In a night of high drama and pulsating football, Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured their place in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 final with a thrilling 2-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The Mariners overcame a 1-2 deficit from the first leg to triumph 3-2 on aggregate, setting up a mouthwatering championship showdown with Bengaluru FC.
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Mohun Bagan ISL Final Journey: How the Mariners Turned the Tide
Walking into their home fortress with a goal deficit, the pressure was firmly on the ISL Shield winners. The Green and Maroon brigade, backed by an electrifying crowd of 58,123 passionate supporters, rose to the occasion with a performance that demonstrated why they’ve been the team to beat this season.
The match began with Mohun Bagan asserting dominance from the opening whistle, with Ashique Kuruniyan causing havoc down the left flank. Despite creating numerous chances in the first half, including a golden opportunity for Jason Cummings in the 16th minute, the Mariners couldn’t break through Jamshedpur’s resolute defense before halftime.
“We knew we had to be patient,” said Mohun Bagan coach Jose Molina. “The crowd was behind us, and we believed the goals would come if we maintained our intensity.”
That patience was rewarded in the 50th minute when a turning point arrived. After Lazar Cirkovic conceded a corner, Cummings delivered a dangerous cross that caught Pranoy Halder handling the ball in the area. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and Cummings himself stepped up to convert the penalty, sending Albino Gomes the wrong way to level the aggregate score at 2-2.
The Dramatic Winner
With the tie finely balanced, tension mounted as the clock ticked toward full time. Both teams made tactical substitutions, with Jamshedpur’s Khalid Jamil bringing on Javi Siverio, Sreekuttan VS, and Ritwik Das to chase the goal that would send them through.
As the 90 minutes expired, the fourth official indicated five minutes of added time. The Salt Lake Stadium held its collective breath as Mohun Bagan continued to push forward. Then, in the third minute of stoppage time, magic happened.
Liston Colaco delivered a cross from the left that Pranoy Halder intercepted. As the Jamshedpur player attempted to clear, he lost possession to Anirudh Thapa, who calmly picked out Lalengmawia “Apuia” Ralte. The midfielder took one touch to set himself before unleashing a thunderous strike into the right corner, sending the stadium into rapturous celebration.
“The moment I got the ball, I knew I had to take the shot,” said Apuia after the match. “When I saw it hit the back of the net, it was an indescribable feeling.”
PRESENTING TO YOU THE ISL 2024-25 FINALISTS! 🤝#MBSGJFC #ISL #LetsFootball #ISLPlayoffs #MBSG #BengaluruFC | @mohunbagansg @bengalurufc @gerardzaragoza pic.twitter.com/hM9id2eWom
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) April 7, 2025
The Road to the Final: Key Statistics
| Statistic | Mohun Bagan SG | Jamshedpur FC |
|---|---|---|
| First Leg Score | 1 | 2 |
| Second Leg Score | 2 | 0 |
| Aggregate Score | 3 | 2 |
| Possession (2nd leg) | 67% | 33% |
| Shots on Target (2nd leg) | 8 | 2 |
| Corners (2nd leg) | 11 | 3 |
| Attendance | 58,123 | N/A |
The comprehensive victory was a testament to Mohun Bagan’s resilience and quality, overcoming the first-leg deficit to secure their third consecutive ISL final appearance.
Bengaluru FC Awaits: The Final Showdown
The victory sets up a clash of titans in the ISL final, with Mohun Bagan facing Bengaluru FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, April 12. The Blues secured their spot with a dramatic victory over their semifinal opponents, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic conclusion to the 2024-25 season.
For Bengaluru captain Sunil Chhetri, who has announced this will be his final season, the final represents a chance to end his illustrious career with another trophy. On the other side, Mohun Bagan aims to add to their sole ISL title won in the 2022-23 season.
“We know Bengaluru will be tough opponents,” said Mohun Bagan captain Subhasish Bose. “But we’ve worked all season for this moment, and we believe in our quality. With our fans behind us, we’re confident of bringing the trophy home.”
Key Players Who Made the Difference
The semifinal victory was built on several standout performances:
- Jason Cummings: The Australian striker showed nerves of steel to convert the crucial penalty that leveled the aggregate score.
- Lalengmawia “Apuia” Ralte: Beyond his dramatic winner, the midfielder controlled the tempo throughout the match with his precise passing and positioning.
- Ashique Kuruniyan: A constant threat down the left flank, troubling Jamshedpur’s defense with his pace and crossing.
- Anirudh Thapa: Displayed excellent vision to assist Apuia’s winner and worked tirelessly throughout the match.
- Vishal Kaith: Though not heavily tested, the goalkeeper maintained his concentration to ensure a crucial clean sheet.
The Jamshedpur FC Perspective
Despite the heartbreaking nature of their exit, Jamshedpur FC can hold their heads high after an impressive campaign. Under coach Khalid Jamil’s guidance, the Red Miners exceeded expectations by reaching the semifinals and nearly upsetting the Shield winners.
“We gave everything,” said Jamil after the match. “My players followed the plan perfectly for most of the game. It’s painful to lose so late, but that’s football. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved this season.”
A Celebrity Audience
Adding to the occasion’s significance, the match was watched by several high-profile figures, including Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) players and their captain Rishabh Pant, who was pictured seated alongside owner Sanjiv Goenka. The IPL franchise is in Kolkata for their upcoming match against KKR at Eden Gardens.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
The semifinal second leg will be remembered as one of the most dramatic matches in ISL history. For Mohun Bagan, it represents another chapter in their storied legacy, while for neutral fans, it was a showcase of everything that makes Indian football special: passion, skill, and late drama.
As attention now turns to the final against Bengaluru FC, the anticipation will only grow. Will the Mariners secure their second ISL title, or will Sunil Chhetri sign off his remarkable career with a fairytale ending? All will be revealed on April 12 at the Salt Lake Stadium.
FAQs About Mohun Bagan’s ISL Final Qualification
When and where will the ISL 2024-25 final between Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC be played?
The final will be played on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata.
How did Mohun Bagan overcome their first-leg deficit against Jamshedpur FC?
Mohun Bagan won the second leg 2-0 through a Jason Cummings penalty in the 50th minute and a stoppage-time winner from Lalengmawia “Apuia” Ralte, giving them a 3-2 aggregate victory.
How many consecutive ISL finals has Mohun Bagan reached?
This is Mohun Bagan’s third consecutive ISL final appearance, having reached the final in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons as well.
Who scored the winning goal for Mohun Bagan in the semifinal second leg?
Lalengmawia “Apuia” Ralte scored the decisive goal in the third minute of stoppage time, securing Mohun Bagan’s place in the final.
How many spectators attended the semifinal second leg at Salt Lake Stadium?
A total of 58,123 fans attended the match, creating an electric atmosphere that pushed the home team to victory.
