Goals win you matches, and defenses win you the championship. This quote by Sir Alex Ferguson has become a footballing cliche but it continues to stay relevant even as football has spread and evolved across the globe. In the Indian Super League (ISL), it's no different.

Solid defensive organization has been the bedrock of every successful team in the league. While captivating goals and attacking performances often grab the headlines, the defenders have been seamlessly but silently doing their job, playing a significant role in their club's success.

These players shield their own goal, put their bodies on the line when it comes to thwarting the opposition's attack and marshal the defense with their towering presence.

Over the years, there have been such formidable partnerships in the ISL that not only successfully dominated the opposing forwards but also stood tall when it mattered the most.

Let's delve into the most successful defensive partnerships in league history.

Mailson Alves and Henrique Sereno (Chennaiyin FC)

Mailson Alves and Henrique Sereno's partnership played an instrumental role in Chennaiyin FC's second ISL Cup victory in the 2017-18 season.

Alves' strong physique and aerial prowess were complemented by Sereno's calmness and leadership skills, forming a solid core at the Marina Machans' back line. Chennaiyin FC conceded the third-lowest 19 goals throughout the league season, highlighting the impact of this centre-back duo as the Marina Machans finished second.

And it was none other than Alves, whose sublime brace in the Cup final powered John Gregory's team to a 3-2 win over Bengaluru FC.

Juanan and Albert Serran (Bengaluru FC)

Juanan and Albert Serran's duo was the cornerstone of Bengaluru FC's first-ever ISL Cup glory in the 2018-19 season.

Juanan's consistency, stability, and leadership skills made him a crucial part of the back line. And his partner, Albert Serran, who joined the club in 2018, adapted well to the new surroundings, and his tight man-marking and sharp tackling prowess solidified Bengaluru FC's defensive core.

These Spanish defenders were an integral part of the Blues' defensive organization, helping them record seven clean sheets that season.

Peter Hartley and Eli Sabia (Jamshedpur FC)

Peter Hartley and Eli Sabia's combination was pivotal in Jamshedpur FC's historic League Shield triumph in the 2021-22 season.

Hartley was strong, and robust, and brought a commendable presence to the Men of Steel's defense line. The English defender also scored three goals that season and was a potent threat in set-piece situations.

On the other hand, Eli Sabia, a familiar face in the ISL, brought in his experience. In their Shield-winning campaign with Hartley and Sabia at the heart of the backline, Owen Coyle's team conceded the fewest league goals (21) by any team.

Tiri and Sandesh Jhingan (MBSG)

In a season of heartbreaks, Tiri and Sandesh Jhingan were the rocks in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's defense line during the 2020-21 campaign.

Tiri had been a seasoned campaigner in the ISL, and the veteran defender showcased his expertise in the Mariners' backline with his sharp tackles and commanding covering. While India international Sandesh Jhingan was a perfect partner in the defense line thanks to his leadership attributes.

The Mariners conceded just 15 league goals that season, the lowest by any team.

However, Mohun Bagan Super Giant missed the opportunity to clinch the League Shield and Cup, finishing second best to Mumbai City FC in both instances.

Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodriguez (MBSG)

Another Mariners' centre-back duo, but this time it did help the club script history by winning the ISL double for the first time.

Tom Aldred was a warrior at the back, and his commanding presence in the air, strong tackling, and sharp recoveries proved his mettle in his debut season in the ISL. Aldred's partner, Alberto Rodriguez, was a beast at the backline and a nightmare for the opposing attackers. The Spaniard was a consistent performer in the Mariners' defense, and his goalscoring knack added a significant dimension to Jose Molina's side.

Banking on the commanding and consistent performance from this defensive pair, Mohun Bagan Super Giant recorded 16 clean sheets in their league double-winning season, the most by any team in a single ISL season.