Mohun Bagan Super Giant climbed to the top of the Indian Super League 2025-26 table after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory against NorthEast United FC in a rain-hit encounter at Guwahati’s Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Sunday.
The defending champions made a dream start, striking within five minutes through Robson, whose well-timed run into the box capped off a slick attacking move. That early breakthrough ultimately proved decisive in a match heavily influenced by relentless rain and challenging pitch conditions.
Mohun Bagan began on the front foot, showing attacking intent right from kickoff. In the third minute, Jamie Maclaren surged down the right flank but was denied by a sharp interception from NorthEast United’s Robin Yadav. Moments later, the visitors found their breakthrough. Liston Colaco sparked the move, linking up with Sahal Abdul Samad, who drove forward before cutting the ball back into the danger area. Robson arrived perfectly on cue and fired a composed right-footed finish into the roof of the net.
The Mariners continued to control possession through the first half, with Jason Cummings, Sahal, and Robinho probing for a second goal. However, NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh stood tall, producing a series of steady saves to keep his side within reach.
As the rain intensified, conditions worsened, making fluid play increasingly difficult. The ball skidded unpredictably, and both teams struggled to string together consistent attacking moves. Despite this, NorthEast United gradually grew into the contest and nearly equalised in the 36th minute when Parthib Gogoi broke through, only for Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to rush out and force the shot wide.
The second half resumed after a lengthy delay due to heavy rainfall, with the tempo largely dictated by the weather. NorthEast pushed forward with more urgency, attempting long-range efforts through Macarton Nickson and Thoi Singh, but Kaith remained alert.
The hosts came closest in stoppage time when substitute Ankith Padmanabhan found space inside the box, only to be denied by a sharp Kaith save. The rebound fell kindly for Jairo Samperio, but Mehtab Singh produced a heroic block, followed by another crucial clearance moments later to deny Andy Rodríguez.
In the end, Mohun Bagan’s disciplined defensive display ensured Robson’s early strike was enough. The win takes them to 20 points from nine matches, putting them two clear of Mumbai City FC, while NorthEast United remain 12th with seven points.
