Salt Lake erupts as Mohun Bagan lift their maiden ISL Shield

Mohun Bagan made a remarkable comeback in the second leg of the ISL season to bag this historic ISL Shield.

“70 Crores.” Not we are not talking of the population of any country. Rather it’s the reported amount which Mohun Bagan had spent prior to the season, hiring players like Anwar Ali, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Jason Cummings, Armando Sadiku and others.

The season officially started in August with the Durand Cup, which was ultimately won by Mohun Bagan in September. Eight months down the line, the Mariners are here again. This time lifting the coveted ISL Shield.

The Salt Lake Stadium was crowded by 61,177 spectators, with Mohun Bagan’s official social media handles claiming all tickets to be “sold out”. Everyone filled the stands with only one hope, “Aaj jittei hobe!”, which translates into “We’ll have to win today”.

Fans went back home with happy faces as Mohun Bagan got the better of Mumbai City at their den. A win was a must for Bagan to lift the Shield. On the other hand, a draw was enough for the Islanders.

Antonio Habas was back in the dugout, after recovering from an illness which kept him away from the sidelines for quite some time, and his animated actions at the touchline was something which fans might have missed in the last few games.

It was a tale of two halves at the Salt Lake Stadium. Thorough tactical prowess was on display from both parties. Such was the tactical impact that it took a moment of individual brilliance from Liston Colaco to break the deadlock in the 28th minute. As soon as the ball left Colaco’s boot, it had only one destination – the back of the net. As the ball rattled the net, Colaco rans towards the crowd to share his joy, and the my goodness, the frenzy in the stands – there’s no word to describe it best.

The second half was complete domination from Mumbai City, the thing which they do best, but Mohun Bagan read the game well to hit them on the counter. In the 80th minute, a beautiful cross from the left flank, albeit from Dimitri Petratos, found Jason Cummings at the edge of the Mumbai City box. Cummings went past one man and slotted the ball home to give Bagan the insurance goal.

The Islanders found a ray of hope when in the dying moments of regulation time Lallianzuala Chhangte found the back of the net. But Mumbai City were not able to find the equaliser.

Thus, history was created in Kolkata today as Mohun Bagan not only lifted their maiden ISL Shield but also fetched their maiden win over Mumbai City in the ISL.

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