Kolkata: Kerala Blasters have been dreaming of winning the Indian Super League (ISL) title for the fifth time, but it has eluded them for years. Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan are back in action after defeating the mighty Bengaluru FC 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at Mohun Bagan’s ground. The fact that they came from behind to defeat Bengaluru FC, who had taken the lead, adds to the sweetness of the title.
Mohun Bagan players celebrate after scoring a goal (PTI photo)
As both teams were level at the end of regulation, extra time was added to determine the winners. Jason Cummings (72nd, penalty) and Jamie McClaren (96th minute) scored for Mohun Bagan. Bengaluru FC’s consolation goal was an own goal conceded by Bagan player Alberto Rodriguez in the 49th minute. With this, Mohun Bagan won the ISL title along with the League Winners Shield. No team in ISL history has ever won the League Winners Shield and the ISL title at the same time. This is the team’s first title since Mohun Bagan adopted the name Super Giant. The team won the title in its first season in 2014, in 2016 as Atletico de Kolkata, in 2019–20 as ATK, and in 2022–23 as ATK Mohun Bagan.∙ How the goals came
Bengaluru FC’s first goal: Bengaluru’s luck came in the form of an own goal minutes into the second half of the match. Bengaluru’s move aimed at the Mohun Bagan box, but it reached its goal, albeit through an unexpected route. Bengaluru’s breakthrough came through Ryan Williams in Vilatuwing. As soon as he reached parallel to the box, Williams crossed the ball into the Mohun Bagan box. Alberto Rodriguez, who stretched his leg to the ball inside the box to avoid danger, missed. The ball, which missed the target, made the goalkeeper and the bullet quickly enter the Bagan box. The score was 1–0.
Mohun Bagan’s first goal: Mohun Bagan struck back in the 72nd minute. This time, a penalty was awarded to Bagan to equalize. After a move by Bagan players down the left wing, Jamie McLaren crossed the ball to Jason Cummings in the box. Sana, who had come to stop Cummings as he flew towards the ball, was awarded a penalty in favor of Bagan for touching the ball with his hand. Cummings took the kick and put the ball into the net, leaving Bengaluru’s goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as a spectator. The score was 1–1.
Mohun Bagan’s second goal: Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 96th minute amid the pressure of the extra-time final. Jamie McLaren, who had paved the way for the first goal, scored this time and became Bagan’s savior. The ball was received from the left wing in the middle of the box, and McLaren’s right-footed shot went straight into the net, edging past the Bengaluru FC player who had come to block it with one touch. The score was 2–1.
