Matchweek 23 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 turned out to be one of the most decisive weeks of the season. Mohun Bagan Super Giant successfully defended the League Shield, while the race for the second direct semi-final spot narrowed down to three teams.

The week kicked off with Hyderabad FC putting in another resilient performance at home to hold Mumbai City FC. Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, and East Bengal FC followed up with crucial away wins.

FC Goa secured a vital home victory in the penultimate game of the week to keep their League Shield hopes alive, only for them to be shattered the next day when the Mariners sealed the Shield with a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

Here are the key talking points from the recently concluded week:

Jamshedpur FC end Kolkata curse

The Men of Steel earned another valuable win to stay in the hunt for a top-two finish. Local lad Ritwik Das, who became the first Indian to score in three consecutive starts for Jamshedpur FC, put his team ahead in the sixth minute.

Substitute Nikhil Barla later sealed the victory, giving Jamshedpur FC their first away win against a Kolkata club in the ISL since January 13, 2023, when they beat East Bengal FC 2-1. Notably, they had failed to score in their four previous such games (D1, L3).

East Bengal FC do the 'Double' over Punjab FC

East Bengal FC continued their solid away run, completing a league double over Punjab FC and extending their unbeaten streak on the road to three matches.

Also Read: ISL 2024-25: Playoffs spots and League Shield scenarios

The Red and Gold Brigade started aggressively, with Dimitrios Diamantakos finding the net inside the opening 15 minutes, ending his eight-game goal drought. It also marked the first time East Bengal FC had scored within the first 15 minutes of a match this season. Naorem Mahesh Singh and Lalchungnunga were the other scorers for the visitors, while Ezequiel Vidal netted Punjab FC’s only goal.

By completing the league double over Punjab FC, the Shers became only the third team that East Bengal FC have defeated twice in a single ISL season, alongside Bengaluru FC (2022-23) and Hyderabad FC (2023-24).

The Gaurs continue home dominance over Kerala Blasters

FC Goa extended their strong home record against Kerala Blasters FC, continuing their dominance from previous encounters. After a goalless first half, the Gaurs came out with intent, led by Iker Guarrotxena, who scored one and assisted another for Mohammad Yasir. This win secured their fourth league double over Kerala Blasters and their first since the 2018-19 season.

With his goal, Guarrotxena (17) became FC Goa’s third-highest scorer in ISL history, trailing only Coro (48) and Noah Sadaoui (20).

Mohun Bagan Super Giant make history

The most anticipated match of the week lived up to expectations, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant sealing the League Shield in the most dramatic manner. The Mariners became the first team in ISL history to win the Shield in consecutive seasons.

Also Read: Mohun Bagan Super Giant are Champions Again

Odisha FC, desperate for a win to boost their playoff chances, put up a resilient defensive display. Even after going down to ten men, the Kalinga Warriors held firm against the Mariners' relentless attacks. Just as it seemed Mohun Bagan SG would have to wait another week for the title, substitute Dimitri Petratos stepped up once again, firing home the winner in the third minute of stoppage time. His precise finish sparked wild celebrations among Mariners' fans while dashing Odisha FC and FC Goa’s hopes.