Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC: Mariners double delight, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu disappoints, and other talking points

The Mariners become only the second team to win a ISL domestic double.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohun Bagan Super Giant have won their first domestic double after a close 2-1 win over Bengaluru FC. It was a game of two halves for the Mariners as goals from Jason Cummings and Jamie Maclaren were enough to see off the Blues.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant looked particularly motivated coming out for the second half and their persistence paid off after they were awarded a penalty, which was nearly dispatched by Jason Cummings. The death knell in the game was scored by another Aussie star in Jamie Maclaren, who showed excellent close control before leaving Gurpreet Singh Sandhu flummoxed in goal.

It was a valiant performance from Gerard Zaragoza’s men, who led the game for almost 21 minutes, before surrendering their advantage. A harsh end to the season for the Spaniard, after leading the team to a dream run during the 2024-25 ISL playoffs.

Was there a handball by Subashish Bose?

One of the early talking points from the game was when Mohun Bagan Super Giant defender Subhasish Bose seemed to handle the ball inside the penalty area. Following a Ryan Williams cross from the right, the ball appeared to hit Bose’s arm which he drew back at the very last moment.

While the referee denied any potential penalty shouts from Bengaluru FC players, replays showed how close it was to being given as a penalty. The hand was away from the body of Bose when the ball hit his hand and it was not in a natural position. But all the appeals ultimately were of no consequence.

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Was Gurpreet Singh Sandhu at fault for the second goal?

The Bengaluru FC No.1 has had another challenging ISL season. While the shot-stopper entered the game having only conceded two goals in three playoff games, the Final was always going to be the real determinant of his form.

While the Punjab native had his big moments in the game against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, he failed to make the important stop to prevent the home side’s second goal via Jamie Maclaren. The disappointment of another huge loss will be confidence shaking for Gurpreet and his teammates.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant are ISL champions

The Mariners have been the standout performers in the ISL this season, and the players have stepped up on the big occasions. Apart from not winning the Durand Cup, Jose Molina’s men have recorded a historic season for the history books.

After dominating in the league stages, and recording 56 points in 24 games, Mohun Bagan Super Giant only lost once in the ISL playoffs this season. The club never looked fazed despite going down 0-1 early in the second half and always looked like the side who could win the game over the 90 minutes.

The win makes Mohun Bagan Super Giant only the second ISL team to win the ISL domestic double, with Mumbai City FC having won it during the 2020-21 season. It’s a special win for the Mariners as they now find themselves in special company following their 2-1 win over the Blues.

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