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The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata pulsated with an unmatched energy, a sonic boom that reverberated through the very foundations of Indian football and perhaps even the broader landscape of Indian sport. The roar of the crowd, a cacophony of passion and unwavering support for Mohun Bagan, was an experience in itself, a phenomenon that transcended mere observation and demanded visceral engagement. On this particular Saturday night, however, the symphony of support seemed muted, a hesitant melody of encouragement rather than a resounding anthem of triumph. The official attendance figures reported 59,112 fervent souls packed within the stadium's confines, the vast majority of whom were ardent supporters of the home team, Mohun Bagan. Even in moments of relative quiet, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, a palpable tension that hinted at the potential for an explosive outpouring of emotion. This subdued ambiance, however, was largely attributable to the stifling dominance exerted by Bengaluru FC on the pitch, a masterful display of tactical prowess that effectively silenced the Mohun Bagan faithful for a significant portion of the match. For nearly seventy excruciating minutes, Mohun Bagan's attacking ambitions were repeatedly thwarted, reduced to fleeting glimpses of opportunity, hopeful long balls that failed to find their intended targets, and frustratingly poor first touches or ill-conceived final passes that extinguished promising attacking moves. Bengaluru FC's control was so absolute, their grip on the game so unwavering, that Mohun Bagan found themselves in possession of the ball for a mere 26% of the match. The nadir of the evening arrived when Alberto Rodriguez, in a moment of agonizing misfortune, inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, plunging the stadium into a stunned silence, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy that had preceded it. The silence was heavy, thick with disbelief and despair, a suffocating blanket that threatened to extinguish the flickering flame of Mohun Bagan's hopes. Yet, in the unpredictable theater of football, fortunes can change in an instant, and the tide of the match was about to turn dramatically. A pivotal moment arrived in the form of a penalty awarded to Mohun Bagan, a decision that ignited a spark of hope within the hearts of the home supporters. A Jason Cummings cross, delivered with pinpoint accuracy and venomous intent, found Jamie Maclaren lurking on the edge of the Bengaluru FC penalty area. With a deft swivel of his hips and a lightning-fast reaction, Maclaren unleashed a first-time shot that struck the outstretched arm of Sana Singh, a desperate attempt to prevent the ball from reaching its intended destination. The referee, without hesitation or a flicker of doubt, pointed to the penalty spot, signaling a lifeline for Mohun Bagan and a chance to reignite the passion of the crowd.
The award of the penalty served as a catalyst, unleashing a torrent of pent-up emotion and transforming the Salt Lake Stadium into a cauldron of fervent support. A brief, pregnant pause descended upon the stadium as Jason Cummings, with nerves of steel and unwavering focus, stepped up to take the penalty. The weight of expectation hung heavy in the air, the hopes and dreams of thousands of fans resting on his shoulders. With a powerful, precise strike, Cummings dispatched the ball into the bottom corner of the net, sending the stadium into a frenzy of jubilation. The roar that erupted from the stands was deafening, a primal scream of collective joy that shook the very foundations of the stadium. Fireworks exploded both inside and outside the arena, illuminating the night sky with vibrant bursts of color and adding to the electric atmosphere. Parth Jindal, the owner of Bengaluru FC, even posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to mention that the fireworks were hitting him, showcasing how widespread and chaotic the celebrations were. The stadium transformed into a sea of maroon and green, the colors of Mohun Bagan emblazoned on every flag, banner, and jersey. Chants, cheers, and whistles intertwined to create a symphony of support, a unified expression of unwavering faith in their team. The collective roar continued unabated throughout the remainder of the match, a constant reminder of the unwavering support that propelled Mohun Bagan forward. Even as the game progressed into extra time, with the score locked at 1-1, the momentum had undeniably shifted in favor of the men in maroon and green. The Salt Lake Stadium became a stage for individual brilliance, as Mohun Bagan's players showcased their exceptional skills and artistry. Sahal Abdul Samad, with a mesmerizing display of footwork, danced past Pedro Capo, swiveled past Roshan Singh, and unleashed a powerful shot that was narrowly saved by Gurpreet Singh. Ashique Kuruniyan, with a touch of audacious flair, flicked the ball over Roshan's head and then left both Roshan and Rahul Bheke sprawling on the floor with a subtle drop of his shoulder. Greg Stewart, defying the laws of physics, curved a ball towards Maclaren from an seemingly impossible angle, threading it through a maze of Bengaluru FC limbs. These moments of individual brilliance were not isolated incidents, but rather a reflection of the depth and quality that permeated the Mohun Bagan squad. The introduction of second-half substitutes, such as Sahal Abdul Samad, Ashique Kuruniyan, and Greg Stewart, further amplified the team's attacking prowess, ensuring that the theoretical quality of the playing XI never dipped.
