Mumbai City FC won the last league stage match of the ongoing Indian Super League 2021 against ATK Mohun Bagan by 2-0 at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim on Sunday. Consequently, Mumbai City finished the league stage at the top of the table with 40 points. ATK Mohun Bagan also ended the league stage with as many points but Mumbai had a better goal difference.
Hence, Mumbai City has won the League winners shield. Meanwhile, Mumbai and ATK Mohun both won 12 matches, lost four, and drew four in the 20 matches of the league stage. Mumbai City FC head coach Sergio Lobera was delighted with the performance of his team.
“I am very happy because the club and the City Football Group [majority stakeholder in the club] have made a big effort to give us all that we need to work [with]. It is a moment to enjoy but also to analyze the things that we have achieved this season. It is a moment to remember and enjoy,” the Spanish head coach said in the post-match presentation.
Lobera feels his players deserved to win the shield as they were consistent right throughout the league stage. In fact, Mumbai defeated ATK Mohun Bagan in both the fixtures of the season.
“I think my players deserve to win this shield. Hopefully, we can win another one [Hero ISL trophy]. I always believed in my players. I know I can believe in them because they are warriors. They are ambitious and amazing people. We are a strong team on the pitch and a family off it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC has also qualified for the 2022 AFC Champions League and the head coach gave credit to the City Football Group for helping them achieve it. Mumbai was able to come up with a collective effort and they will look to go all the way.
The Islanders will face FC Goa in the first leg of the semifinal at the Fatorda Stadium on Friday.
