Mohun Bagan Super Giant midfielder Greg Stewart voiced his pleasure at becoming the Indian Super League (ISL) champion and helping the Mariners become the first team to defend the League Shield.

The Mariners, who secured the League Shield triumph in their last home game against Odisha FC, registered a comfortable win over FC Goa to wrap up the league stage in style. Jose Molina’s men finished the season with a massive 56 points, including a league record of 17 wins.

Following the 2-0 victory against the Gaurs, MBSG recorded their 11th home victory of the ongoing season, the outright highest such tally by any side in a single season. Moreover, they have become the fourth side to remain unbeaten at home in the league stage of an ISL season after Odisha FC (2023-24), Bengaluru FC (2018-19), and Delhi Dynamos FC (2016).

Stewart was elated to be crowned as the ISL 2024-25 champions following such a successful campaign. The Scottish playmaker shared his pleasure on finishing the league stage on a high note.

“Yeah, it's a special day for everyone involved in the club: the fans, the owners, and all the backroom staff. It’s a massive day for all the players. Especially this man (Dimitri Petratos), last week, amazing. Yeah, it's a great day all around,” he told indiansuperleague.com.

“We knew we were going to lift the shield, but we also knew it would be better if we could get the three points also. So, to do both, it's been a special day. The family is here, all the boys together. Amazing day,” he added.

The Mariners’ faithful were in numbers in the stands to witness the Kolkata giants scripting history with the League Shield triumph. The MBSG supporters filled the stadium with their lively chants, eye-catching tifos, and Mexican wave, soaking in the championship celebration.

Stewart conveyed his gratitude to their loyal fanbase and thanked them for their unwavering support throughout the season.

“The atmosphere was top. How many was it, 60,000? It’s amazing. This is why we love football, you know. Playing in front of these fans, they support us every week. And to give them the silverware, it's obviously what we wanted to achieve at the start of the season,” he said.

“So, together, it was a massive, massive achievement. So now we can go, enjoy now, and relax. But we know we still have work to do for the playoffs,” he continued.

Stewart scored the second goal against the Gaurs in the 94th minute to become the ninth player to record 50 goal contributions in the ISL with 24 goals and 26 assists. Interestingly, Stewart’s sides have never lost an ISL game that he has scored in (W16 D3), the outright longest such streak for any player in league history.

The Scottish midfielder shared his delight in finding himself on the scoresheet, helping MBSG secure all three points against FC Goa.

“Of course, it's always nice to score, but more important is the three points for everyone together. It was nice to get on the scoresheet,” he remarked.

“Jason (Cummings) did a great assist. He took one from the team, put his body on the line, and managed to put the finish away with my right foot. So, it's always nice when you see it hit the back of the net,” Stewart signed off.

Our mentality is the key factor: Subhasish Bose

Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s collective effort, unwavering determination, and fighting spirit propelled them to the summit of the league standings, culminating in the prestigious Shield title for the second time in a row.

The MBSG captain commended his team’s never-say-die attitude to turn adversities into success and took pride in becoming the first side in ISL history to defend the coveted League Shield.

“Yes, it’s a complete celebration because we won the match and celebrated the League Shield triumph. It was our target to win against FC Goa and lift the shield,” Bose told indiansuperleague.com.

“I feel proud of my team. I am very happy to become back-to-back ISL champion. This is us; this is Mohun Bagan Super Giant,” he added.

Bose opined that their championship triumph was thoroughly deserved, a testament to the tireless dedication exhibited by every member of the team both on and off the pitch. Speaking in context, Bose remarked,

“Our mentality, from the coaching staff to the management, has always been to win titles. They always make the players believe that we can lift trophies; without trophies, we have no value. Our mentality is the key factor.”

The Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan was electrified by the massive turnout of enthusiastic supporters, generating an absolutely captivating atmosphere throughout the match. The Mariners erupted in celebrations and excitement as they set off a barrage of fireworks in celebration before the end of the match, giving Latin American vibes in Indian conditions.

Bose acknowledged the thousands of MBSG supporters for their seamless backing and energetic stuff, saying:

“As a player, I have never felt such an atmosphere anywhere before. That’s why Kolkata is called the Mecca of Indian Football.”

“I want to thank all the MBSG supporters for creating such an atmosphere. We will try to make them happier by winning the Cup title,” Bose concluded.

Related tags:

Mohun Bagan Super GiantFC Goa2024-2025 Greg StewartSubhasish Bose