ISL League
Table of Contents
On February 23, 2025, Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Odisha FC at the Salt Lake Stadium, clinching their second consecutive Indian Super League (ISL) League Shield. The match was decided in the dying moments, with Dimitri Petratos scoring in the third minute of injury time to seal the win. citeturn0search5
ISL League First Half: Tactical Stalemate
The opening half was characterized by a tactical deadlock, with both teams focusing on defensive solidity. Mohun Bagan, under the guidance of head coach José Molina, dominated possession but struggled to break down Odisha’s defense. Odisha FC, managed by Sergio Lobera, adopted a counter-attacking strategy, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses. Despite several attempts, neither team managed to find the back of the net, and the first half concluded goalless.
ISL League Second Half: Increased Intensity
The second half saw an increase in attacking intent from both sides. Mohun Bagan’s Jamie Maclaren and Dimitri Petratos were particularly active, testing Odisha’s goalkeeper Amrinder Singh with several shots. Odisha FC’s Diego Maurício and Roy Krishna also posed threats on the counter, but Mohun Bagan’s defense, marshaled by Anwar Ali and Brendan Hamill, stood firm. As the match progressed, it became evident that a single goal could decide the outcome.
ISL League Decisive Moment: Injury Time Drama
In the third minute of injury time, Mohun Bagan’s midfielder Manvir Singh delivered a precise cross into the box. Dimitri Petratos rose above the defenders to meet the ball with a powerful header, sending it past Amrinder Singh and into the net. The stadium erupted in celebration as Mohun Bagan secured the victory and the League Shield.
Post-Match Reactions
Head coach José Molina expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, highlighting their consistency throughout the season. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs. Captain Alberto Rodríguez praised the team’s resilience and dedication, noting that the victory was a testament to their hard work and unity.
Odisha FC’s coach Sergio Lobera acknowledged the quality of the opposition but expressed disappointment with the late goal. He stated that the team would analyze the match to identify areas for improvement, particularly in closing out games. Captain Carlos Delgado commended his team’s effort but rued the missed opportunities, emphasizing the need to learn from the defeat.
Season Implications
With this victory, Mohun Bagan secured the League Shield with 52 points from 22 matches, making them the first team in ISL history to successfully defend the title. Their impressive record includes 16 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, with a goal difference of +29. This achievement underscores their dominance in the league and sets a high standard for the playoffs.
For Odisha FC, the defeat leaves them in 7th place with 29 points from 22 matches. While they have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, inconsistency has hindered their progress. The team will need to regroup and focus on their remaining fixtures to improve their standing.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season concludes, Mohun Bagan will shift their focus to the ISL playoffs, aiming to complete a domestic double. Their next match is scheduled against Mumbai City FC on March 1, 2025, at the Mumbai Football Arena. Odisha FC, on the other hand, will look to finish the season strongly, with their next fixture against Mohammedan SC on February 28, 2025, at the Kalinga Stadium.
In summary, Mohun Bagan’s late victory over Odisha FC not only secured the League Shield but also demonstrated their resilience and quality. The match was a fitting conclusion to a season where Mohun Bagan has been the benchmark of excellence in the Indian Super League.
