Football

In the twilight of a coaching career spanning four continents and 34 years, Antonio Lopez Habas has found a fitting finale in India. The 66-year-old Mohun Bagan Super Giant coach is now one game away from completing a remarkable season, with the ISL trophy within reach.Standing between Mohun Bagan and glory is Mumbai City FC, a team that has matched their brilliance throughout the season. Both teams topped the league standings with identical points, wins, goals, and clean sheets. Mumbai City FC boasts the league's tightest defense, but Mohun Bagan breached it in their final league encounter to secure the league shield.Both teams have overcome adversity this season. Mumbai City FC seamlessly transitioned under Petr Kratky after Des Buckingham's departure, while Mohun Bagan found renewed belief under Habas after a string of losses led to Juan Ferrando's sacking.The finalists shared 2-1 wins in the league phase, and both have a player suspended for the final. Mohun Bagan will miss Armando Sadiku, while Mumbai City FC will be without Yoëll van Nieff and possibly Akash Mishra.Mumbai City FC has relied heavily on Indian talent this season, with Vikram Partap Singh and Lallianzula Chhangte leading the charge. Chhangte's versatility and ability to play centrally pose a significant threat to Mohun Bagan's defense.Mohun Bagan's attack is spearheaded by Petratos, Cummings, and Sadiku, but Manvir Singh, Colaco, and Samad have also contributed crucial goals. Joni Kauko has been the anchor in midfield since his return from injury."There are no favorites in a final," said Habas. "We have a good team, but I am confident we have the team to match them," added Kratky.The final will be played in front of a partisan crowd of over 60,000 Mohun Bagan fans at the Salt Lake stadium. Mumbai City FC is prepared for the atmosphere, having played in the Durand Cup and the away league game at the same venue.The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. The ISL trophy awaits, and both Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC will give it their all to etch their names in history.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant's remarkable comeback in the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final second leg against Odisha FC has propelled them into another final. The 2-0 victory at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday was a testament to the team's resilience and the tactical brilliance of coach Antonio Lopez Habas.Trailing 1-2 from the first leg in Bhubaneswar, Mohun Bagan needed a strong start, and they got it through Jason Cummings' goal in the 22nd minute. Dimitri Petratos' deflected shot found its way to Cummings, who slotted it home.Petratos was a constant threat throughout the match, driving the team forward from midfield and creating chances. His crossfield pass to Thapa set up the move that led to Cummings' goal.Mohun Bagan's defense also played a crucial role in the victory. Vishal Kaith made several key saves, while Hector Yuste cleared a goal-bound shot off the line. Dippendu Biswas and Manvir Singh made crucial interceptions, and the entire team defended with determination.The second goal came in the dying minutes of the match, with Manvir Singh's tireless effort paying off. His cut-back found Amrinder Singh, and Sahal Abdul Samad tapped in the rebound.Habas has now reached his third ISL final, having won the title with ATK Mohun Bagan in 2019-20. He will be aiming to become the second coach after Sergio Lobera to win the ISL twice.Mohun Bagan will face the winner of the Mumbai City FC-FC Goa semi-final in the final on Saturday. They will be confident of their chances, having already beaten Mumbai City FC 2-1 in the league shield match.