THE AWAY GOAL DRAMA

                         

Image Credit- BBC.

No Chelsea fan will ever forget the goal of Iniesta in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Semi-Final Match at Stamford Bridge. The Men in Blue were leading 1-0 till the very end of the second leg. However, from nowhere, Iniesta took a shot that turned into a match-winning goal for the men from Barcelona. The new football fans will wonder how it was a match-winning goal; after all, the score line read 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. However, it was the away goal rule that paved the way for Barcelona's progress into the finals.

The purpose of the away goals rule, which had been in effect since the 1965–66 season, was to encourage away clubs to attack rather than just sit back and play defense. Theoretically, traveling teams had an incentive to come out of their shells and take more opportunities, which would likely result in more open matches, since they knew that away goals may be used as a tiebreaker.

However, a lot of people had been calling for the UEFA club competitions to do away with the away goals system. They contended that, particularly in the opening leg of a knockout series, the regulation was too harsh on clubs that played at home. A squad suffered a major setback in the tie when they gave up a goal at home. The inequity of forcing the home team to score twice after the away team had already done so was also criticized, particularly during extra time. It's safe to assume that home advantage isn't as important as it used to be. As, a result the UEFA decided to scrap this rule from the 2021-22 season. 

However, the fans of yesteryear will always remember the drama that the away goal created. The drama added extra spice to the European tournament. 

MOHUN BAGAN SCRIPTS HISTORY

                           

Image Credit- Outlook India.

On April 12, 2025, Mohun Bagan created history as they defeated Bengaluru FC to win the coveted ISL Trophy. Previously they had already lifted the Shield after winning the league by a comprehensive margin. However, they did struggle against Jamshedpur F.C. in the semi-finals. They lost the first leg in Jamshedpur 1-2. But they made a strong comeback in the dying moments of the second leg and sailed their way into yet another final. 

The final of the ISL was equally tough, wherein Bengaluru FC were going at it hammer and tongs. Furthermore, it was the team from the South who scored the opening goal. However, Mohun Bagan came from behind and went on to win the game 2-1. Interestingly, the winning goal came in stoppage time, just like it happened in the semifinals against Jamshedpur. The stadium erupted in joy when the final whistle was blown. Mohun Bagan has done it again. The ISL Trophy is back to the Mecca of Indian Football. The Men from Kolkata are the Champions of India. 

JAM KE KHELO

                             

Image Credit- Indian Super League 

The ISL season 2024-25 is over. Mohun Bagan has lifted both the League Shield and the ISL Trophy. Hence it was a historic season for the Giants of Indian Football. However, my own club, Jamshedpur F.C., had a journey that brought smiles to the faces of their fans. Yes, we did not win the titles. But our performance was one of which we should be proud. 

In the league stage we finished fifth. And this too happened because of the goal difference issue. After all, the 3rd, 4th, and 5th ranked teams were level on points. Hence, it can be said that we performed decently in the Group Stage. Moreover, we defeated the Northeast United in the play-off, and that too at their home ground. Furthermore, we were even leading the semi-finals after the first leg. It was quite unfortunate that we conceded a penalty in the dying minutes of the second leg, which helped Mohun Bagan make it into the finals. We literally lost the playoffs by the barest of margins [2-3]. 

It was quite sad that we failed to win the titles this season. However, we are proud of our boys, and we trust and believe in our manager, Khalid Jamil. Though not in this season, one day we will surely reach the pinnacle of Indian football.

#JamKeKhelo. 

THE CAPTAIN IS BACK

 

Image Credit- BBC.

There aren't many Indian football fans who would desire to recall 2024. This can be attributed to the fact that we did not win a single game this year. Yes. You read correctly. We had a winless year in 2024. Even though we occasionally drew games, it is startling and disheartening that we were unable to record a single victory. To make matters worse, our charismatic leader, Sunil Chhetri, hung up his boots in the middle of the year. His retirement coincided with the lowest point in our team's history.

However, in 2025 a miracle happened. Reversing his decision to hang up his boots last year, Indian football star Sunil Chhetri has unexpectedly returned to the national squad at the age of 40. India's most-capped player has returned for the March international window. 

India is currently aiming for the Asian Cup in 2027 after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Given the significance of the tournament and the upcoming matches, the Indian head coach talked with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the national team.

The legend agreed to the same and is back in the team. Will this turn the fortune of the Indian side?  The answer lies in the womb of time. However, the presence of an inspirational leader has surely boosted the morale of the side. 

THE MAGPIES HAVE WON A SILVERWARE

 

Image Credit- BBC.

