The dominance of Kolkata football clubs in the current season has been nothing short of remarkable, with the iconic trio of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting showcasing their prowess on various fronts.
When will the ISL Playoffs begin?
The ISL playoffs of six teams will begin from April 19.
Kolkata’s Football Renaissance: A Season of Triumph and Transition
The season kicked off with Mohun Bagan setting the tone by clinching the Durand Cup, laying down a marker of their intent for the months ahead. Not to be outdone, arch-rivals East Bengal secured victory in the Super Cup, further igniting the fiery competition between the two giants of Kolkata football. Mohammedan Sporting added to the Maidan’s glory by triumphing in the I-League, earning a coveted berth in the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL) for the following season. The icing on the cake came when Mohun Bagan sealed the Shield title, completing a clean sweep of four major trophies for the Kolkata Maidan.
The entry of these three historic clubs into the ISL marks a significant milestone for Indian football, particularly in Kolkata, the cultural heartland of the sport. Their inclusion not only injects a new level of competitiveness into the league but also revives age-old rivalries, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans across the country.
The passionate fanbase of these clubs is poised to breathe new life into Kolkata’s football scene, driving increased attendance at matches and fostering greater engagement within the local community. Furthermore, participation in the ISL presents an opportunity for these clubs to access modern facilities, elite coaching, and exposure to higher standards of play, which can contribute to the overall development of football in the region.
Beyond the sporting realm, the economic impact of having three Kolkata clubs in the ISL is expected to be substantial. From boosting tourism to creating employment opportunities and generating revenue through various channels, the presence of these iconic clubs promises to stimulate growth and prosperity both on and off the field.
The dominance of Kolkata football clubs in the current season, coupled with their entry into the ISL, signifies a momentous leap forward for Indian football. It not only celebrates the rich heritage of Kolkata’s footballing tradition but also heralds a new era of competitiveness, growth, and development for the sport in the region and beyond.
Victory at Last: Mohun Bagan’s Historic Triumph in the ISL League Shield
In a display of dominance, Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a 2-1 victory over Mumbai City FC, claiming their inaugural ISL League Shield on Monday. Liston Colaco (28th) and Jason Cummings (80th) found the net for Mohun Bagan, while Lallianzuala Chhangte narrowed the gap for Mumbai City FC with a goal in the 89th minute, converting a free-kick from Yoell Van Nieff against the flow of the game. This victory marked Mohun Bagan’s first triumph over the two-time Shield Winners in four seasons, breaking an eight-match unbeaten streak held by the Mumbai heavyweights, who had won six of those encounters.
The win also secured Mohun Bagan’s spot in the AFC Champions League 2 for the first time, amid chants of ‘Mohun Bagan, Mohun Bagan’ echoing across the Salt Lake Stadium stands from the 60,000-strong crowd. With the League stage concluded, the competition now shifts to the playoffs featuring six teams, commencing from April 19.
As the top two teams, Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City, advance directly to the semi-finals, the sides ranked third to sixth—Goa, Odisha, Kerala Blasters, and Chennaiyin—will engage in single-leg playoffs in a knockout format to determine the remaining two semi-finalists. The ISL summit clash is scheduled for May 4.
Adding to the spectacle, Mohun Bagan welcomed a special guest in KL Rahul, captain of their sister IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants, who cheered them on from the stands. However, the match saw further drama as Mohun Bagan were reduced to 10 players when Brendan Hamill received his marching orders following a second yellow card after a goalmouth altercation.
With the referee indicating 10 minutes of stoppage time, the Antonio Lopez-coached side displayed resilience, maintaining a staunch defense to secure the victory. The defensive line led by Subhasish Bose stood firm throughout the match, working in tandem to repel every offensive move by the Mumbai City FC players.
