ISL 2021-22: Kiyan Nassiri hattrick powers ATK Mohun Bagan to derby win over SC East Bengal

Faheem Hussain/Focus Sports/ISL

---

In an end-to-end Kolkata derby, ATK Mohun Bagan left it late to secure a memorable 3 -1 win over arch-rivals SC East Bengal at the Fatorda.

The win was single-handedly delivered by the youngest ever hat-trick scorer in the short history of the ISL, Kiyan Nassiri (64', 90+2, 90+3'), the son of former East Bengal legend Jamshid Nassiri. Super-sub Nassiri's goals cancelled out the strike from Darren Sidoel (56') who gave East Bengal the lead in the second half.

The derby began with a measured approach by both teams. The best early chance fell to EB's Marcelo Ribeiro five minutes before the half-hour mark, who found acres of space behind the Bagan backline. However, the forward sent his shot wide off the mark from a one-on-one situation. Bagan also had a handful of chances as they strived to score the opener with Liston Colaco and Subhasish Bose coming close with their respective attempts.

Bagan dominated possession but a lack of end product meant that the teams went into the halftime break on level terms.

The second half began on a fiery note with Colaco hitting a right-footed curler within minutes from the restart that was well saved.

On the other end, Antonio Perosevic made Amrinder Singh pull out a crucial save on his near post with a strong left hand.

However, the deadlock was finally broken against all odds by SC East Bengal through Darren Sidoel. The midfielder attacked the near post from a corner, got to the ball first, and guided it past the goalkeeper off a backtracking Manvir Singh.

Bagan scored the equaliser after the hour mark through Kiyan Nassiri, who came off the bench to make his second appearance for the club. A couple of minutes later, Bagan then had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot through David Williams. The Australian, however, sent his spot-kick into the stands. Hira Mondal then made a sensational goal-line clearance, a header, to deny Colaco a goal.

In the six minutes of stoppage time, Bagan surged ahead. A header from Williams hit the post and fell to Kiyan who made no mistake with the volley that put Bagan in the lead. A minute later, he finally completed an iconic hattrick with an opportunistic finish deep into injury time. The cameo was enough to ensure three points for Bagan.

SC East Bengal plays top-four candidates Chennaiyin FC in their next at the Tilak Maidan on Wednesday while ATK Mohun Bagan will clash against reigning champions Mumbai City FC at the Fatorda on Thursday.