Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) [India], September 21 (ANI): In a thrilling encounter at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday, Jamshedpur FC clinched their first home victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season by edging out Mumbai City FC with a 3-2 scoreline. This victory came after an impressive comeback, having initially fallen behind.

The match’s turning point was orchestrated by Spanish midfielder Javi Hernandez, who played a pivotal role in Jamshedpur FC’s resurgence. After Jordan Murray neutralized Nikolaos Karelis’ opening goal, Hernandez’s contributions ensured the Men of Steel overturned the deficit and took a commanding lead into the second half.

Mumbai City FC began the game assertively. In the fifth minute, Yoell van Nieff seized the ball from Javi Hernandez and unleashed a long-range shot that narrowly missed the target. Just three minutes later, Jamshedpur FC crafted their first significant opportunity. Following a corner, Pratik Chaudhari headed the ball to Javier Siverio, who set it up for Jordan Murray. However, Murray’s shot was deflected out for another corner. Imran Khan’s subsequent corner saw Tiri’s clearance almost backfire as the ball hit the crossbar.

The intensity ramped up by the eighth minute when Thaer Krouma won a crucial header against Stephen Eze. Karelis capitalized on this and found the back of the net, beating goalkeeper Albino Gomes. Karelis had another chance a minute later, receiving a cross in the penalty box, but Gomes managed to clear it. The ball fell to Lallianzuala Chhangte, whose weak attempt was again saved by Gomes before Eze cleared it.

As the first half progressed, Jamshedpur FC began to mount pressure. Imran Khan’s persistent crosses from the right flank paid dividends as one such cross allowed Jordan Murray to level the score. Just four minutes later, another Khan cross found Javier Siverio, but Phurba Lachenpa’s save denied him.

Approaching halftime, Javi Hernandez gave Jamshedpur FC the lead with a masterful free-kick that found the net amidst confusion in Mumbai City FC’s defense.

The second half saw Jamshedpur FC continue their momentum. They nearly extended their lead immediately after halftime when Hernandez set up Murray, only for Valpuia’s timely intervention to thwart the attempt. Moments later, Stephen Eze’s header from an Imran Khan cross was saved by Lachenpa.

Jamshedpur FC’s persistence bore fruit in the 49th minute when Seiminlen Doungel set up Hernandez for his second goal of the night. Doungel skillfully navigated past Mumbai City’s defense to deliver a precise cross to Hernandez, who made no mistake in scoring.

Despite being down, Mumbai City FC endeavored to stage a comeback. In the 77th minute, Yoell van Nieff managed to reduce the deficit with a curling shot from outside the penalty area that beat Gomes. The final minutes saw relentless pressure from Mumbai City FC in search of an equalizer, but Jamshedpur FC’s resolute defense held firm to secure the win.