ISL 2021 Finals: Mumbai City FC were on the back seat for most of the match but Bipin Singh’s goal in the 90th minute gave the Islanders 2-1 victory against ATK Mohun Bagan and became the ISL champion for the first time in seven seasons at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Saturday. Sergio Lobera’s men also made it a grand double for Mumbai as they won the ISL title following Mumbai Indians‘ IPL triumph.
Lobera’s men made it two trophies in two weeks becoming just the second team to top the group phase and win the title. Bipin Singh scored a 90th-minute winner after a Tiri own goal (29′) had dragged Mumbai level. Bagan had earlier taken the lead through David Williams (18′).
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Mumbai continued with their usual possession-based football but for Bagan who were out of the blocks early, it was all about surging ahead. While the islanders had over 60% possession in the first quarter, Bagan had more shots on target.
There was an early penalty call when Bipin Singh was challenged in the box by Pritam Kotal, but the referee displayed no interest.
Thereafter, it was all about the Mariners. ATKMB pinned their opponents with a high pressing game which forced the Islanders into errors. The first real threat for Mumbai came from a Javier Hernandez free-kick which brushed the crossbar. Roy Krishna then forced a save from Amrinder Singh from a tight angle.
With pressure mounting on Mumbai’s defence, the ATK Mohun Bagan broke the deadlock first. Krishna dispossessed Ahmed Jahouh just outside the box and slipped a pass to Williams. The Australian got on to his stronger right foot and fired a firm shot past Amrinder.
But with Jahouh and his trademark long deliveries, it was always going to get difficult for ATKMB. And with one such move, Mumbai found themselves back in the game. On seeing Bipin make a run upfront, Jahouh played a long ball from his own half into the Bagan box. Tiri attempted a clearance but his header landed in his own goal.
Also read: ISL final: ATK Mohun Bagan out to create own legacy against Mumbai City FC
However, there was a scary moment in the 45th minute when Amey Ranawade took an awkward fall. With him lying on the sidelines, the ambulance had to be called in. Amey was taken to the hospital and put under medical care. But as per the latest update, he is doing better. He will be monitored at the hospital.
Mumbai continued with attack after the restart and Raynier Fernandes forced yet another save from Arindam after breaking into the area skipping past challenges from the ATK Mohun Bagan defence. The Bagan keeper then produced a fine save to deny Hernan Santana from a free-kick.
ISL 2021 Finals: Grand double Mumbai; After Mumbai Indians’ IPL title, Mumbai City FC become ISL champions for first time, defeat ATK Mohun Bagan 2-1 in final
At the hour mark, Mumbai probably had the best chance of the game. Arindam managed to block Le Fondre’s shot but the rebound travelled to Boumous, whose shot was off-target.
Bagan had the ball in the back of the net when Hernandez’s freekick was deflected off Mohamad Rakip into his own net, but the linesman caught Krishna offside.
After producing some fine saves, Arindam made a huge mistake which cost his team the title. After he failed to deal with a long ball properly, Bartholomew Ogbeche chased it down. The ball found its way to Bipin who made no mistake from close range.
Krishna was adjudged the Hero of the League while Igor Angulo won the Golden Boot. Amrinder won the Golden Glove award. Alberto Noguera won the DHL Winning Pass of the Season while Lalengmawia of the NorthEast United was adjudged the Emerging Player of the League.
ISL 2021 Finals: Grand double Mumbai; After Mumbai Indians’ IPL title, Mumbai City FC become ISL champions for first time, defeat ATK Mohun Bagan 2-1 in final
