Jamie Maclaren's Extra-Time Goal Secures ISL Title for Mohun Bagan with 2-1 Win Against Bengaluru FC

Synopsis

Mohun Bagan Super Giant triumphed in the Indian Super League, securing the championship with a 2-1 victory over Bengaluru FC. Jamie Maclaren's extra-time goal marked the defining moment after Jason Cummings equalized from an earlier own goal by Alberto Rodriguez, showcasing a thrilling match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium.

Key Takeaways

Mohun Bagan clinched the ISL title with a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Jamie Maclaren scored the decisive goal during extra time.
Jason Cummings equalized after an own goal by Alberto Rodriguez.
The match was held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium.
Bengaluru FC fought hard but fell short in extra time.

Kolkata, April 12 (NationPress) Mohun Bagan Super Giant has once again claimed victory in the Indian Super League (ISL), celebrating their championship win with a 2-1 triumph over Bengaluru FC in the final of the 2024-25 season held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium on Saturday. The decisive extra-time goal by Jamie Maclaren made all the difference after Jason Cummings equalized following an own goal by Alberto Rodriguez.

The match began with the home team seizing the first significant opportunity during a counterattack that stemmed from Sunil Chhetri's free-kick in the 15th minute. Manvir Singh's cross couldn’t locate Maclaren in the center and rolled harmlessly past the goal.

In response, Bengaluru FC created a chance from a corner, with Chhetri directing a header towards the target. However, Subhasish Bose made an essential block, and Vishal Kaith secured the return cross in goal. The first half saw Bengaluru dominate possession, but neither team could score, leading to a scoreless halftime.

As the second half unfolded, the action intensified, with BFC striking first. A dangerous cross from Ryan Williams deflected off Alberto Rodriguez, resulting in an own goal in the 49th minute, sending the crowd into silence. Mohun Bagan ramped up their offensive efforts, with Cummings testing the Bengaluru goalkeeper, ultimately breaking through in the 71st minute.

A cross from Cummings was handled by Chinglensana Singh, prompting the referee to award a penalty kick. Cummings confidently converted the penalty into the bottom left corner, despite Gurpreet diving the right way. The Kolkata side gained momentum, leading to Cummings' substitution for Greg Stewart and a renewed sense of purpose in front of a packed Salt Lake Stadium.

Bengaluru managed to hold on until the end of regular time, pushing the match into extra time.

The narrative that started earlier in the summer, with Maclaren, the all-time top scorer from the A-League, reached a perfect conclusion as he secured the victory. Stewart set up Maclaren in front of goal, and he struck cleanly, raising questions about Gurpreet as the ball slipped through his legs and found the net in the 96th minute.

Bengaluru fought valiantly to match the electrifying atmosphere, but Mohun Bagan proved too formidable, clinching the league double with this win.