I-League: Barreto double sinks Air India

Jose Barreto sparkled with a double strike to help Mohun Bagan blank Air India 4-0 and snap six-match winless streak in the I-League at Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.

Mohun Bagan ruled the roost right from the start with Ryuji Sueoka giving a fifth minute lead while Marcos Pereira made it 2-0 in the 21st minute.

Barreto then found his magical touch back with two goals in the 60th and 69th minute to complete the rout of the Mumbai outfit.

In fact, Barreto narrowly missed a hat-trick when he missed an easy opportunity two minutes before final whistle but he returned with the Man of the Match trophy after the memorable outing in the 21st round match.

With Air India's defence weakened due to the absence of Peter Odafe (double yellow), Mohun Bagan attacked right from the start and Sueoka put the team ahead with a fine dribble resulting in a goal.

Edeh Chidi almost made it 2-0 minutes later but the Nigerian missed the target.

Mohun Bagan continued their attacking mode with Barreto taking the initiative but the Brazilian opened his account after the changeover.

Mohun Bagan got a freekick in the 20th minute, which was converted by Pereira as the local side did not give any chance to the Airmen.

It was Barreto all the way after the break with the Brazilian after receiving the supply from his strike partner Chidi made it 3-0 in the 60th minute.

Nine minutes later, he scored again from a solo effort.

With the win, Mohun Bagan improved their position by one place, climbing to fifth place with 29 points, while Air India remained static with 24 points.