ISL 2026-27: Punjab FC's Unbeaten Start Ends as Mohun Bagan Fight Back for 2-1 Victory

Punjab FC suffered their first defeat of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season after going down 1-2 to Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. 

Despite taking an early lead through Alfred Planas Moya, the Shers were unable to hold on as first-half goals from Lee Erwin and Dejan Dražić turned the contest in favour of the hosts.

The result ended Punjab FC's unbeaten start to the campaign and left them fourth in the standings with seven points from four matches. Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, moved temporarily to the top of the table with nine points from the same number of games.

Punjab head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis made one change to his starting lineup, bringing in Konsam Sanathoi Singh for Muhammad Suhail. Mohun Bagan, coached by former Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, fielded a strong side that included former Punjab players Tekcham Abhishek Singh and Samir Zeljković.

Punjab FC made an aggressive start and needed just two minutes and 39 seconds to take the lead. Sanathoi Singh received the ball on the left wing and released Planas before the Spaniard took possession again. Planas then dribbled past two defenders and unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area. Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith got a hand to the shot but could not prevent it from finding the net.

The early goal encouraged the visitors to maintain their high press, denying Mohun Bagan's defenders the time and space to build attacks from the back. Manglenthang Kipgen also tested Kaith with an attempt from the edge of the box, although his effort was struck directly at the goalkeeper.

Mohun Bagan were forced into an early change in the 12th minute, with Anirudh Thapa replacing the injured Sahal Abdul Samad. The substitution proved important as the hosts gradually gained control of the midfield.

Their equaliser arrived in the 18th minute. Subhashish Bose won possession from Kipgen inside Punjab's half before Thapa quickly moved the ball to Lee Erwin. The Scottish striker turned and fired a left-footed effort into the bottom corner, beating Arshdeep Singh to bring Mohun Bagan level.

The frantic opening eventually gave way to a more measured contest, with both teams looking to establish control. Clear chances became limited, although Zeljković forced Arshdeep into a save following a well-worked attacking move.

Dražić turns the game before half-time

Just when Punjab appeared to have weathered the hosts' pressure, Mohun Bagan found the breakthrough three minutes before the interval. Dražić cut inside from the flank, created space and attempted a right-footed shot from around 25 yards. The effort took a slight deflection off Bijoy Varghese, changing its direction and beating Arshdeep, who had a restricted view through the crowd of players.

Mohun Bagan nearly extended their advantage moments later. Zeljković again tested Arshdeep, whose save fell into Erwin's path. However, Khaimingthang Lhungdim made an important intervention, taking the ball away from the Scottish forward and preventing another goal before half-time.

Punjab went into the break trailing 1-2 despite having started the match strongly.

Dermitzakis responded with two changes at half-time, introducing Muhammad Suhail for Kipgen and Karish Soram for left-back Muhammad Uvais. The changes brought fresh energy to the wide areas, with Sanathoi moving to the right wing and Suhail occupying his preferred position on the left.

The Shers began the second half with greater urgency, pressing higher and controlling the midfield during the opening 15 minutes. However, their possession did not translate into clear-cut opportunities, and Kaith was largely untroubled during this period.

Mohun Bagan focused on absorbing pressure and exploiting spaces on the counter. Liston Colaco, introduced as a substitute, made an immediate impact when he collected a loose ball from Ricky Shabong and drove into Punjab's half. He found Erwin near the edge of the box, but the striker's attempt was directed straight at Arshdeep, who produced an important save.

At the other end, Kaith kept Mohun Bagan ahead with an excellent intervention against Planas. Mickaël Malsa, making his debut for Punjab FC, released the Spaniard, who worked past Abhishek Meitei and Rahul Bheke before attempting to chip the goalkeeper. Kaith reacted quickly and used his left hand to deny the effort.

Mohun Bagan survive late Punjab pressure

As Punjab committed more players forward, Mohun Bagan found increasing space to counter-attack. Colaco again caused problems with a strong individual run before finding Manvir Singh unmarked near the edge of the box. Manvir's effort was kept out by Arshdeep with a low save using his foot.

The Punjab goalkeeper was called into action again moments later, diving to his left to deny Colaco. The hosts continued to apply pressure, forcing the visitors to defend deep, but Punjab's backline managed to prevent further damage.

The Shers threw players forward in the closing minutes in search of an equaliser, but Kaith made further important saves to preserve Mohun Bagan's advantage.

Punjab's spirited performance and early breakthrough ultimately counted for little as the hosts held on for a 2-1 victory. For Mohun Bagan, the comeback secured three valuable points and temporary top spot in the standings. 

For Punjab FC, the defeat marks the end of an unbeaten beginning, with their response in the next fixture now an important test of their campaign.