ISL Final: 'India's best' - Fans exulted as ATKMB holds nerves to oust BFC in penalties; lifts maiden title

By Ayush GuptaFirst Published Mar 18, 2023, 11:03 PM IST
Highlights

ISL 2022-23 Final: ATK Mohun Bagan gave a dominant performance to tame Bengaluru FC on penalties and win its maiden ISL title. While it was the third title for the ATK franchise, fans were delighted at Mohun Bagan being India's best again.

It was a top performance from ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) worthy of a final. As it took on former champion Bengaluru FC (BFC) in the 2022-23 Indian Super League (ISL) summit clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Saturday, it was settled on penalties after a 2-2 draw, with ATKMB heading past 4-3 and winning its maiden ISL title, besides handing the ATK franchise its third ISL championship, as fans were delighted to be once again calling ATKMB as "India's best".

আই এস এল চ্যাম্পিয়ন হওয়ার জন্য এ টি কে মোহনবাগান কে অনেক শুভেচ্ছা 🏆 🙌

— Premier League India (@PLforIndia)

After getting off to a positive start, ATKMB was given a penalty in the 14th minute when Roy Krishna had a handball decision against him, as Dimitri Petratos successfully converted the spot-kick to hand ATKMB the lead. However, at the stroke of half-time, Subhasish Bose fouled Krishna inside the box to give BFC a penalty this time, which Sunil Chhetri successfully scored to make it 1-1 at the half-time break.

ATK Mohun Bagan are the Champions of ISL 2022-2023! 💚❤️ pic.twitter.com/zJyWlceo8z

— IFTWC - Indian Football (@IFTWC)

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Congratulations to ATKMB.
Fantastic play BFC.
It was worth finals, nothing to be shamed off.
Nothing to complain or feel about. Its a memorable season with memorable moments. Kanteerava will be waitinh for you.

— Naveen Shandilya (@ShandilyaNaveen)

In the following half, Roy Krishna headed in the ball beautifully in a solo effort, as BFC gained the lead with 12 minutes remaining on the clock. However, BFC's defence continued to flounder, as Kiyan Nassiri fouled Pablo Pérez inside the box, resulting in the second ATKMB spot-kick of the night Petratos successfully converted again, as it was 2-2 at the full-time.

CHAMPIONS! 🏆

Heartiest congratulations to for such a thunderous performance at the finals!

With all your hard work, dedication and love for football, you will only shine brighter. Good luck for all future matches.

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial)

While the extra time was played more-or-less in a defensive fashion, it went to a fitting shootout, during which Petratos, Liston Colaço, Kiyan Nassiri and Manvir Singh successfully shot at the target for ATKMB. However, only Alan Costa, Krishna and Chhetri found the back of the net for BFC. In contrast, Bruno Ramires and Pablo Pérez failed, handing ATKMB the title and sending the players, support staff and supporters into a frenzy.

Congratulations to all the ATK Mohun Bagan players, staff and fans. Enjoy this beautiful evening. 😍💕🏆 https://t.co/rU9YRnQhqs

— Rohan Sengupta (@GarryDevilDada)
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