Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: The ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season has showcased the unpredictability and excitement of football, with teams exhibiting remarkable resilience and late-game strategies becoming a defining feature.
Comeback Kings of ISL 2024-25
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant have emerged as the leaders in comebacks, securing a league-high 10 points from losing positions. Another comeback victory would mark their best-ever tally in a single season.
- Jamshedpur FC have gained nine points from losing positions, achieving three comeback wins, their best in ISL history, which has propelled them to fourth place after 13 matches.
- Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters FC have each collected seven points from losing positions, demonstrating grit despite challenging circumstances.
Teams Struggling to Hold Leads
- NorthEast United FC have dropped a staggering 12 points from winning positions, continuing a pattern of defensive lapses seen in previous seasons.
- Punjab FC and FC Goa have each dropped nine points, while Kerala Blasters FC and East Bengal FC have squandered eight points apiece.
Notable Comeback Matches
Two teams overturned two-goal deficits to claim victory this season:
- East Bengal FC defeated Punjab FC 4-2 on December 17.
- NorthEast United FC triumphed 5-2 over Hyderabad FC on December 23.
These results underscore the mental fortitude required to recover from seemingly insurmountable disadvantages.
Insights from Coaches
- Shameel Chembakath (Hyderabad FC interim head coach) emphasized the role of “aggressive offensive strategies, quick counter-attacks, and defensive lapses” in enabling comebacks. He stressed defensive discipline and communication to prevent late collapses.
- Petr Kratky (Mumbai City FC head coach) highlighted the importance of consistency and focus throughout the game. He pointed out that over-committing in attack often leads to defensive vulnerabilities. Mumbai City FC have been working on minimizing transitions and scoring earlier to maintain control.
Tactical Takeaways
- Teams excelling in defensive compactness, avoiding unnecessary fouls, and maintaining tactical discipline have found greater success.
- Conversely, sides overreliant on offensive gambles or faltering under pressure have paid the price, with Punjab FC suffering the most, losing three matches after taking the lead.
A Treat for Fans
The 2024-25 ISL season has delivered thrilling comebacks, high-scoring games, and moments of brilliance, captivating fans and reinforcing the league’s competitive nature. As teams adapt and refine their strategies, the battle between offensive creativity and defensive discipline will continue to shape the season.
The league’s unpredictability ensures that fans can look forward to more surprises and dramatic turns as the season progresses. Whether teams maintain this trend of comebacks or develop strategies to close out games remains a storyline to watch.