Kolkata: A spirited Mohun Bagan put up a spectacular fight before bowing out of the AFC Champions League with a 1-2 loss against South Korean outfit Taejon Citizens' Club on Tuesday.

The city giants seemed to have left behind its nightmarish 0-6 drubbing in the away tie in freezing conditions in South Korea as it not only matched the visitors in strength, but also created a number of chances, with Brazilian Jose Barreto playing a sterling role.

Barreto not only struck a late reducer but also caused panic in the Taejon defence with his fighting ability, deft footwork and ball control, as the hosts pulverised the visitors with waves of attacks in the later stages of the absorbing match played at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Earlier, Lee Chang Yup put the Koreans into the lead in the opening half before Gong Oh Kyan made the scoreline 2-0 midway into the later session.

Bad luck also struck Bagan as the nimble-footed Baichung Bhutia, who showed early promise with his sharp movements and delectable skills, had to be replaced early in the second half due to injury.

The visitors, who established early control, went into the lead in the 15th minute as Yup capitalised on a Bagan defensive lapse to head home following a Chang Chul Woo floater from the left.

Bagan stoppers Issa Musa Iroje and Satish Bharti, standing close to Yup, were late in reacting to the floater, while custodian Amit Singha Roy was hopelessly out of position.

PTI