Are Mumbai City still as formidable as last season?

Last season Mumbai City FC became first Indian club to register victory in AFC Champions League

The 2022-23 season was an absolute delight for Mumbai City FC, where they shone brightly in both the ISL and the AFC Champions League campaign. They not only claimed the coveted top spot on the ISL table but also blazed a trail into the semifinals. 

It was a roller-coaster journey that saw them face off against Sunil Chhetri's formidable Bengaluru in the semifinals, resulting in a heart-pounding clash. Although they narrowly missed out on the finals, Mumbai City FC left an indelible mark with their scintillating performance, making the entire ISL season a thrilling spectacle for their fans and pundits alike.

Not just that, Des Buckingham’s team performed exceptionally well last season in the AFC Champions League. Mumbai City FC created history by becoming the first Indian football club to register a win in the AFC Champions League by defeating Iraq's Al Quwa Al Jawiya (Air Force Club) 2-1 at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

While Mumbai City FC couldn't quite navigate their way out of the group stages, their journey in the AFC Champions League was nothing short of remarkable. They held their ground in a competitive group, securing the second position just behind Al-Shabab. 

With an impressive record of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, they amassed a total of 7 points. Their performance in the tournament was a testament to their growing prowess on the continental stage, leaving fans eager for more thrilling adventures in the future.

In the dawn of a new season, Mumbai City FC burst onto the ISL 2023-24 stage with all guns blazing. They set the tone in the tournament opener, clinching a thrilling victory over NorthEast United with a 2-1 scoreline, courtesy of a spectacular brace by none other than Jorge Pereyra Diaz. 

But the drama didn't end there. In a gripping showdown on the Juggernauts' home turf, Mumbai City FC showcased their resilience, holding their opponents to a riveting 2-2 draw. The Islanders' electrifying start to the season has left fans on the edge of their seats, eager for more captivating moments ahead.

However, Mumbai City FC has displayed a split personality in the AFC Champions League campaign for 2023-24 compared to their ISL performance. Their journey on the continental stage has been challenging, marked by back-to-back losses.  They faced defeat against Nassaji Mazandaran with a 2-0 scoreline and a subsequent setback against Navbahor, where the scoreline stood at 3-0.

From the narrative woven preceding paragraphs, the 2023-24 season of The Islanders resembles the dual faces of a coin, each side revealing a different story. When we delve into their performances in the ISL 2023-24, Des Buckingham's squad appears to be channeling the same electrifying energy as some of the best teams witnessed in ISL history.

They exhibit a mesmerizing blend of passing prowess, creative brilliance, and an overall dominant presence on the pitch. As our narrative lens shifts towards the AFC Champions League, a captivating twist takes shape. The Islanders undergo a transformation which often appeared disconnected from the game.

In the ISL 2023-24, the Islanders are fierce, just like last season, but in the AFC Champions League 2023-24, they appear more tamed. This dramatic shift in their football journey adds layers of suspense and anticipation, leaving us all eagerly waiting for the next thrilling chapter in Mumbai City FC's saga.