Kolkata: The own goal signaled impending difficulties. Mohun Bagan had previously reached the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) cup final, where Mumbai City FC achieved a double victory. However, this current team is markedly different, as they refuse to entertain the notion of losing at home. Mohun Bagan Super Giant withstood the relentless attacks from Bengaluru FC—of which there were many—and ultimately turned the tide to secure a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from Jason Cummings in the 72nd minute and Jamie Maclaren in the 96th, thereby clinching their first ISL double on Saturday.

It was particularly fitting that Greg Stewart and Maclaren collaborated for the decisive goal. Although the Scot has previously won both the cup and the league shield, he had never achieved a double until now. His substitution in the 80th minute proved pivotal. Stewart set up Maclaren in the 90+2 minute, but the Australian's initial touch faltered, and Sahal Abdul Samad was thwarted shortly thereafter. Stewart found Samad again, but the Mohun Bagan forward took too long to capitalize, leading to a 1-1 deadlock at the end of regulation time.

However, there was no error when Stewart assisted Maclaren in the 96th minute. Despite Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's commendable performance, he was powerless to stop Maclaren, who skillfully maneuvered the ball before scoring. This was a perfect redemption for Maclaren, who had missed a free header earlier in the 75th minute. “I came here to win,” stated the all-time leading scorer in A-League history.

Just moments before, Alberto Rodriguez had nearly scored an own goal for the third time, but Vishal Kaith executed an impressive save. This was something he could not manage in the 49th minute when Ryan Williams's cross inadvertently deflected off the central defender into the net.

Edgar Mendez's aggressive challenge on Rodriguez set the tone for the final, with Bengaluru FC displaying a strong offensive presence from the outset. Williams posed a constant threat throughout the match, which kept Liston Colaco subdued, Subhasish Bose occupied, and Kaith's goal under significant pressure. “Credit to Bengaluru for taking us all the way,” Maclaren remarked to the official broadcasters.

Bengaluru FC earned five corner-kicks, and during their first attempt, Sunil Chhetri managed to evade his defender and directed a header that was blocked by Bose. On two additional occasions, Chhetri eluded the Mohun Bagan defense, setting up Williams, who was unable to capitalize on the opportunities.

Chhetri tested goalkeeper Kaith early in the second half, while Manvir Singh responded with a shot at the opposite end. Subsequently, what appeared to be another delivery from Williams that Mohun Bagan could handle unexpectedly found its way into the net. Bagan had been methodical, patiently seeking chances, but Sandhu thwarted a pass intended for Cummings from Manvir Singh, and Rahul Bheke blocked a shot from Anirudh Thapa.

Now in pursuit of the game, Jose Molina, who has secured two ISL final victories since his first in 2016, introduced Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan, who quickly energized the left flank. Cummings challenged Sandhu in the 57th minute, resulting in Bagan’s first corner-kick, and Samad maneuvered into the penalty area, prompting a block from Fanai. The momentum had shifted.

From the left side, Bagan orchestrated the play that led to their second penalty in consecutive matches. Cummings seized possession and passed to Maclaren, whose shot struck Chinglensana Singh’s hand. Over 59,000 spectators held their breath as Cummings, known as the "Ice Man," found the far corner of the net. As the Australian, whose favorite Hindi phrase is “aaram se,” gestured for the crowd to calm down, the Salt Lake stadium erupted with excitement.

The stadium was adorned in Mohun Bagan’s colors, with flags serving as wraps and scarves transformed into bandanas, often raised high displaying the Mohun Bagan emblem. The sounds of loud hailers clashed as supporters gathered on the eastern edge of the city, but the standout moment was the chant that echoed: “Amra kara?” followed by the response, “Mohun Bagan.”

Indian football supporters face a lack of amenities at the stadium. Nevertheless, as they have done throughout the season, Mohun Bagan fans packed the venue. They displayed a tifo that read: Champions Home, Entry Prohibited, along with another that stated, “You said success, we heard Mohun Bagan.” We demonstrated resilience, but without the backing of the crowd, our achievements would not have been possible, remarked Bose.

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