Mohun Bagan Super Giant Defend ISL Title After Late Winner Against Odisha FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Sunday became the first team in Indian Super League (ISL) history to defend the title with a 1-0 win over Odisha FC with Dimitrios Petratos scoring the all-important goal in the added time in a dramatic match. Australian forward Petratos (90 3rd) struck in the third minute of the added time in front of ecstatic home supporters at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium. By virtue of clinching the ISL Shield, MBSG also booked a berth in the AFC Champions League 2, the continent's second tier club competition. They retained the League Shield they had won in the 2023-24 season.

After the win in their 22nd league game, Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured 52 points and emerged Shield Winners with two matches to spare.

Their nearest rivals, FC Goa, have collected 42 points from 21 matches, and they cannot catch MBSG even if they win all their remaining three matches.

The Jose Molina-coached team has notched 16 victories and four draws, and suffered only two losses.

After a cagey start, Odisha FC found their first opening in the Mohun Bagan Super Giant defensive third from the inside channel of the right flank. Hugo Boumous unlocked the Mariners' defence with a through ball that met Rahul KP perfectly at close range.

Rahul rushed into the effort though and went for a powerful shot, instead of trying to slot the ball into the net. As a result, he was unable to even land the ball on target in the 19th minute.

Lalengmawia Ralte, who has been an engine at the centre of the park for the Mariners, showed that he possesses some offensive bite too as he looked to cap off a Mohun Bagan Super Giant attacking endeavour with a neat pass to Jamie Maclaren on the right side of the 18-yard box in the 31st minute.