Indian Super League Finale - Hero ISL Trophy
The two finale teams are set and the countdown for the Indian Super League final has begun. Mumbai City FC finally managed to reach the final after having been on the losing end in three previous semifinals. In the finale they’ll go up against ATK Mohun Bagan who’re making it to the finale in their first ever ISL season since the merge between Mohun Bagan and ATK. Saturday’s game will be one to remember as a new Indian Super League champion is going to be crowned. Who do you back to win?
Road to the finale
It’s hard to argue that the wrong teams got to the finale after looking at the league table. Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan both managed to collect 40 points and in the end it was only the goal difference that separated the two teams. With a record of 14 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses it’s safe to say that both teams have made themselves worthy a spot in the finale.
Mumbai City FC
After an impressive and successful season Mumbai City FC was drawn against fourth placed FC Goa, last season’s League Winners Shield, in the semifinals. Mumbai City FC had managed to reach the semis three times earlier but without any success. This time they were not going to let that happen. The first leg was played at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa and what a game we got to see. Two goals in the first half, 1-1, was followed up by another two goals in the second half and 2-2 was the result as the second leg awaited.
If the first leg offered open and attacking football, the second leg was a tight and close affair where the teams made sure to not give anything away. 120 minutes and the result was still 0-0 which led us to penalties. Mumbai City FC could after a long and thrilling shootout seal the victory and book their spot in the finale.
ATK Mohun Bagan
ATK Mohun Bagan came up against one of the league’s most in-form teams as they were drawn against NorthEast United in the semifinals. First leg, played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, was a tough battle where ATK Mohun Bagan surely thought that their 1-0 goal in the first half would have been enough for a victory, but as the time reached 94 minutes NorthEast United managed to find the net. 1-1 and the finale spot was up for grabs as we went into the second leg.
It was ATK Mohun Bagan who opened the second leg best, just as in the first leg. David Williams scored his second goal in the semifinals and as ATK Mohun Bagan extended their lead to 2-0 in the second half the game felt done and dusted. NorthEast United didn’t come any closer than a goal in the end of the game and ATK Mohun Bagan were set for their first ever final.
Mumbai City FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
13th March, 21:00 IST - Fatorda Stadium
Going into Saturday’s finale the expectations are high as always when it’s time for the biggest game of the season. Mumbai City FC have never reached this far in the competition before and will now look to complete the success by bringing home the champions trophy. The two teams have faced each other twice this season with Mumbai City FC as winners both times. Truth is that ATK Mohun Bagan haven't even managed to score a single goal against Saturday’s opponents. When it comes to form Mumbai City FC have played four games since their last defeat while ATK Mohun Bagan have been somewhat less reliable in their performances with one win in their last four games.
A winner is hard to predict but the feeling is that Mumbai CIty FC goes into this finale with a better form. They brought home the League Winners Shield after beating ATK Mohun Bagan in the last round of the regular season. That game should work as a good sign on what to come on Saturday.
Author: Ramesh Singh