The turning point of the match, the moment that ultimately sealed Mohun Bagan's victory, arrived in the 96th minute of extra time. One of those players with the magic spark, that stardust imbued in their boots, found that spark. Greg Stewart, with his characteristic nonchalant demeanor, meandered his way into the Bengaluru FC penalty area and whipped in a dangerous cross. Sana Singh, attempting to clear the danger, inadvertently deflected the ball off his boot and onto his own shoulder. The ball then fell fortuitously to Jamie Maclaren, who found himself in a prime scoring position. Despite not having the clearest of chances initially, Maclaren exhibited a moment of pure center-forward brilliance, executing a touch straight out of striker's playbook that instantly created space between himself and the defender. Suddenly, he was face-to-face with Gurpreet Singh, the imposing Bengaluru FC goalkeeper. Before Gurpreet could fully register the situation and react accordingly, Maclaren unleashed a powerful, low shot that arrowed through Gurpreet's legs and nestled into the back of the net. Throughout the night, Maclaren had struggled with his first touch, often miscontrolling the ball or failing to create space for himself. But when it mattered most, in the dying moments of the ISL final, he found a way to bend the ball to his will, to execute two world-class touches that secured the victory for Mohun Bagan. The Salt Lake Stadium erupted once again, the roar reaching an intensity that surely registered on the Richter scale. Large swathes of the pitch became obscured by a thick haze of smoke emanating from the flares that had been ignited across the stadium. Maclaren's goal, in many ways, encapsulated the essence of present-day Mohun Bagan. They may appear to be doing very little for extended periods of the match, but when they finally unleash their full potential, there is simply no stopping them. Whether they are characterized as boring, brilliant, or something in between, the ultimate truth remains that at the end of the match, the number next to their name is invariably higher than the number next to their opponents'. Prior to the match, Maclaren had articulated the strengths of the Mohun Bagan squad, highlighting the depth in their squad, the clarity of thought possessed by their forwards, the unwavering support of their fans, and the presence of big players who thrive in big moments. All of these factors coalesced perfectly on this momentous night, culminating in Mohun Bagan's triumphant victory. The game concluded with a final score of 2-1, confirming Mohun Bagan as the undisputed champions of the ISL. With the league title now secured, Mohun Bagan had completed the domestic double, adding another prestigious trophy to their already impressive collection. As Subhasish Bose, a local boy, childhood fan, and the club's captain, raised the trophy high above his head, the Salt Lake Stadium, still brimming with passionate supporters, unleashed one last roof-raising roar. The atmosphere was so electric, the energy so palpable, that even those who were not ardent fans could not help but experience a surge of goosebumps.
As the writer made his way down the steps of the cavernous stadium, his ears were still ringing from the incessant noise. The memory of the deafening roar, the vibrant colors, and the palpable passion would undoubtedly linger for a long time to come. The noise, the sheer intensity of the support, was an experience that transcended mere description. There is truly nothing quite like it, nothing that can fully capture the essence of the Mohun Bagan faithful and the unique atmosphere they create at the Salt Lake Stadium. The victory was not just a triumph for Mohun Bagan, but also a testament to the unwavering support of their fans, the heart and soul of the club. Their passion, their dedication, and their unwavering belief in their team had played a crucial role in propelling Mohun Bagan to the summit of Indian football. Maclaren's earlier premonition has now proven true. When I first signed for Mohun Bagan, I knew trophies were going to come.
Source: Nothing like it: Salt Lake brings the noise as Mohun Bagan complete the ISL double