With a well-earned victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, Newcastle United won their first domestic trophy in 70 years and broke a major trophy drought that dated way back to 1969. Dan Burn's and Alexander Isak's goals on either side of halftime threw the Toon Army into a frenzy, setting them up for a victory that will make manager Eddie Howe and his team living legends in Tyneside. 

Newcastle's strategy in their past meetings against Liverpool this season have been to strike them on the break and frustrate them in the remaining time. However, Howe seemed confident enough to take full advantage of the present situation by pushing the Reds high after facing a team that had endured the mental and physical strain of playing PSG in the middle of the week. Newcastle's top three set the tone with their speed and enthusiasm, but the true struggle was won in midfield. Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, both Brazilians, dominated the middle of the park, engaging in 27 duels and winning nine apiece, which was the greatest record of any player on the field. Throughout the game, Newcastle was more energetic and dangerous than a sluggish Liverpool, but the last few seconds annoyed everyone in black and white when the video assistant referee ruled Chiesa's goal offside after much consideration. 

 Remarkably Burn, a boyhood Newcastle supporter capped off the best week of his career by opening the score by taking advantage of lax Liverpool marking. Isak provided Newcastle much-needed breathing room after the half with a brilliantly taken goal that extended the Magpies' lead.

Notably when the final whistle was blown, no one could believe that what has happened: Newcastle defeated Liverpool to break their lengthy trophy drought and snap a ten-year losing streak against the mighty Reds. Almost no one has been able to make a team with a 12-point advantage at the top of the Premier League look more ordinary this season than they did. Interestingly with this victory, Newcastle has ended nine straight Wembley losses and the dreary years since they won the FA Cup 70 years ago, marking a historic event. Inside Wembley, it kicked off the party of all parties, which would surely continue all the way back to Tyneside.

WILL MAN CITY MAKE IT?

 

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Manchester City are the defending Premier League Champions. However, it is quite certain that at the end of the season we are going to get a new winner. Afterall they are 22 points behind the league leaders with just 9 games remaining. Furthermore, they have also been knocked out of the Champions League which implies that they are alive in just in one tournament i.e., the F.A. Cup. A defeat in the F.A. Cup would mean a trophyless season (Something which they have not experienced since the 2016-17). Apart from that the defending champions are presently positioned 5th in the Premier League. This too is a sign of danger. Afterall in order to qualify for the next year's Champions League, they need to finish top 4.  Hence it can be said that there is still a lot many things for which City should strive this season. 

The men in blue need to play well in the remaining games of the Premier League or else they will be playing Europa or Conference League next season. Furthermore, they cannot afford any kind of laxity in their F.A. Cup Campaign as well. Hence it can be said that the 2024-25 Season has now become a fight of honor for the defending champions. Will City make it? Or will they perish in between? The answer to this lies in the womb of time. 

WHAT LIES AHEAD?

 

Image Credit- Sky Sports

Football is a funny game. Why I say so? A couple of months ago Liverpool looked invincible. They were the league leaders in both Premier League as well as the Champions League. In addition to that they were also looking good in the Domestic Cup Tournaments. It seemed that they could achieve the Historic Quadruple- Something which no English Team has ever done before. Unfortunately, a shocking defeat against minnows Plymouth Argyle dashed their F.A. Cup hopes. However, the men in red bounced back from the defeat and got back to winning ways in no time.  A Treble was still very much in the cards. 

The hopes of treble got lifted up when Liverpool edged PSG in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Interestingly this win came in Paris which implies that a draw in the home would have ensured their qualification for the quarterfinals. However, PSG came from behind and knocked Liverpool out from the Champions League. It was a tough game wherein both sides fought hard. At Last, it was the Visitors who got better of Liverpool in the penalty shootout as the Reds failed to get past the PSG keeper.  The Parisians thus silenced the Anfield and marched forward into the competition. 

Unfortunately, another tragedy unfolded before Liverpool in just 3 days' time as they lost the Carabao Cup Final to Newcastle in Wembley. The men in black literally blew away the mighty Liverpool in this must win game. It was indeed a shocking moment for every Liverpool fan as no one gave Newcastle a chance. The Reds were on course of scripting history but are currently reeling with defeats. 

With this defeat in the final the Scousers are now out of 3 of the 4 tournaments. The only place where they are still alive is the Premier League wherein, they are the table toppers. Currently Arsenal which is second in the League are 12 points behind Liverpool. However, they are looking in good touch whereas Liverpool is struggling. So, the question is- Will Liverpool bottle the league? Can Arsenal script a comeback? We will get to know all of this after the International Break. But currently everything is in shambles in Liverpool.