Mohun Bagan Super Giant lifted the Indian Super League 2024-25 Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bengaluru FC on Saturday. The final was played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata.
Earlier this season, Mohun Bagan had already secured the ISL Shield. Now, with this Cup win, they completed the League Double. Notably, they also finished the season unbeaten at home. As a result, they became only the second team after Mumbai City FC (2020-21) to achieve this double in a single season.
Early Momentum Favors Mohun Bagan
Right from the start, Mohun Bagan looked sharp. The home crowd pushed them forward. In the 9th minute, Jamie Maclaren took a powerful shot with his right foot. However, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu dived to his left and stopped it.
Soon after, Anirudh Thapa made a quick run through midfield. He entered the box and aimed a right-footed shot. But the Bengaluru defence blocked it just in time.
Bengaluru FC Respond with Pressure
Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC created chances of their own. Around the 20th minute, Alberto Noguera sent in a cross for Sunil Chhetri. However, Chhetri couldn’t convert.
Immediately after, Edgar Mendez headed the ball towards goal. Vishal Kaith made a comfortable save to keep the scores level.
Own Goal Gives Bengaluru the Lead
After the break, Bengaluru struck first. In the 49th minute, Williams had space on the right wing. He delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Subhasish Bose failed to close him down. Then, Alberto Rodriguez, under pressure, tried to clear the ball. Unfortunately, he sent it into his own net.
Mohun Bagan Equalize Through a Penalty
In response, Mohun Bagan increased the tempo. Just seven minutes later, Bose regained possession near midfield. He delivered a long pass to Jason Cummings. Cummings brought it under control and unleashed a strong left-footed shot. Sandhu made a full-stretch save to deny him.
Nevertheless, Mohun Bagan kept pressing. In the 72nd minute, the referee awarded them a penalty after a handball by Chinglensana Singh. Cummings stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. This goal brought the match back on level terms.
Late Chances Go Begging
As full-time approached, both teams searched for a winner. Ashique Kuruniyan tried a tough shot from the left, but it missed. Then, Greg Stewart played a smart pass to Tom Aldred, who headed the ball wide from close range.
Maclaren Scores the Winner in Extra Time
Eventually, the game went into extra time. In the 96th minute, Jamie Maclaren delivered the final blow. Mohun Bagan pushed numbers forward. As a result, Bengaluru's defence lost shape. Maclaren pounced on a loose ball inside the box and fired a low shot. It beat Sandhu and found the center of the net. That goal sealed the title.
Star Player of the Match
Jamie Maclaren was the standout performer. He completed 10 of 11 passes and scored the decisive goal in extra time.
ISL 2024-25 Season Awards
Best Grassroots Program: Jamshedpur FC
Best Elite Youth Program: Punjab FC
Golden Glove: Vishal Kaith (MBSG)
Golden Boot: Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NEUFC)
Emerging Player of the League: Brison Fernandes (FC Goa)
Golden Ball: Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NEUFC)
