Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched the Indian Super League (ISL) Shield title for the second consecutive year, marking a historic achievement as they became the first team ever to retain it. The Mariners secured their victory with a narrow 1-0 win over Odisha FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on February 23, 2025, thanks to a dramatic last-minute goal from Dimitrios Petratos.
The match captured the essence of league football, with both teams demonstrating high stakes. A packed Salt Lake Stadium erupted with joy when Petratos netted the winner during the third minute of injury time. Having come on as a substitute just moments earlier, his presence was pivotal, reminiscent of his prior heroics during the season.
Throughout the match, Odisha FC put up a commendable fight, holding Mohun Bagan at bay for the majority of the game. Despite being down to ten men after Mourtada Fall's red card late in the match, Odisha's defense looked resolute. Nevertheless, Mohun Bagan's relentless attacking efforts finally bore fruit as they continued to press for the goal.
The key moment arrived when, after sustained pressure, Petratos struck from the edge of the box with finesse, placing his shot perfectly to beat Odisha's goalkeeper Amrinder Singh. This strike crowned the Mariners as ISL champions for the 2024-25 season, as they finished atop the league standings with 52 points from 22 matches, leaving second-placed FC Goa trailing with 42 points.
Head coach Jose Molina lauded his team for their performance this season. Under his guidance, Mohun Bagan showcased their dominance with 16 victories and four draws, not to mention their impressive defensive record, having maintained six consecutive clean sheets—the most ever recorded by any team in the competition. The team's combination of stellar offense and impenetrable defense solidified their path to the title.
This victory is especially sweet for Mohun Bagan after their narrow win last season against Mumbai City FC, where they clinched the title with only 50 points. Now, with the Shield secured early this season, the focus shifts toward the playoffs where they seek not only to maintain their winning momentum but also aim for the ISL trophy, which eluded them last year.
The 2024-25 season has seen star performances from players like Jason Cummings and Liston Colaco, who all played pivotal roles alongside Petratos. Their efforts have helped Mohun Bagan not only retain the title but also earn them a spot in the AFC Champions League 2, the continent's prestigious second-tier club competition.
Odisha FC, on the other hand, faced disappointment. Their hopes of making the playoffs now hang by a thread after their loss. They currently sit seventh on the table and must secure wins in their remaining matches to stay competitive for one of the playoff spots.
For the fans, Mohun Bagan's victory was not just about the title—it was about pride and the celebration of their club's legacy. A stadium filled with Mariners supporters witnessed their team writing history before their very eyes. The joyous atmosphere echoed beyond the final whistle, marking another memorable chapter for the club and its dedicated fanbase.
Looking onward, Mohun Bagan Super Giant must now prepare for the challenges of the playoff stages, where the pressure and intensity heighten. With this latest triumph, they have reinforced their reputation as the most formidable team within the Indian Super League framework.
Mohun Bagan's next matchup is against Mumbai City FC on March 1, where they will look to maintain their competitive edge and finish the season on a high note. Meanwhile, Odisha FC has their work cut out against Mohammedan SC on February 28 as they push for playoff qualification.
With their historic achievement now etched in ISL folklore, the Mariners have not only affirmed their dominance but have also raised the bar for all competing teams. Will they complete the double this season? Only time will tell.