Epic Comebacks in Indian Super League History
The Thrill of the Comeback in ISL
New Delhi [India], April 6: The term 'La Remontada,' which translates to 'the comeback' in Spanish, resonates deeply with football enthusiasts. Achieving such a feat on the pitch is no small task; it requires a blend of determination, resilience, and tenacity, as highlighted on the official ISL website.
A last-minute goal can either send fans into a frenzy of joy or shatter dreams, marking the end of countless hours of effort.
Playoff matches, characterized by intense competition and thrilling confrontations, elevate individual rivalries due to their knockout format. Over the years, the Indian Super League (ISL) has witnessed numerous unforgettable moments during semi-final matches, where teams that lost the first leg made remarkable comebacks in the second leg to secure a spot in the finals.
In 2015, FC Goa achieved a historic milestone by clinching a decisive victory at home against Delhi Dynamos in the semi-final's return leg, marking their first-ever final appearance in the league.
After a first-leg setback where Robin Singh's goal gave Delhi Dynamos a crucial edge, FC Goa turned the tables with a commanding 3-0 win in the second leg, showcasing their home advantage.
With Jofre Mateu, Rafael Coelho, and Dudu Omagbemi finding the net, the Gaurs advanced to the finals with a 3-1 aggregate score.
Bengaluru FC faced a tough challenge against NorthEast United FC during their inaugural ISL Cup-winning season in 2018-19, where a spirited performance in the second leg propelled them to the finals.
After losing 2-1 in the first leg in Guwahati, the Blues rallied back at home, overcoming the deficit with a stunning display that saw them score three goals against Pawan Kumar.
Miku broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, followed by Dimas Delgado's goal in the 87th minute, and Sunil Chhetri sealed the victory with a late goal, ensuring a dominant win at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
In the 2019-20 season, ATK FC staged a remarkable comeback against the defending ISL Cup champions in a crucial semi-final second leg.
After a narrow 0-1 loss in the first leg, ATK FC faced an early setback in the second leg when Ashique Kuruniyan scored for Bengaluru FC. However, leveraging their home advantage and tactical prowess, ATK FC turned the tide.
Roy Krishna opened the scoring with a brilliant strike, followed by David Williams equalizing with a penalty. Krishna then netted the winner with a powerful header, propelling ATK FC to the finals, with Prabir Das playing a key role with two assists.
Most recently, Mohun Bagan Super Giant showcased their resilience during their League Shield-winning campaign in 2023-24.
After a tough first leg where they lost 2-1 to Odisha FC, MBSG demonstrated their fighting spirit with a dominant home performance. Jason Cummings scored the opener, and super-sub Sahal Abdul Samad netted a dramatic winner in injury time, securing their place in back-to-back ISL Cup finals.