered just in time to collect the safely. Mumbai City FC showcased some good game management in the final part of the game before the referee blew the full time whistle.
The Islanders now look forward to their next encounter against Bengaluru FC back home in Mumbai on the Sunday, 18th February at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday night.
