In what turned out to be a thriller and a perfect fairytale end to the Indian Super League 2020-21, Mumbai City FC won its maiden title by beating ATK Mohun Bagan in the final at the Fatorda Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. It was Bipin Singh's effort in the closing stages of the game that handed the win.
The opening half saw seven attempts being made until the 15th minute, with ATKMB's Javi Hernández hitting the bar in the 11th minute, followed by an effort being denied by City goalkeeper Amrinder Singh. Nonetheless, in the 17th minute, David Williams handed ATKMB the lead, with his right foot to the top centre from a similar position, thanks to Roy Krishna's assist.
It was followed by an attempt from City in the 26th minute, only to be denied by ATKMB keeper Arindam Bhattacharya. Meanwhile, a couple of minutes later, an own goal off Tiri allowed City to level terms.
Three more attacks ensued, including a save from Bhattacharya. However, the deadlock stayed at half-time.
The second half was relatively composed, with ten attempts being made until the 74th minute, including three saves, while a couple of them came from Bhattacharya. Nevertheless, it was right at the stroke of full time, in the 89th minute, when Bipin left-footed effort saw the ball roll into the bottom right from the left flank, following an assist from Bartholomew Ogbeche, as City gained a crucial lead.
Three more attacks followed from ATKMB, but to no avail, including an effort from Marcelinho being saved by Amrinder. As the referee blew the whistle for the full-time, it was rejoice for Sergio Lobera's men with their maiden ISL title.
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