Bagan ground Air India 2-1

Kolkata, Jan 20 (UNI) Strikes, from their Brazilian duo Jose Ramirez Baretto and Fabio Cortez Vida gave Mohun Bagan a 2-1 victory over NFL leaders Air-India at the Barasat stadium here today.

The win gave the much needed boost to Bagan coach Robson D'Oliviera, who has been much criticised for the glamour outfit's poor start to the League.

Mohun Bagan pressurised Air India constantly and it bore fruit with the Kolkata giants earning a freekick just outside the penalty box in the 55th minute. Fabio Cortez Vidal's right footer curved in past a diving goalkeeper Raju Ekka.

The ever opportunist Baretto increased the margin six minutes later. A Hussain centre from the right caused chaos among the Mumbai team's back-four. Napolean Singh and Benoy Kuruvilla handed the ball on a platter for the Brazilian and he gleefully gobbled up the opportunity.

Vinay Kuruvilla reduced the margin 82 minutes into the match when he out jumped the Mohun Bagan defence from a Paras Shivalkar corner to find the net.

D'Oliviera started off with three forwards in search of early goals, but Bimal Ghosh's wards were up to the task. The combination of Abioudin Martins and Benoy Kuruvilla virtually bottled up Baichung Bhutia and Baretto as Mohun Bagan looked completely out of sorts.

Late into the first half, Bhutia did well to head down a Mehtab Hussain floater, but Raju Ekka came to the rescue before Sushil Singh could react. One of Air-India's most potent weapons, long throws, all most broke the deadlock. Narendra Meetei's header from substitute Uttam Singh's throw was tipped over the crossbar by Bagan custodian Sangram Mukherjee.

UNI