ISL 2023-24: Mumbai City FC faces Mohun Bagan in the title battle

Mumbai City FC has made it to the final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, where they will face Mohun Bagan Super Giants on May 4.

Mumbai defeated FC Goa 2-0 (5-2 on aggregate) in the second leg of the second semi-final played at the Mumbai Football Arena on Monday night, as Mumbai City FC came from two goals down in a thrilling first leg. Made a comeback in the last minute and defeated FC Goa 3-2. Now Mumbai City FC will face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final to be played on May 4 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

In Mumbai City’s victory, Argentine striker Jorge Pereira Diaz scored in the 69th minute and Lalianzuala Chhangte scored in the 83rd minute. Mumbai City FC captain and right-back Rahul Bheke was declared the player of the match for his strong performance in defence.

The first goal of the match came in the 69th minute, when Argentinian striker Jorge Pereira Diaz scored to give Mumbai City FC the lead, making it 1–0 (aggregate difference 4–2). Following a corner kick on the right flank, Dutch midfielder Joel Van Neef launched the ball into a crowd of players in a dangerous six-yard area inside the box, where full-back Rahul Bheke placed a header which was saved by FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj. Singh definitely took the block but on the rebound the ball did not go far and was scattered further. Taking advantage of his mistake, Diaz sent the ball across the goal line with his right foot. It was Diaz’s ninth goal this season.

In the 83rd minute, Lalianzuala Chhangte scored his tenth goal of this season, greatly strengthening Mumbai City FC’s lead and making the score 2-0 (aggregate difference 5-2). In the end this goal proved to be decisive and Mumbai entered the final.