Mohun Bagan Super Giant has made history by securing the Indian Super League (ISL) shield for the 2024-25 season after defeating Odisha FC 1-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on February 23, 2025. This victory not only marks their second shield title but also establishes Mohun Bagan as the first team ever to defend their League Shield title.
The match was pivotal for both teams—while Mohun Bagan aimed to clinch the title, Odisha FC was desperately fighting to keep their hopes of making the playoffs alive. Early on, the Juggernauts created opportunities, with Rahul KP almost breaking the deadlock. The game, characterized by tight defense and missed chances, saw Odisha's goalkeeper Amrinder making several key saves, thwarting efforts from Jamie Maclaren and Greg Stewart.
Despite the pressure from Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan's resilience paid off when Dimitri Petratos scored the only goal of the game, securing all three points and the league title for his team. The goal came just after Mourtada Fall was shown a red card, reducing Mohun Bagan to ten men, but they held on to their lead, showcasing remarkable determination.
With this victory, Mohun Bagan finished the league with 52 points from 22 matches, ensuring they remained unassailable at the top of the table with FC Goa trailing at 42 points after 21 games. Other teams, including Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC, also jostled for the playoff positions, with the points table reflecting Mohun Bagan’s dominance throughout the season.
This win is significant not only for the trophy itself but also for its historical impact. Since the ISL's inception, no team has successfully defended their League Shield title, making Mohun Bagan’s achievement even more remarkable. Prior to this season, clubs like FC Goa and Mumbai City FC had also shown commendable performances, but none reached the level of consistency and resilience demonstrated by Mohun Bagan.
Looking back at previous seasons, the ISL has produced several thrilling competitions, where teams battled not just for the title but also for international qualifications, such as the AFC Champions League. Mohun Bagan's performance this season positions them as strong contenders for similar opportunities, building on the legacy of Indian football on the international stage.
The final standings of the league reflect the hard work put forth by the players throughout the season. Mohun Bagan's 52 points set them apart, followed by FC Goa with 42 points, highlighting the gap between the title winners and the rest. Meanwhile, teams like Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC, and Mumbai City FC qualified for the playoffs this year, vying for the prized trophy as the season progresses.
For football fans and pundits alike, the question now turning is: What lies ahead for Mohun Bagan as they aim for more silverware? With the squad depth and tactical prowess exhibited this season, they might very well come out on top once again.
The Indian Super League continues to grow, captivating audiences with its blend of local talent and international star players. Mohun Bagan's win not only elevates their status but also enhances the league's reputation as one of the premier football competitions in Asia.
Fans and players are now eagerly anticipating the playoffs, where the competition will only heat up as teams will look to dethrone the shield holders. With many exciting matches still on the horizon, the 2024-25 season promises to deliver more thrilling moments to football lovers around the country.