In an exciting Hero I-League week, title contenders East Bengal claimed the bragging rights for the city of Kolkata as they beat arch-rivals Mohun Bagan 2-1 in a tightly-contested fixture at the Kanchenjunga Stadium. Attacking midfielder Do Dung-Hyun scored a brace for the Red and Gold brigade, while Katsumi Yusa scored the only goal for the Mariners.Meanwhile, another title favourites Bengaluru FC joined Mohun Bagan at the top on 25 points after beating bottom-placed Mumbai FC 1-0, thanks to an 81st-minute tap-in by Daniel Lalhlimpuia. After a frustratingly goalless first half, hosts Bengaluru came out all guns blazing in the second half, and as the clock ticked on to the final minutes Lalhlimpuia finished off a neat attacking move started by Udanta Singh.Elsewhere, Shillong Lajong FC remained at the fourth spot in the standings after fighting back from a goal down to outclass Aizawl FC 3-1 at home, courtesy of a brace from versatile striker Fabio Henrique and a deftly-executed finish from Lajong’s number nine, Samuel Lalmuanpuia.Also, exuberant Goan fans had a reason to celebrate as sixth-placed Salgaocar FC extended their unbeaten home streak to four games against a solid-looking DSK Shivajians outfit in a 1-1 draw in Vasco. Atlético de Kolkata’s tireless winger Baljit Sahni put the Shivajians ahead in the 25th minute with an impeccable finish. However, Darryl Duffy, with his 10th goal of the season, stopped the visitors in their tracks five minutes later.The title race is still wide open, with Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC leading the pack with 25 points. Close at their heels are East Bengal on 23 points, while Salgaocar FC and DSK Shivajians occupy sixth and seventh positions with 13 points each. Aizawl FC and Mumbai FC stay rooted to the bottom, with 12 points apiece.
