Data check: The impressive numbers behind Mohun Bagan’s marauding run to I-League title

In their final appearance in the I-League, Mohun Bagan left an indelible mark in the history of the tournament. The Mariners of the 2019-’20 season will go down as one of the best teams to have ever graced the stage as they emerged champions on Tuesday with four games to spare.

A narrow victory against Aizawl FC ensured a record-equalling fifth national league title for the Kolkata giants, that helped them go level with Dempo SC. Mohun Bagan also equaled the Goan club’s feat of winning the title with four games to spare, achieved during the 2009-’10 season.

After enduring a disappointing fifth-place finish last season and narrowly missing out on the I-League in two seasons from 2016-’18, Bagan secured a second title in five seasons with four games to go, bagging 39 points.

The Red and Maroons began the season as title contenders but few would have predicted such dominance. They wrapped up the title after pulling 16 points clear at the top on Tuesday, and having lost just one game all season.

Kibu Vicuna’s side endured a bumpy start to their campaign, being held by Aizawl FC before suffering a humbling defeat to Churchill Brothers at home but they turned around their season with an incredible run of results to become champions. The Mariners won seven matches in a row that helped them better their own record for the longest unbeaten run during a season. The streak of matches without a defeat currently stands at 14.

Mohun Bagan have been the most balanced side in the league and have stood out at both ends of the pitch.

Striker Papa Diawara and midfielder Fran Gonzalez have scored more than half their goals with 10 each. Midfielder Joseba Beitia has been the fulcrum around which their attack has revolved, contributing nine assists while chipping with three goals. Beitia also had a major role in set-pieces, where Bagan scored a staggering 18 goals from dead-ball situations.

Vicuna’s proactive approach – passing the ball around with purpose, focusing on maintaining their shape and pressing during crucial junctures – has paid dividends.

While scoring goals upfront, Bagan have also been watertight at the back, conceding the fewest goals this season. Spanish centre-back Fran Morante has established himself as the backbone of their defense, either being paired with Daneil Cyrus or Gonzalez. Full-backs Dhanachandra Singh and Ashutosh Mehta have also provided adequate defensive cover while bombing forward when needed.

Mohun Bagan focus on short and intricate passing exchanges to wriggle through oppositions.

Vicuna’s philosophy has revolved around building up patiently playing the ball from the back with the wingers tucking inside and full-backs pushing up high to help in the build up which has been key to their exploits in the final third.

As a result, Mohun Bagan have played the fewest long balls on an average, which highlights their aversion of playing direct.

It is therefore no surprise that the Kolkata side have breezed through the league campaign with barely anyone in touching distance. When the two legendary teams walk out for the Kolkata derby on March 15 for one last time, the table will say first-placed Mohun Bagan are taking on second-placed East Bengal. But the gulf in class has been significant between the Mariners and the rest of the clubs, not just their city rivals.

(All statistics via Instat Football)