The packed stadium looked roaring. The jubilation of around 67 thousand fans was the ecstatic expression of joy. Mohun Bagan Super Giants wrote a new chapter in Indian Super League (ISL) history, edging past spirited Mumbai City by 2-1 to clinch their maiden League Shield in front of home fans at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday.

Dimitri Petratos, awarded ‘the player of the match’ dedicated the team’s maiden League Shield title to the fans. 

Simultaneously, in a post-match interaction with the broadcaster of the ISL the Australian striker who was equally instrumental in the team's victory said, “The passionate fans are the one key factor behind our triumph and Antonio Lopez Habas. He induced the ‘belief’ among us.”

Petratos continued, "He is very straightforward, very specific and his style of training is so updated that we were clear about what we would have to deliver on the pitch.” 

Liston Colaco who opened the scoring for the Mariners in the 28th minute with one of his trademark curlers, also had a high praise for Habas who joined the team in the middle of the season, raising them from almost the trench. Colaco also said to the broadcaster after the match, “Habas trusted me, on my ability. The coach knows to bring out the best of the footballers.”

Jason Cummings doubled the lead in the 80th minute, making optimum use of the space behind the Islanders' backline and finding the far corner with a grounded effort.

Lallianzuala Chhangte pulled one back for Mumbai in the 89th minute but the Mariners held on to their slender lead to dethrone Mumbai City as League Shield holders. This is the first time Mohun Bagan beat Mumbai City in ISL history. 

The AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey handed over the shield and the cheque for Rs 3.5 crore to MBSG captain, Subhasis Bose. The League Shield win means that the Mariners would get a direct spot in the group stages of the 2024-25 AFC Champions League.