Unmatched in class: Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s unstoppable march to the ISL final
The Mariners have qualified for the final for a third consecutive season and will now have their sights set on completing a historic double.
When Mohun Bagan Super Giant kicked off their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign, expectations were sky-high.
With a squad brimming with talent, big-name signings, and a new head coach in Jose Molina at the helm, the Mariners entered the season carrying the weight of expectation that comes with being one of Indian football’s most storied clubs.
Fast forward to now and they haven’t just lived up to the hype but they’ve stormed through the league like a team on a mission. After a commanding 2-0 win over Jamshedpur FC in the second leg of the semi-final, Mohun Bagan Super Giant are back in yet another ISL final.
BACK TO BACK TO BACK! 🔥🔥🔥
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) April 7, 2025
The #Mariners are heading to #ISL 2024-25 Final with an epic comeback in #MBSGJFC! 🤌#LetsFootball #ISLPlayoffs #MBSG | @mohunbagansg @Rambians @ArenaMariners @MbcOfficial @MdxOfficial2018 pic.twitter.com/8IFtGVn8Nu
Having already clinched the League Shield, they now stand just one win away from completing a historic double by lifting the ISL Cup.
Ahead of the final, let's rewind and walk through the storm that MBSG became this season.
An almost flawless campaign
MBSG began their season with an impressive comeback victory against NorthEast United FC, immediately laying down a marker. However, their momentum was briefly halted in their second fixture as they fell to a defeat against Bengaluru FC. The early setback prompted questions about their ability to defend the Shield but the team responded in the best possible fashion. What followed was a stunning eight-game unbeaten run, during which they secured seven wins and played some of their most cohesive football.
The Mariners' second and final defeat of the season came away to FC Goa in December. But rather than disrupt their rhythm, the loss served as a minor blip in an otherwise flawless campaign. MBSG bounced back and remained unbeaten for the rest of the league phase, putting together a 12-match unbeaten streak to close out the regular season.
The high point of their league campaign came in the home clash against Odisha FC, where a win would secure the League Shield in front of their own fans. With the clock ticking down and the match poised at a stalemate, Dimitri Petratos delivered the decisive blow, scoring a last-minute winner that confirmed MBSG as the League Shield winners. The goal encapsulated the team’s never-say-die spirit and their flair for producing big moments when it mattered most.
The Kolkata-based club secured the League Shield with two games to spare, eventually finishing with 56 points from 24 matches. They ended the regular season eight points clear of second-placed FC Goa and it was a testament to their dominance across both halves of the campaign. With 17 victories and just two defeats, MBSG recorded the best win-loss tally in the league. They also led the charts in both attack and defence, scoring 47 goals while conceding just 16.
The Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata remained a fortress throughout the season. MBSG remained unbeaten at home, registering 11 wins in front of their loyal supporters. Their joint-best home record provided the bedrock for their League Shield triumph and ensured that visiting teams rarely left with points.
Another fight for silverware
As Shield winners, MBSG earned a direct berth into the semi-finals, where they faced Jamshedpur FC. The first leg at the Furnace saw the Mariners dominate large spells but fall to a 2-1 defeat after Javier Hernandez scored a stoppage-time goal against the run of play. Despite the result, MBSG’s performance suggested that the tie was far from over.
In the second leg at home, Molina’s side returned to familiar territory with determination and the backing of their fans. Cummings converted a penalty in the second half to level the tie on aggregate, but the match appeared to be heading into extra-time as both sides held firm. It was then that Lalengmawia Ralte produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a powerful effort in stoppage time to seal a 2-0 win on the night and 3-2 victory on aggregate. The result saw MBSG reach their third consecutive ISL final.
The Mariners are one step away from rewriting their own legacy. They’ve tasted success over the last two seasons but never in the form of a League and Cup double. Standing in their way is a familiar rival in Bengaluru FC and a shot at something truly special.
