ISL 2024-25 Final: Maclaren’s Magic Seals Historic Double for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Final Thriller

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) etched their name in the history books after scripting a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Bengaluru FC in the ISL 2024-25 Cup Final on Saturday. In front of a raucous home crowd at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, the Kolkata-based giants overcame an early setback to cap off a landmark season in style, achieving the coveted League Double — having already lifted the ISL Shield earlier this year.

The triumph also saw MBSG complete an unbeaten run at home for the season, becoming only the second outfit after Mumbai City FC in 2020-21 to win both the Shield and Cup in the same campaign.

Electric Atmosphere Fuels Early Mariners Onslaught

Roared on by thousands of green and maroon faithful, MBSG wasted little time in asserting dominance. Striker Jamie Maclaren almost made a dream start, firing a powerful shot from the right side of the box that was brilliantly thwarted by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the ninth minute.

Midfield orchestrator Anirudh Thapa also showed early promise, darting into the penalty area and letting fly with a low drive, only for Bengaluru’s defenders to intercept the strike just in time.

Blues Strike First Through Defensive Error

Despite the early pressure, it was Bengaluru FC who found the opener — albeit in fortuitous fashion. Four minutes into the second half, Australian forward Williams carved out space on the right and whipped in a cross that unsettled the MBSG backline. Under pressure to clear, defender Alberto Rodriguez miscued his attempt and inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

That mistake briefly stunned the Mariners, but they didn’t take long to respond. Subhasish Bose, eager to redeem himself for earlier lapses in defence, regained possession and launched a perfectly weighted ball toward Jason Cummings. The striker’s ferocious left-footed shot forced another stellar save from Sandhu, keeping Bengaluru ahead — but only momentarily.

Cummings Converts, Kuruniyan Misses, Maclaren Delivers Glory

The tide turned in the 72nd minute when Bengaluru’s Chinglensana Singh handled the ball inside the area, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Cummings stepped up with trademark composure, “caressing the ball into the bottom left corner with his left foot,” and brought the tie level to send the home crowd into a frenzy.

With tensions rising and both teams chasing the winner, Ashique Kuruniyan nearly broke the deadlock in added time. The winger’s strike from a sharp angle couldn’t beat Sandhu, and Tom Aldred’s late header also missed its mark, sending the final into extra time.

Then came the decisive moment. In the 96th minute, Jamie Maclaren — who had been a persistent threat all evening — pounced on a loose ball inside the box and rifled a precise shot past Sandhu to seal the contest. The Australian striker’s goal not only won the match but also crowned MBSG’s near-perfect season with the ultimate prize.

Individual Brilliance and Team Unity Shine Bright

Jamie Maclaren was deservingly named Man of the Match, completing 10 out of 11 passes and netting the all-important winner in extra time. His performance epitomised MBSG’s grit, flair, and relentless pursuit of victory.

Speaking after the final whistle, coach Jose Molina credited the players’ resilience and the fans’ unwavering support, calling the victory “a dream achieved with heart and hard work.”

ISL 2024-25 Season Awards

The curtain-closing ceremony also recognised the season’s best performers. MBSG’s Vishal Kaith, instrumental in multiple crucial moments including a game-saving stop in the final, received the Golden Glove. Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC’s Alaaeddine Ajaraie took home both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball after a phenomenal campaign up front.

Other notable honours included:

• Emerging Player of the League: Brison Fernandes (FC Goa)
• Best Grassroots Program: Jamshedpur FC
• Best Elite Youth Program: Punjab FC

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