Having missed out on the ISL Winner’s Shield on goal difference to Mumbai City FC, ATK Mohun Bagan will be even more motivated to get their hands on the title at the end of the knockout stages. The newly rebranded team have been phenomenal throughout the season and were unlucky to miss out on the league title.
Moreover, it was their loss to Mumbai City FC in their final league contest of the season that ultimately cost them the league title. And the team will no doubt want to turn things around, after the season that they have had this time around.
Top scorer and star striker Roy Krishna will no doubt be the one to watch throughout the knockout stages, and the Fiji forward will be hoping to add to his tally of 14 goals scored this season, and build on his lead at the front of the race for the Golden Boot.
The redemption arc for the Kolkata club becomes even more apparent in a way when you remember that they lost in their last meeting against semi final opponents NorthEast United.
But despite that, ATKMB can boast of having the best defensive record in the league, conceding the least amount of goals throughout the tournament. And that defensive strength is something they will have to showcase if they are to win all their remaining games because while a good attack can win you matches, titles are won when you have a good defense.