Mumbai City FC secured a 3-2 victory in an away fixture against East Bengal FC, riding on Nikolaos Karelis’s brace that included a decisive late goal, The Islanders dominated the first half, taking a two-goal lead, with goals from Lallianzuala Chhangte and Karelis. Despite East Bengal pulling one back and later finding an equaliser, Karelis’ late strike ensured all three points for Mumbai City FC.
Mumbai City FC set the tone early for a high-octane clash. In the second minute, a fast breakaway saw Lallianzuala Chhangte put Bipin Singh into play, who whipped in a cross to find Vikram Partap Singh. However, the header went off target.
The trio of Vikram, Bipin, and Nikolaos Karelis consistently tested the East Bengal defence. In the 14th minute, Bipin launched a well-placed diagonal pass across the pitch to Vikram. Vikram nodded it down and created space for a shot, but his effort sailed wide of the mark.
In the 28th minute, nimble footwork from Vikram saw him lose his marker and burst down the left flank to deliver a dangerous ball to Karelis, but the outstretched 32-year-old couldn't find the connection. Bipin Singh then fired a left-footed strike from the right side of the box, which was blocked, earning Mumbai City a corner. The resulting delivery found Tiri, who rose above the defence to head it toward Karelis. Karelis headed cleanly, but an East Bengal defender was quick to make a crucial block, keeping the score level.
Ten minutes later, in the 39th minute, Brandon Fernandes threaded a sharp, weighted ball from distance to an unmarked Chhangte. The captain buried it into the back of the net to give the Islanders a well-earned lead.
Minutes before halftime, Yoell Van Nieff’s long ball ricocheted to find Karelis in a dangerous area. Karelis' first attempt was denied by goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill, but he scooped up the rebound to double Mumbai City’s lead with his right foot.
In the 44th minute, Mumbai City made their first substitution, with Jayesh Rane replacing Brandon on the pitch.
The Islanders continued their form in the second half. Karelis found himself one-on-one with the keeper yet again, set up by Jayesh Rane, but his left-footed shot was kept out.
East Bengal FC pulled one back in the 65th minute when Mumbai City inadvertently conceded an own goal.
Despite East Bengal's efforts to find the equaliser, Mumbai City remained resolute in defence, successfully keeping their opponents at bay until David Lalhlansanga found an equaliser in the 83rd minute.
In the final minutes of the fixture, Mumbai City made a double substitution, with Sahil Panwar and Vikram making way for Thaer Krouma and Nathan Rodrigues.
Not for the first time this season, Nathan's impact was instantaneous. With three minutes to go, he provided an assist to Karelis, who broke free to score his second goal of the night and eighth of the season, giving Mumbai City a 3-2 lead.
The Islanders made their final change of the night as Karelis and Bipin were substituted for Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Mumbai City FC's latest signing, debutant Prabir Das.
Mumbai City FC will next take on Jamshedpur FC in a home fixture on the 12th of January.
