Mumbai City FC vs Mohun Bagan- ISL Final showdown
Bipin Singh’s remarkable performance once again thwarted Mohun Bagan as Mumbai City FC secured a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory, clinching their second ISL title.
The midfielder’s impactful contribution, along with strategic team efforts, led to a sensational win in front of an enthusiastic Salt Lake Stadium crowd in Kolkata.
In front of a partisan crowd at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, Mumbai City FC pulled off a spectacular 3-1 comeback triumph and clinched the ISL title for the second time, thanks in large part to the midfielder Bipin Singh, who once again haunted Mohun Bagan. At halftime, Jason Cummings’ (44th) goal gave the home team a commanding lead in front of 62,007 spectators. However, the Islanders equalized when Jorge Pereyra Diaz (53rd) calmed the supporters with a stunning straight pass from midfielder Alberto Noguera.
They had their chance in the 81st minute when Bipin scored the game-winning second goal to give Mumbai the lead after coming off the bench.
Bipin’s goal in the ninetieth minute enabled Mumbai City FC win their first championship in 2020–21 as they overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Mohun Bagan 2-1.
A further nine minutes were given to the second half, giving Mohun Bagan ample opportunity to equalize, but their forwards lacked bite, and the Islanders put the finishing touches on things with a goal in the 90th minute from substitute Jakub Vojtus.
Mohun Bagan’s hopes of becoming the first team to win the ISL Cup twice and pull off the unusual feat of winning both the League Winners Shield and the championship were also dashed.
Mumbai City FC, led by Sergio Lobera, accomplished the exceptional achievement during their remarkable 2020–21 campaign.
However, Antonio Lopez Habas, a cunning 66-year-old Spaniard who played in a record-tying fourth ISL final for Mohun Bagan, had a bad day.
Three weeks after the Islanders were defeated 1-2 at the same site in their attempt to defend the Shield, the team captained by Petr Kratky put up a far better performance from the outset.
In the first thirty minutes of play, they maintained possession, launched a barrage of attacks with Lallianzuala Chhangte at the center of it all, and twice they struck the post.
Chhangte curled in a free kick from an angle in the thirty-first minute, but it struck the crossbar and bounced out instead of sailing over a scrambling Vishal Kaith.
After receiving a through ball, Chhangte beat Subhasish Bose a few minutes later.
He passed the ball back into the six-yard box rather than shooting, but there were no Mumbai players available to tap it in.
Under pressure, Kaith and the defence led by Subhasish Bose dealt with Mumbai’s attacking threats.
Mohun Bagan surged ahead and suddenly created a more energetic environment.
Liston Colaco sent a neat pass to Dimitri Petratos, who scored thunderously from 40 yards out. Lachenpa made a poor save, flapping the ball back into the six-yard box.
When the time came, Mohun Bagan’s star shooter Jason Cummings leaped into action, grabbing hold of the errant ball and using his effortless left-footed chip to chip it over Phurba Lachenpa.
Also Read: Cummings and Samad Propel Mohun Bagan To Reach ISL Final With 2-0 Victory Over Odisha FC
However, the lead was short-lived as Mumbai tied the score just after the interval.
Alberto Noguera, a Spaniard, deserves special recognition for his exquisite ball from midfield directly into the box, which was executed with pinpoint accuracy.
It took the Mohun Bagan defence by surprise as the Argentine striker took advantage of the situation and easily went around Manvir Singh with Anwar Ali at his back. Diaz coolly tucked the ball past Kaith with a smooth left-footed touch. Kaith extended his left leg in a vain attempt to save, but it was unsuccessful.
After coming on the field in the 69th minute to replace Noguera, Bipin once again made the difference, three years after he scored the winning goal in a close-door final at Margao.
After Chhangte was ducked by Joni Kauko, Bipin attempted a feeble shot, but it deflected off Hector Yuste and into the net, giving Bipin the lead.
Taking advantage of Bipin’s hold-up play, Jakub collected the ball and passed it coolly to Vikram Pratap Singh, who put Bipin up for a shot that Anwar blocked.
But Jakub was quick to seize the rebound and put the ball past the flailing defender to end the game.
