A sensational performance from Jamie Maclaren powered Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a commanding 5–1 victory over Odisha FC in the Indian Super League at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday.
Maclaren struck four goals in a ruthless attacking display, leading the Mariners to their fourth consecutive win of the season and helping them consolidate their position at the top of the standings with 12 points. Odisha, meanwhile, remained ninth with just two points from their opening fixtures.
The Australian striker was named Player of the Match after an outstanding performance that saw him contribute three goals in the first half and complete his four-goal haul late in the game.
Maclaren Opens the Floodgates
Mohun Bagan head coach Sergio Lobera made four changes to his starting lineup, introducing captain Subhasish Bose, defender Mehtab Singh, winger Liston Colaco, and playmaker Dimitri Petratos. Odisha FC, coached by T. G. Purushothaman, made one defensive change, bringing in Saurabh Bhanwala in place of Saviour Gama.
The visitors threatened early in the third minute when Rohit Kumar rose to meet a corner from Lalthathanga Khawlhring, but his header sailed over the bar.
Photo: Dipayan Bose /Focus Sports/ ISL
Mohun Bagan responded quickly. Colaco fired a long-range effort just over before Abhishek Singh tested Odisha goalkeeper Amrinder Singh with a powerful shot from distance.
The breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute. Petratos produced a clever backheel to release Subhasish Bose on the left flank. The captain delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Maclaren rose unmarked to head home and give Mohun Bagan a deserved lead.
Mariners Take Control
Maclaren nearly doubled the lead five minutes later, but his attempt was comfortably gathered by Amrinder Singh.
The Australian striker did not have to wait long for his second. In the 24th minute, Petratos switched play to Colaco on the right wing. The Indian winger found Maclaren in space inside the box, and the forward calmly slotted a right-footed finish past the goalkeeper to make it 2–0.
Mohun Bagan continued to dominate proceedings and nearly added a third through Jason Cummings, whose setup allowed Maclaren a close-range opportunity that was blocked by the Odisha defence. The third goal finally arrived in the 42nd minute through defender Alberto Rodríguez. The centre-back struck a low left-footed shot from distance that beat Amrinder Singh and rolled into the far corner.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Despite being outplayed for much of the first half, Odisha managed to pull a goal back almost immediately. In the 43rd minute, Thoiba Singh Moirangthem launched a long ball into the Mohun Bagan penalty area. Rahim Ali controlled the ball calmly before beating goalkeeper Vishal Kaith and finishing into the empty net.
However, the hosts restored their three-goal cushion before the interval. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Colaco surged down the right and delivered a dangerous ball across goal. Maclaren was perfectly positioned to tap in from close range, completing his hat-trick and sending Mohun Bagan into the break with a commanding 4–1 lead.
The second half began at an energetic pace, with both teams pushing forward.
Colaco came close in the 53rd minute after another combination with Cummings, but his shot drifted narrowly wide. Odisha attempted to respond through Isak Vanlalruatfela, whose effort from the left side of the box missed the target. Mohun Bagan continued to press in search of more goals. Petratos fired just wide in the 66th minute after a corner as the Mariners maintained their attacking dominance.
For a period, Odisha’s defence marshalled by Amrinder Singh managed to hold firm and prevent further damage.
Watch Indian Live Scores and Play Quiz – Download IndiaSportsHub App
Odisha nearly scored again late in the match, but Kaith produced a strong save in the 87th minute to deny the visitors. A minute later, Mohun Bagan sealed the victory in emphatic fashion. Substitute Manvir Singh launched a long ball from midfield that Maclaren collected near the edge of the penalty area. The striker calmly finished past Amrinder Singh to score his fourth goal of the night and make it 5–1.
Kaith made a couple of late saves in the closing minutes to ensure the scoreline remained unchanged.
The final whistle confirmed a dominant 5–1 victory for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, further strengthening their position at the top of the ISL standings. Maclaren’s remarkable four-goal performance underlined Mohun Bagan’s attacking firepower and highlighted the striker’s growing influence in the league.
With four wins from four matches, the Mariners have emerged as early title contenders, while Odisha FC will need to regroup quickly as they look to revive their campaign in the coming fixtures.
