Mohun Bagan tasted defeat for the first time since September 28 when they lost 1-2 to FC Goa in the ISL-XI at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Friday.

While Bagan’s eight-match unbeaten run — it began with a 3-0 win over Mohammedan Sporting on October 5 — came to a grinding halt, Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa extended their undefeated streak to seven games.

Exactly a year ago, on December 20, Bagan had suffered an identical 1-2 loss in a card-strewn ISL-X match at Mumbai City.

A brace by Brison Fernandes, in either half, helped the hosts secure all three points on Friday. In between, Dimitrios Petratos brought Bagan back into the game with a spot-kick.

Bagan remain on top of the table with 26 points from 12 matches. Bengaluru FC are second with 24 from 12.

Bagan were inefficient in attack as their forwards missed an array of chances, despite taking 12 shots as opposed to the nine by the home side.

The match started slow with both teams trying to wrestle for possession in midfield. However, FC Goa drew first blood with Fernandes coming up with a goal in the 12th minute.

The young winger went head-on against Asish Rai on the left flank before unleashing his shot. However, the ball took a deflection off Tom Aldred’s boot before nestling into the net, catching Vishal Kaith off-guard.

Despite the goal, Bagan continued dominating possession. But FC Goa held their lines brilliantly and were looking to hit on counter-attacks. Brison and Mohammed Yasir, with their pace in the wide areas, were causing problems for Jose Molina’s men.

Bagan’s first shot on target came from a corner where Alberto Rodriguez rose highest to head the ball towards goal. However, goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari was in a good position to gather the ball.

The best chance for the visitors fell to Petratos at the stroke of half-time. Manvir Singh delivered a brilliant cross from the right, but the Australian failed to make the right connection.

Bagan piled up more pressure at the start of the second half with Sahal Abdul Samad pulling the trigger from outside the box. However, goalkeeper Tiwari was equal to the task.

Bagan’s persistence finally paid off when Petratos converted from the spot 10 minutes into the second half.