Mumbai City FC have won their first ever ISL title, beating defending champions ATK Mohun Bagan in the finals. The victory sees the Islanders complete the domestic double, having won the ISL Winner’s Shield by finishing at the top of the league.
The defeat will taste extremely bitter for Mohun Bagan, who were in the lead at the beginning but were beaten 2-1 in the end. Moreover, they lost out on the first place in the league and the AFC Champions League qualification on goal difference.
Here are the notable events that went down in the final:
David Williams opened the scoring in the game by pouncing on a defensive error by Mumbai City’s defenders whilst passing among themselves, and made them pay for it. However, the lead would not last long as ATK Mohun Bagan’s Tiri made a howler himself, heading a vertical long ball from Ahmed Jahouh into his own net, establishing no communication with his goalkeeper.
Stay strong, Amey! 💙
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) March 13, 2021
Our right-back had to be taken off the field after a possible head injury 😢#MCFCATKMB #HeroISLFinal #AamchiCity 🔵 pic.twitter.com/ccf5VUZO3B
Right at the stroke of half-time, Mumbai City right-back Amey Ranawade collided with ATKMB’s Manvir Singh and landed awkwardly on the back of his head, and became unconscious. Players on both teams were visibly distressed, and were praying for the well being of Ranawade, who was taken into the ambulance, capping off a lengthy stoppage period.
ATKMB almost managed to take the lead again after a free kick taken by Javier Hernandez was knocked into the Mumbai City net by one of their own. Roy Krishna was deemed to be in the eye line of the keeper, and the goal was ruled out for offside.
Despite Hugo Boumous missing an open net earlier in the game, a howler from ATKMB’s goalkeeper saw Bartholomew Ogbeche gain possession of the ball across the goal. Leaving the keeper on the ground with a swift turn, the player passed it to Bipin Singh who charged into the box to score at the 90th minute.
Bipin Singh was awarded the Hero of the Match for his performance in the match, and his goal to help the Sky Blues to their first ever title.
