"We have made it" - ATK Mohun Bagan players euphoric after their momentous ISL 2022-23 campaign
One hundred and twenty minutes worth of relentless football. Opportunistic penalty kicks. Euphoria, tears, fireworks, and a kiss of the jim-dandy Indian Super League (ISL) trophy in between. Thunderous support in Goa. Overwhelming welcome in Kolkata. This is how the last 48 hours have unfurled for ATK Mohun Bagan and their cavalry.
The Mariners, after their marauding run at the business end of the season, edged past a sanguine Bengaluru FC side 4-3 on penalties in the 2022-23 ISL final on March 18. They came into the season as favorites but went into the final as underdogs after their inconsistent performances in the first half.
But even at their worst, ATK Mohun Bagan were a cohesive unit. At their best, they often became unplayable. On Saturday night, they were neither. Juan Ferrando's men were scrappy, often too exposed, but ultimately, inevitable. Even when the odds were against them, the Green and Maroon Brigade played with the demeanor of champions.
After soaking up their momentous ISL victory, it was time for the players to finally let loose and celebrate like the absolute winners they were. The jolly spilled onto social media platforms from the stadium dressing room. The loved ones of the players joined in too.
Here are some of the reactions from ATK Mohun Bagan players and their family members to their first-ever ISL victory:
๐ฝ
Mohunbagan Super Giant ๐โค๏ธ๐ช๐ฝ๐
champion
#JoyMohunBagan ๐โค๏ธ๐ช๐ฝ
The joined effort of all of us in green and maroon code, in and out the pitch, has helped our team build new memories to share over the next generations. CONGRATULATIONS ๐โค๏ธ
We have made it. All together.
Ps. Thanks @misra_artistics for the edit
#ATKMohunBagan
#JoyMohunBagan https://t.co/o927NFb8ai
๐ผ you all deserve it!๐ค #JoyMohunBagan 
YEEEESSS CHAMPIONS!๐๐คฉ Thank you guys for making me feel like a champion too despite not playing a single minute this season!โฅ๏ธ๐๐ผ you all deserve it!๐ค #JoyMohunBagan ๐โฅ๏ธ https://t.co/fFy33ue9UK
Hero Isl Champions ๐
Thank you for all the support, this is for all of us! #joymohunbagan ๐ข๐ด https://t.co/a4uVFZwLym
We are the Champions! ๐๐บ๐ผ
The ISL trophy is not just a symbol of our hard work, but the tremendous support of our Green and Maroon Brigade and the city of Kolkata!
#HeroISLChampion #JoyMohunBagan #ATKMohunBagan #IndianFootball https://t.co/ijW6Ks3ies
Happy to have won the Golden Glove award for the season. It wouldnโt be possible without the support of the management, coaches, teammates, support staff, and all our fans.
Joy Mohun Bagan ๐โฅ๏ธ
#JoyMohunBagan
"Proud of this group" - Bengaluru FC players look back at ISL 2022-23 with fond memories despite defeat in the final
One man's joy is another man's sorrow. While ATK Mohun Bagan had the world at their feet on Saturday, Bengaluru FC players ended their night with heads in their hands. Despite the defibrillation of their season from their miraculous winning streak, the Blues ended the ISL 2022-23 campaign with nothing to show for it.
However, the players had a more optimistic outlook on the outcome after the pangs of initial dejection had settled in. The Blues wanted to focus on their never-seen-before recovery job priorly that got them into the final in the first place.
Here's what the Bengaluru FC players said about their defeat in the ISL 2022-23 final:
I cannot stress enough on how proud I am of this team. The way we fought, defied the odds and came a long way in the @IndSuperLeague . It wasnโt our night and we take it on the chin and move forward together. Big thanks to the BFC fans who stuck by us and supported us throughout. https://t.co/bSkgFnyCyD
Whenever I will look back at ISL Season 9, what I will have is a smile on my face, and pride in my heart. And thatโs down to the memories we created that we will carry for life. https://t.co/8f2vTjhaju
A fightback I am so proud of. They wrote us out, but us - the players, staff, management, fans and everyone BFC - always believed in our team. A privilege to be part of such a motivated unit that battled against the odds. Letโs go again in the Super Cup. #WeAreBFC https://t.co/p6Y6wevvze
Now, if the Blues can build on the momentum that they carried into the finale, the upcoming Hero Super Cup might bear a more fruitful result for Simon Grayson and his men.