2 Titans Collide: Mohun Bagan Triumphs Over Bengaluru FC in Unforgettable ISL 2024-25 Final
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season came to a dramatic conclusion as Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Bengaluru FC 2-1 in the final at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. This thrilling encounter, held on April 12, 2025, showcased the best of Indian football and left fans captivated with its intensity, unpredictability, and moments of brilliance.
Mohun Bagan vs Bengaluru FC: The Build-Up to the Final
The stage was set for an epic showdown between two of India’s most formidable teams, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC, in the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. Both teams had displayed exceptional form throughout the season, earning their spots in the summit clash through thrilling performances in the semi-finals.
Mohun Bagan entered the final as the league’s top performers, finishing first in the table with an impressive record of 17 wins from 24 matches. Their journey to the final was anything but easy, as they faced a resilient Jamshedpur FC in the semi-finals. After losing the first leg 2-1, Mohun Bagan staged a remarkable comeback in the second leg at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata. Apuia’s late screamer sealed a 2-0 victory for Mohun Bagan, securing a 3-2 aggregate win and their third consecutive ISL final appearance. Key players like Jason Cummings and Lalengmawia Ralte stepped up under pressure, showcasing their skill and determination to propel their team to victory.
On the other hand, Bengaluru FC had an equally compelling path to the final. They defeated FC Goa in a dramatic semi-final tie that showcased their resilience and ability to perform under high pressure. After securing a 2-0 win in the first leg, they faced a tense second leg where Armando Sadiku equalized late for Goa, making the score 2-0 in favor of Goa on the night. However, Sunil Chhetri, their talismanic captain, delivered yet another clutch performance with a diving header in injury time. This goal sealed their place in their fourth ISL final with a 3-2 aggregate win. Chhetri’s leadership and ability to rise to the occasion once again proved pivotal for the team.
Both teams brought their A-game to Kolkata for what promised to be an unforgettable clash. Mohun Bagan’s dominant form throughout the season made them favorites to claim the title, but Bengaluru’s reliance on Chhetri and their fighting spirit ensured they would not go down without a fight. The rivalry between these two sides added an extra layer of intensity to the final, as Bengaluru aimed to avenge their loss to Mohun Bagan in the 2023 ISL final while Mohun Bagan sought to complete a rare double by winning both the league winners’ Shield and Cup.
As fans eagerly awaited kickoff at Salt Lake Stadium, anticipation reached fever pitch for what would become one of the most memorable matches in ISL history.
The Final Match: Drama Unfolds at Salt Lake Stadium
The match kicked off at 7:30 PM IST in front of a packed Salt Lake Stadium, buzzing with energy and anticipation. The atmosphere was electric as fans from both Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC filled the stands, waving flags and chanting slogans to support their teams. The stakes were high, with both sides vying for the coveted ISL 2024-25 title in what promised to be a thrilling encounter.
Bengaluru FC struck first in the 49th minute, capitalizing on an unfortunate defensive error by Mohun Bagan. Alberto Rodriguez, attempting to clear a dangerous cross from their winger Ryan Williams, inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net. This own goal gave them an early lead, silencing the home crowd momentarily. Sunil Chhetri, their captain and talisman, led from the front, orchestrating attacks and creating chances that kept Mohun Bagan’s defense under constant pressure during the first half.
Despite the setback, Mohun Bagan showed resilience and determination as they regrouped during halftime. They began the second half with renewed energy, gradually gaining control of possession and pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 72nd minute when Bengaluru’s defense conceded a penalty due to a handball inside the box. Jason Cummings stepped up confidently and converted the penalty with precision, sending the ball past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to level the score at 1-1. The equalizer ignited the home crowd, who roared in support as Mohun Bagan pressed for a winner.
Regulation time ended with the score tied at 1-1, setting up a nail-biting period of extra time. Both teams continued to battle fiercely, with Bengaluru relying on Chhetri’s experience and creativity while Mohun Bagan pushed forward relentlessly. In the 96th minute of extra time, Australian striker Jamie MacLaren delivered the decisive blow for Mohun Bagan. A brilliant cutback from Dimitrios Petratos on the right flank caught Bengaluru’s defense off guard, allowing MacLaren to slot home the winner with clinical precision past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The stadium erupted in celebration as Mohun Bagan took a 2-1 lead.
