The 2024-25 Indian Super League season returns tonight with a thrilling clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC.
The wait is now over. The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season begins tonight, and if you're a football enthusiast, this is your time. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defending ISL champions, will face Mumbai City FC, the ISL Cup winners, at Kolkata's historic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK). The game starts at 7:30 p.m. IST and promises nothing short of spectacular.
Can you almost feel the energy in the air? Mohun Bagan's die-hard fans, famed for their enthusiasm, will flood the stands to cheer for their team. But remember that Mumbai City FC has its own ambition this season: to win the ISL Shield. New coaches, top players, and a fresh start—it's the ideal recipe for drama.
Now, before you settle down for tonight's battle, let's go down memory lane. The ISL season openers have given us some breathtaking moments and goals over the years! Here are the top five goals from previous season openers that you must remember.
First and foremost, let's discuss the first goal in ISL history. Fikru Teferra of ATK FC opened the floodgates in 2014 with a goal that feels like it occurred yesterday. It was not just any goal; it was the league's first, scored in the 27th minute against Mumbai City FC.
Consider this scenario: the ball was outside the penalty box, the goalie was racing forward, and Fikru lobbed it over him with absolute skill. That moment set the tone for the match, and ATK FC eventually won 3-0. It was a genuine "I was there" moment for the supporters.
Fast-forward to the start of the 2022-23 season for Kerala Blasters FC and East Bengal FC. The Blasters' captain, Adrian Luna, wasn't simply playing for points that day; he was playing with his heart. He scored a spectacular goal and then gestured to the sky, dedicating it to his lost daughter.
It wasn't simply a magnificent goal; it was a moment that spoke to every fan in the stadium and those watching at home. Luna's homage was emotional and essential since it helped his team win 3-1.
Let's go back to the 2021-22 season when Hugo Boumous made his debut with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Talk about making an entrance! Boumous scored in the third minute with a long-range drive that sailed clear into the net.
And if that wasn't enough, he scored again in the 39th minute, giving him a brace and propelling his club to a 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters FC.
The 2020-21 ISL season was momentous in more ways than one. Not only was it played inside a bio-bubble owing to the epidemic, but it also marked the league debut of Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Roy Krishna ensured their debut was a success, scoring the only goal in their 1-0 triumph over Kerala Blasters FC. Krishna's strike was more than simply a goal; it was a moment that would go down in Mohun Bagan's history.
Carl McHugh's first goal for ATK FC in the 2019-20 season against Kerala Blasters FC was nothing less than fantastic. A shot from outside the box went directly into the back of the net.
It wasn't just a gorgeous goal but also a milestone, as ATK FC scored their 100th goal in ISL history. While the team did not win that match, McHugh's score is still one of the most talked-about goals in ISL openers.
