Mohun Bagan Super Giant scripted history on Thursday evening at the Salt Lake Stadium by clinching their maiden Indian Super League (ISL) league-and-cup double with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time triumph over Bengaluru FC in the 2024–25 ISL Final.
The Mariners, who had earlier topped the league stage, became only the second club after Sergio Lobera’s Mumbai City FC to achieve the rare double, and the first side to lift the ISL Cup on home turf.
Despite being outplayed in the first half, José Molina’s men rallied from a goal down, equalised through Jason Cummings' spot-kick in the 79th minute, and seized victory in the 96th minute courtesy of Jamie Maclaren's decisive strike.
The match began with Mohun Bagan responding energetically to the rousing support of the home crowd. Jamie Maclaren had the first real sight of goal, denied by Bengaluru custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu from a tight angle. The visitors soon settled and dictated the tempo, with Sunil Chhetri forcing a goalline clearance from Subhasish Bose and Bengaluru registering ten shots in the opening half compared to the Mariners’ three.
A penalty appeal arose when a cross struck Bose’s arm in the box, but the referee waved play on as the defender's arm was deemed in a natural position. The opening half ended goalless despite Bengaluru’s domination.
Bengaluru FC took the lead just four minutes into the second period, when Ryan Williams curled in a threatening cross which Alberto Rodriguez inadvertently turned into his own net while attempting to clear. Vishal Kaith was left helpless as the ball nestled in.
Mohun Bagan, undeterred by the setback, grew into the contest. Their persistence bore fruit in the 72nd minute when Jamie Maclaren’s effort struck Chinglensana Singh’s outstretched arm, resulting in a penalty. Cummings stepped up and powered his shot into the bottom corner, giving Sandhu no chance despite the keeper diving correctly.
With the scores tied at 1-1 at full-time, the match went into extra time, where Mohun Bagan assumed control. In the 96th minute, Greg Stewart’s low delivery into the box was mishandled by Sana, whose poor first touch was pounced upon by Maclaren. The Australian forward spun sharply and drilled the ball between Sandhu’s legs, sparking wild celebrations among the home faithful.
Bagan saw out the remainder of extra time with resolute defending, as Bengaluru FC, visibly exhausted, failed to muster a response. At the final whistle, fireworks lit up the Kolkata sky, marking a historic evening for the Mariners.
The match-winner Maclaren, who ends the campaign as Bagan’s top scorer, proved decisive once again when it mattered most. Coach José Molina’s tactical nous, especially in navigating the high-pressure final, was instrumental in the club’s crowning glory.
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