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The opening match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024 season witnessed a dramatic encounter between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC, ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The defending ISL shield champions, Mohun Bagan, found themselves in a precarious position after throwing away a two-goal lead in the final 20 minutes of the match, ultimately allowing the ISL cup winners, Mumbai City FC, to snatch a valuable point.
The match began with Mohun Bagan displaying dominance, taking an early lead through an own goal by Mumbai City FC's Spanish defender Tiri in the 8th minute. The Mariners continued their momentum, doubling their advantage in the first half when Alberto Rodriguez, making his ISL debut, found the back of the net. However, the tide turned drastically in the second half as Mumbai City FC mounted a comeback, capitalizing on Mohun Bagan's missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
Tiri, who was responsible for the opening goal against his own team, redeemed himself in the 70th minute by scoring a crucial goal for Mumbai City FC, narrowing the deficit to one. This goal proved to be a turning point, injecting renewed confidence into the Islanders and putting immense pressure on Mohun Bagan. In the final moments of the match, Mohun Bagan's defensive frailties were exposed once again when Thaer Krouma, with a well-timed finish in the 90th minute, equalized for Mumbai City FC, securing a hard-fought point for his team.