Mohun Bagan's defensive issues resurfaced in the Indian Super League (ISL) opening match on Friday, as they let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Mumbai City FC. Despite a promising start, the Mariners could not hold on to their advantage, reminiscent of their recent Durand Cup final loss to NorthEast United FC.

The match began with an unfortunate own goal by Mumbai City's Tiri in the ninth minute, handing his former side Mohun Bagan an early lead. Alberto Rodriguez, making his ISL debut, extended Bagan's lead with a well-taken strike in the 28th minute, giving them a comfortable 2-0 advantage.

However, Mohun Bagan's defense faltered in the second half, allowing Mumbai City to mount a comeback. Tiri redeemed himself by scoring for his current team in the 70th minute, and substitute Thaer Krouma equalized shortly after amid a heavy downpour.

Despite a spirited effort from Mohun Bagan's Liston Colaco, who penetrated the Mumbai defense following a failed clearance from a free-kick, the Mariners were unable to reclaim their lead, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Mumbai securing a vital away point.

Mohun Bagan's Liston Colaco was allowed to penetrate the Mumbai defence, out-muscling Valpuia to enter the box. It was after Mumbai City failed to clear a free kick taken by Mohun Bagan.

Subhasish Bose threaded a pass to Colaco on the left wing, who then delivered a low cross into the six-yard box. Mumbai's goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa missed his interception, and the ball deflected off Tiri, sending it into his own net to give Mohun Bagan an early lead.

Mumbai had their chances, most notably in the 13th minute when captain Lallianzuala Chhangte's inviting cross from the right found Nikolaos Karelis at the far post, but the striker mistimed his header, missing a golden opportunity to equalise.

The Mariners doubled their advantage in the 28th minute through debutant Alberto Rodriguez's fiery strike.

Following another defensive mix-up, Mumbai City once again failed to clear their lines after a Mohun Bagan corner. Dimitri Petratos retrieved the loose ball to Ashish Rai on the right, who delivered a pinpoint cross into the box.

Greg Stewart rose highest at the far post and nodded the ball down into the path of Rodriguez, who finished calmly with a side-footed strike to score his first ISL goal.

The second-half began with Mumbai City pushing for goals, but Manzoro's wild shot in the 46th minute went over the bar.

Rodriguez, who had been instrumental in their first-half performance, went down with a cramp in the 79th minute and had to be substituted. This proved to be a setback as their attack lost its sting and Mumbai City capitalised on this shift in momentum.

In the 87th minute, Mumbai made crucial substitutions, bringing on Krouma and Brandon Fernandes.

The final blow came in stoppage time when Krouma scored in the 90th minute, finishing off a slick move from Noufal to level the score 2-2.

Despite Mohun Bagan's late penalty shout for handball and captain Subhasish Bose receiving a yellow card, Mumbai City's comeback was complete with a dramatic draw.

Without familiar names like Rahul Bheke, Alberto Noguera and Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Petr Kratky's Mumbai City FC began with a 4-3-3 formation with chhangte, bipin and Nikolaos Karelis upfront.

Molina, on the other hand, had more power in the midfield in a 3-5-2 formation with Dimitri Petratos and Greg Stewart leading Mohun Bagan attack.

Inputs from PTI