Mohun Bagan Super Giant produced an impressive comeback to defeat Punjab FC 2-1 in their MG Indian Super League 2026-27 encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday. The home side recovered from an early setback to secure all three points and move to the top of the league standings. Alfred Planas gave Punjab FC the lead in the third minute with an excellent long-range strike. However, Mohun Bagan responded through Lee Erwin, who scored the equaliser in the 18th minute. Dejan Dražić then completed the turnaround with a fine finish in the 42nd minute to put the Mariners ahead before half-time. Despite several attempts from Punjab FC to find another goal, Mohun Bagan maintained their advantage and held on for a valuable victory.

Punjab FC Take Early Lead Through Alfred Planas

Punjab FC started the match with confidence and took the lead just three minutes after kick-off. Sanathoi Meetei created the opportunity by finding Alfred Planas outside the penalty area. The midfielder controlled the situation and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot. Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith attempted to stop the effort with a dive but could not reach the ball as Punjab moved ahead 1-0. The hosts immediately looked for a response. Samir Zeljković attempted a long-range effort in the sixth minute, but his shot went wide of the target. Punjab continued to threaten the Mohun Bagan defence. Two minutes later, Manglenthang Kipgen tried his luck from outside the penalty area, but Kaith comfortably collected the attempt. Mohun Bagan suffered another setback in the 12th minute when Sahal Abdul Samad picked up an injury and could not continue. Anirudh Thapa replaced him, giving the hosts a fresh attacking option.

Erwin Brings Mohun Bagan Back Into the Game

The substitution soon proved effective as Mohun Bagan found their equaliser in the 18th minute. Thapa played an excellent pass towards Lee Erwin on the left side of the penalty area. The striker made no mistake and sent a composed left-footed finish into the bottom-right corner, bringing the score to 1-1. Both teams continued to attack in search of another goal. Mohun Bagan came close to taking the lead in the 22nd minute when Rahul Bheke attempted a header from a Dejan Dražić corner. However, his effort narrowly missed the target. Punjab FC also created opportunities to regain the advantage. Planas attempted another shot from outside the box, but the Mohun Bagan defence managed to block his effort. The Mariners gradually increased their attacking pressure and eventually found the breakthrough just before half-time.

Dražić Completes the Comeback Before Half-Time

Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 42nd minute through an excellent finish from Dejan Dražić. Erwin played an important role in the goal, setting up Dražić outside the penalty area. The midfielder controlled the opportunity and struck a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner, leaving Arshdeep Singh with little chance of making a save. The goal put Mohun Bagan ahead 2-1 and completed their comeback after conceding in the opening minutes. Punjab goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh prevented the hosts from extending their advantage before the interval. He produced important saves to deny Zeljković and Erwin as Mohun Bagan continued to look dangerous. The Mariners went into half-time with a 2-1 lead.

Punjab FC Search for Equaliser After the Break

Punjab FC returned for the second half with the intention of finding an equaliser, while Mohun Bagan looked to strengthen their advantage. Thapa nearly added another goal for the hosts in the 49th minute with a long-range attempt, but he could not find the target. Mohun Bagan continued to create opportunities through set-pieces. In the 62nd minute, Deepak Tangri received a chance following a corner but sent his shot narrowly wide. Punjab FC refused to give up and continued searching for openings in the opposition defence. Planas came close to scoring his second goal in the 75th minute when he attempted a shot from the centre of the penalty area. However, Kaith reacted well to make the save. At the other end, Erwin forced Arshdeep into another save. Substitute Liston Colaço also tested the Punjab goalkeeper as Mohun Bagan attempted to put the result beyond doubt.

Mohun Bagan Hold Firm to Secure Three Points

The closing stages witnessed continued attacking pressure from both teams. Punjab FC pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, while Mohun Bagan looked for opportunities to score a third goal. Tangri came close again in the 87th minute with an attempt from outside the penalty area, but his shot narrowly missed the target. Punjab continued to attack during the eight minutes of added time, but Mohun Bagan's defence remained organised and denied the visitors a clear opportunity to level the score. The referee eventually brought the contest to an end, confirming a 2-1 victory for Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The comeback win earned the Mariners three valuable points and lifted them to the top of the MG ISL 2026-27 standings. Punjab FC, meanwhile, were left disappointed after failing to protect their early advantage in Kolkata.