Kolkata: Odisha FC fought gallantly in the lion’s den but finally returned empty-handed.
Up against league stage toppers Mohun Bagan Super Giant at Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday night, Odisha had their chances and also denied the home team a goal for 90 minutes.
Even after losing key player Mourtada Fall, who was shown the red card for a foul in the 83rd minute, Odisha held firm.
But three minutes into stoppage time, Mohun Bagan broke Odisha’s resistance and Dimitri Petratos scored.
Play continued for eight more minutes, but Odisha failed to get the equaliser.
The 1-0 win sealed the ISL shield for the defending champions, with two games to spare. Mohun Bagan’s tally of 52 points from 22 matches can’t be surpassed by second-placed FC Goa (42 in 21).
Sunday’s defeat, however, dented Odisha’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. In seventh place with 29 points from 22 games, Odisha must win their remaining two fixtures and hope some of the other contenders for a top-six finish falter.
