Bengaluru FC produced a disciplined defensive performance to hold league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a 0–0 draw in Gameweek 5 of the Indian Super League 2025–26 season at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.
The result halted Mohun Bagan’s winning run, making Bengaluru FC the first team this season to take points off the Mariners. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Mohun Bagan were unable to break through Bengaluru’s resilient defence.
With the draw, Mohun Bagan remain at the top of the table with 13 points, while Bengaluru FC move to sixth place with eight points. Midfielder Dimitri Petratos was named Player of the Match for his influential performance in midfield.
Early Exchanges Set the Tone
Bengaluru FC head coach Renedy Singh opted to stick with the same starting lineup that had secured a victory against Mohammedan Sporting Club, deploying a 4-3-3 formation with Sunil Chhetri leading the attack. Mohun Bagan coach Sergio Lobera made two changes to his side, introducing Tom Aldred in defence and Manvir Singh in midfield, while Jamie Maclaren spearheaded the attack in a 4-3-2-1 system.
The match began at an energetic pace with Bengaluru FC pressing aggressively in the early minutes. The hosts created the first opportunity in just the second minute, when Ryan Williams tested goalkeeper Vishal Kaith with a low shot after being set up by Roshan Singh.
Mohun Bagan responded quickly. In the eighth minute, Maclaren cut in from the left side of the box and forced a sharp save from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Moments later, Dimitri Petratos tried his luck from distance, but his effort drifted narrowly wide.
Photo: Baranidharan M / Focus Sports / ISL
As the half progressed, Mohun Bagan gradually gained control of possession and began to dictate the tempo of the match.
Petratos remained heavily involved in the attacking buildup and saw another effort blocked in the 14th minute. At the other end, Ashique Kuruniyan attempted a long-range shot for Bengaluru FC, but his effort failed to trouble the goalkeeper. The Mariners continued to apply pressure. Liston Colaco tested Gurpreet with a powerful strike from distance in the 18th minute, while Maclaren narrowly missed the target midway through the half following an excellent setup from Petratos.
Mohun Bagan’s attacking play became increasingly threatening as the first half approached its closing stages. In the 35th minute, Colaco made a driving run into the penalty area, forcing Bengaluru defender Chinglensana Singh to make a crucial clearance.
Despite both teams creating opportunities, neither side could find the finishing touch, and the first half ended goalless.
Bengaluru Respond After the Break
Bengaluru FC began the second half with renewed determination. Midfielder Sirojiddin Kuziev attempted a powerful long-range shot in the 48th minute, forcing Kaith into action. Mohun Bagan responded after the hour mark when defender Alberto Rodríguez came close with a close-range effort, but Gurpreet produced a crucial save to keep the score level.
The hosts nearly broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. Sunil Chhetri found space inside the penalty area and attempted a shot, but Anirudh Thapa produced a vital block. Captain Subhasish Bose then stepped in to intercept the rebound and clear the danger.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Bengaluru continued to threaten from distance, with Roshan Singh and Kuziev both attempting long-range efforts that forced the Mohun Bagan defence to stay alert.
At the other end, Maclaren almost found the breakthrough in the 71st minute, but a well-timed block from Roshan Singh denied the Australian striker.
As the match entered its final stages, both teams introduced substitutes in search of a decisive goal.
Substitute Monirul Molla attempted a long-range strike in the 81st minute, but his effort sailed wide. Soon after, Gurpreet produced another outstanding save to deny Rodríguez’s powerful header from close range. Mohun Bagan continued to press relentlessly in the closing minutes. Petratos attempted another long-range effort that narrowly missed the target, while Rodríguez failed to convert from close range following a corner in the 90th minute.
Despite a combined 23 shots across the match, neither side managed to find the breakthrough. Bengaluru FC’s disciplined defensive display and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s crucial saves ensured the hosts held the league leaders to a draw.
While Mohun Bagan extended their unbeaten run, the result will feel like a missed opportunity after their dominance in possession and chances created. For Bengaluru FC, however, the draw represents a valuable point against the league’s most consistent team so far this season and a significant confidence boost as the campaign progresses.
