Mohun Bagan Super Giant made history on Sunday as they clinched the Indian Super League (ISL) Shield for the second consecutive time, becoming the first club to successfully defend the title. The thrilling finale against Odisha FC at the Salt Lake Stadium left 56,000 spectators holding their breath until the very last moments. Just when it seemed the match would end without the thrill of victory, Dimitri Petratos, who hadn't scored from open play all season, struck the decisive goal, igniting scenes of jubilation across the stadium.
The atmosphere was electric as fans erupted with joy, hailing their team’s resilience and fighting spirit. Those last-minute goals are what make football so unforgettable, and Petratos’ strike has now become the stuff of legends. "A deafening roar of relief and euphoria surged through Salt Lake as Mohun Bagan snatched victory in the dying moments," reported The Bridge. It was not just another game; it symbolized the spirit of champions.
This season marked another rollercoaster for Mohun Bagan, who started poorly, stumbling out of the blocks with notable losses including a damaging 3-0 defeat against Bengaluru FC. It was apparent they were still grappling with the pressures of being reigning champions. Early setbacks dampened expectations, but as the season progressed, they underwent a remarkable transformation. Once considered inconsistent challengers, they swiftly evolved and dispatched opponents with ruthless efficiency.
From mid-season onward, the tenacity of the Mariners shone through, allowing them to reel off consecutive wins. With 16 victories out of 22 matches, they amassed 52 points. This feat left their competitors, particularly FC Goa, trailing far behind. Goa, positioned second at the start, could only muster 42 points, finding themselves faltering at pivotal moments. Mohun Bagan made it clear they were determined to affirm their dominance by delivering strong performances such as the commanding 3-0 victory over city rivals East Bengal.
The game against Odisha FC was not just about winning the Shield; it also served as the culmination of their return to form and intent on securing the second trophy of the season— the ISL Championship. "Mohun Bagan became the first club in ISL history to defend the League Shield," noted The Bridge, unmistakably underscoring their top status. They are not yet done with their campaign, as they are on the brink of achieving what would effectively be the double after narrowly missing out the previous season.
The Mariners have certainly put forth their claim as the undisputed kings of Indian football, scoring the highest number of goals this season with 42 and boasting the stingiest defense with merely 11 goals conceded. Their commanding presence on the field is supported by fantastic crowd support, creating an ambiance reminiscent of Kolkata football’s best days. On the other side, East Bengal has endured another tough season, languishing near the bottom of the table with only 24 points.
The excitement now turns toward the semifinals where Mohun Bagan will aim to solidify their historic season with the ISL trophy. The aspirations are sky-high as they look to complete what they began. Fans are filled with hope, knowing their beloved team stands at the threshold of glory. The time for celebration is now, but anticipation brews for the challenges to come, particularly the semifinals against yet-to-be-determined opponents.
Mohun Bagan's triumph reflects more than just statistics; it signifies what makes football such an exhilarating sport — the unpredictable nature of the game, the elation of victory, and the rich heritage of passion and rivalry. The spirit of Kolkata's football lives on fiercely through its supporters, and as they celebrate this incredible season, their hearts beat together with the beating drum of the Mariners. They have become unstoppable, unmatched, and unforgettable. There is plenty more to come as the ISL trophy remains within reach.