ISL 2024-25: Mohun Bagan SG Secures League Double with 2-1 Victory over Bengaluru FC

Kolkata, April 12 (NationPress) Jamie Maclaren netted an extra-time goal, leading Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) to triumph in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 Cup, overcoming Bengaluru FC with a score of 2-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium on Saturday.

MBSG made a comeback after initially falling behind, successfully securing the League Double after having previously claimed the ISL Shield this season, concluding the current campaign undefeated on home turf. They join the ranks of just one other team, Mumbai City FC (2020-21), to have earned both the League Shield and the ISL Cup within the same season.

With the support of their fans, MBSG kicked off the match energetically, with Maclaren nearly scoring with a right-footed shot from the box, only to be thwarted by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the ninth minute.

The team maintained an active rhythm, as Anirudh Thapa, known for his playmaking abilities, advanced into the 18-yard area and attempted a right-footed shot from the left side of the box that was expertly blocked.

The Blues retaliated with several chances around the 20-minute mark, where Alberto Noguera tested the MBSG defense with a cross intended for Sunil Chhetri, who could not convert. A subsequent header from Edgar Mendez was saved by Vishal Kaith, keeping the match scoreless.

Bengaluru FC broke the deadlock in the 49th minute, courtesy of an own goal by defender Alberto Rodriguez. Williams found space on the right flank and delivered a cross aimed at Mendez inside the box.

Subhasish Bose, tasked with marking Williams, failed to close him down. Rodriguez attempted to clear the danger but inadvertently directed the ball into his own net under pressure.

Seven minutes later, Bose sought to rectify his earlier mistake by regaining possession near the halfway line and sending a pass to Jason Cummings just outside the penalty area. Cummings skillfully controlled the ball and unleashed a left-footed shot that required a full-stretched dive from Sandhu to keep the score unchanged.

However, MBSG received a lifeline in the form of a penalty due to a handball by Chinglensana Singh. In the 72nd minute, Cummings confidently stepped up to take the penalty, smoothly converting it by placing the ball into the bottom left corner with his left foot, leveling the match.

As the game moved into stoppage time, Kaith delivered a long ball that Ashique Kuruniyan attempted to finish from a challenging angle on the left, but was unsuccessful. Greg Stewart provided a lateral pass to Tom Aldred, whose header from the left side of the six-yard box went off target.

During extra time, Maclaren quickly made his mark on the final match. With MBSG pushing forward, the Bengaluru FC defense found themselves in a tight spot, and Maclaren seized the opportunity with a powerful shot from inside the box, beating Sandhu to find the center of the net in the 96th minute, cementing a remarkable season for the Kolkata-based team.