Key Performers and Tactical Mastery
Mohun Bagan’s victory was driven by standout performances from their star players. Jamie MacLaren proved his mettle as one of the league’s finest strikers, while Jason Cummings showcased composure under pressure with his crucial penalty conversion. Lalengmawia Ralte and Dimi Petratos also contributed significantly to Mohun Bagan’s attacking prowess.
Bengaluru FC’s talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri was exceptional throughout the match, demonstrating why he remains one of India’s greatest footballers at age 40. His leadership and ability to create opportunities kept them in contention until the very end.
Tactically, Mohun Bagan coach Juan Ferrando employed a balanced approach that combined defensive solidity with quick transitions in attack. Bengaluru coach Simon Grayson relied on Chhetri’s experience and Noguera’s creativity in midfield but struggled to break through Mohun Bagan’s disciplined defense during extra time.
The final minutes of extra time saw Bengaluru FC desperately trying to find an equalizer, but Mohun Bagan’s defense held firm under pressure. When the referee blew the final whistle, it marked a historic victory for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who secured their second ISL title in three years and completed an incredible double by winning both the League Winners Shield and ISL crown in the same season.
The match will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable finals in ISL history, showcasing not only skill and strategy but also passion and resilience from both teams. Fans left Salt Lake Stadium with unforgettable memories of a pulsating encounter that epitomized the spirit of Indian football.
A Season to Remember for Mohun Bagan
With this victory, Mohun Bagan clinched both the ISL Shield and ISL crown in a dominant season that will undoubtedly go down in history. Their consistency throughout the league stage, coupled with their ability to perform under pressure in knockout matches, has solidified their status as one of India’s premier football clubs. The Mariners showcased exceptional resilience and tactical brilliance throughout the season, culminating in this historic triumph.
This monumental achievement marks another milestone in Mohun Bagan’s storied legacy in Indian football. The club’s passionate fans erupted in celebration as their team lifted the trophy amidst fireworks and cheers at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The atmosphere was electric, with thousands of supporters chanting and waving flags to honor their team’s success. For the players and coaching staff, this victory was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Reflections on Bengaluru FC’s Campaign
Despite falling short in the final, Bengaluru FC can take pride in their remarkable season. Sunil Chhetri’s leadership and contributions were pivotal, as he finished as one of the league’s top scorers with 14 goals. The team’s journey through challenging playoff matches showcased their resilience and fighting spirit.
For them, this season reinforced their team’s reputation as perennial contenders in Indian football. While they narrowly missed out on glory, their performances throughout the campaign earned admiration from supporters and neutrals alike.
The Mariners’ dominance throughout the season was evident in their performances both in the league phase and the playoffs. They finished eight points clear at the top of the table during the league stage and demonstrated remarkable composure in high-pressure situations during the knockout rounds. Their ability to adapt tactically and capitalize on key moments set them apart from their rivals.
As Mohun Bagan celebrates this historic double, their fans and players alike will cherish this moment as a defining chapter in the club’s illustrious history. This victory not only cements their reputation as one of India’s footballing giants but also sets a benchmark for excellence in the Indian Super League.
The Impact on Indian Football
The ISL 2024-25 final between Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC exemplified the growth and competitiveness of Indian football. The match drew significant attention from fans across India and abroad, further cementing ISL’s status as a premier football league in Asia.
The thrilling encounter highlighted the talent and potential within Indian football, with players like Sunil Chhetri continuing to inspire younger generations. It also underscored the importance of fostering grassroots development to ensure sustained growth for Indian football on both domestic and international stages.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
The ISL 2024-25 final will be remembered as one of the most exciting matches in league history. Mohun Bagan’s triumph over Bengaluru FC encapsulated everything fans love about football—passion, drama, skill, and unpredictability. As fireworks lit up Kolkata’s night sky and players celebrated on the pitch, it was clear that this match had left an indelible mark on Indian football.
For fans of both teams and followers of Indian football alike, this was more than just a game—it was a celebration of sport’s ability to unite people through shared moments of joy and heartbreak.
Also Read: Indian Super League
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