Mumbai, Jan 23: Holding the edge in a barren first half, Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan pumped in three late goals to take full points against Mumbai FC in their return I-League football tie on Friday.
Bagan`s goal-getters in the 3-0 rout were India skipper Bhaichung Bhutia (73rd minute), fellow-striker Jose Ramirez Barretto (81st) and substitute Shylo Malswamtluanga (injury time).
The victory, which also avenged their shock 1-2 loss to the promoted Mumbai outfit at home in September, placed the Federation Cup champions one point behind Sporting Clube de Goa, who are leading the table with 25 points.
Mumbai FC remained on 19 points.
Bagan looked the better team right through the 12th round encounter at the Cooperage ground. But a packed Mumbai FC defence did not give enough leeway to either Bhutia or Barretto to take an unhindered look at the rival goal in the first half.
Mumbai FC, who had outclassed another Kolkata side Mohammedan Sporting by the same margin a few days ago, just could not do enough to rattle the visiting team`s defence despite trying hard.
It was Barretto, who after making a strong impression in the first half with his skillful play, did the spadework for the visiting team`s opening strike.
The Brazilian ran along the right flank with the ball before back-passing from the corner flag to James Singh who, in turn, squared into the box. The unmarked Bhutia was bang on spot with a spectacular, sweeping volley that completely beat a hapless rival custodian Amit Singha Roy.
Barretto scored a superb solo goal eight minutes later to make it 2-0. He collected the ball from fellow-Brazilian Marcos Pereira near the centre line and surged forward with the defenders in his wake before shooting the ball past Roy from just inside the box.
With the match almost decided in their favour, Bagan brought in Malswamtluanga for James Singh and the substitute completed the tally with a top-of-the-box shot, with none to challenge him, that once again beat Mumbai FC goalkeeper Roy hands down.
Bureau Report
