Kolkata: Punjab FC fought valiantly but went down 1-2 to Mohun Bagan despite a spirited performance in Match 21 of the Indian Super League 2026-27 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The Shers took an early lead in the third minute through Alfred Planas Moya, but Mohun Bagan fought back to take the lead with first-half strikes from Lee Erwin and Dejan Dražić. The defeat ended Punjab FC’s unbeaten start to the season, leaving them fourth in the table with seven points from four matches. Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, moved temporarily to the top with nine points from the same number of matches.
Head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis made just one change to the starting XI, with the in-form Konsam Sanathoi Singh replacing Muhammad Suhail in attack. Meanwhile, former Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis named a strong Mohun Bagan lineup which included former Punjab players Tekcham Abhishek Singh and Samir Zeljković.
Punjab FC made their trademark aggressive start, taking the lead just two minutes and 39 seconds into the match. Alfred Planas Moya released Sanathoi Singh down the left wing before receiving the ball back from the young winger. The Spaniard then dribbled past two defenders and unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box, which found the back of the net through the hands of Vishal Kaith.
The Shers continued to press Mohun Bagan high up the pitch, denying the defenders time and space to build from the back.
Manglenthang Kipgen tested the goalkeeper with an effort from the edge of the box, but his shot was struck straight at Vishal Kaith. Mohun Bagan were forced into an early substitution in the 12th minute, with Anirudh Thapa replacing the injured Sahal Abdul Samad.
Mohun Bagan settled into the game and began to gain control in midfield before equalising in the 18th minute. Subhashish Bose won possession from Kipgen inside Punjab FC’s half, and Anirudh Thapa quickly played the ball to Lee Erwin. The Scottish striker turned and unleashed a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, beating a diving Arshdeep Singh to level the scores.
RESULTS:
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – 2 (Lee Erwin 18’, Dejan Dražić 42’) Punjab FC – 1 (Alfred Planas Moya 3’) (SOURCE: ISL)