By beating Punjab FC 2-0 through goals by Hmingthanmawia Ralte and Vikram Singh, Mumbai City FC kept its end of the bargain on the final day of the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday. But it wasn’t enough for the title to come its way as East Bengal defeated Inter Kashi 2-1 in Kolkata to be crowned champion.

The result in the national capital ensured a third-placed finish for Mumbai City. Punjab ended fifth in the standings with 22 points from 13 games.

As the contest started to slip away from the host, its players lost composure. Rash tackles by Leon Augustine and Pramveer Singh – in the 67th and 90th minute respectively – meant Punjab was reduced to nine men by the end. Goal-scorer Vikram, with two yellow cards, was also sent off for Mumbai City towards the end of stoppage time.

After a drab first half, the game sprung to life only near the hour mark when Mumbai City’s Lallianzuala Chhangte and Jorge Diaz nearly combined for the opening goal. However, Punjab’s defence dealt with the danger tidily.

Barely a couple of minutes later, Punjab should have taken the lead. Off a corner taken by Daniel Ramirez, Nsungusi Effiong leapt over a defender and teed up Bede Osuji with a header. The substitute was unchallenged from close range, and yet failed to keep his shot on target.

Once Augustine was given the marching orders, Mumbai City made the most of the numerical advantage.

The result: Punjab FC 0 lost to Mumbai City FC 2 (Hmingthanmawia Ralte 80, Vikram Singh 90+11).