East Bengal Raih Gelar Juara Perdana Indian Super League 2025-26

East Bengal berhasil mengunci gelar juara Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 untuk pertama kalinya setelah menundukkan Inter Kashi dengan skor 2-1 pada pertandingan terakhir kompetisi yang berlangsung tanpa babak playoff.

Kemenangan tipis tersebut memastikan East Bengal mengakhiri puasa gelar kasta tertinggi sepak bola putra selama 22 years dengan memuncaki klasemen akhir setelah mengoleksi 26 poin dari 13 pertandingan.

Musim kompetisi kali ini berjalan lebih singkat akibat keterlambatan jadwal mulai, sehingga format tradisional liga penuh diterapkan tanpa adanya pertandingan final ISL Cup seperti musim-musim sebelumnya.

Sebelum rangkaian pertandingan penutup dimulai, lima tim masih berpeluang memperebutkan takhta juara karena ketatnya selisih poin di papan atas klasemen.

Persaingan sengit terjadi di New Delhi antara Punjab FC dan Mumbai City FC yang sama-sama mengantongi 22 poin sebelum laga penentu tersebut digelar.

Pelatih kepala Mumbai City FC, Petr Kratky menginstruksikan anak asuhnya untuk segera mengalihkan fokus dan menjaga kebugaran fisik demi menghadapi laga pamungkas ekstrim tersebut.

"The main focus after the last game was recovery and regrouping because it has been a short turnaround for us after our previous away fixture. Now the attention is fully on our final game of the season and making sure the team is physically and mentally ready for the challenge," ujar Petr Kratky, Pelatih Kepala Mumbai City FC.

Kratky menambahkan bahwa tekanan memperebutkan posisi puncak adalah sebuah keuntungan yang menuntut mentalitas serta determinasi tinggi dari seluruh anggota skuadnya di lapangan.

"We know what is at stake and we know we need to win, so our focus is very clear. The team is motivated and ready to fight. Punjab FC are a strong side and the conditions will also be demanding, so we have to be fully prepared in every aspect if we want to get the result," kata Petr Kratky, Pelatih Kepala Mumbai City FC.

Ia menilai tim lawan memiliki kekuatan yang patut diwaspadai ditambah cuaca panas Delhi yang akan menguji kesiapan fisik para pemainnya secara menyeluruh.

"Pressure is a privilege for teams competing at the top because it means we are fighting for something important. My responsibility is to make sure the players are prepared physically, mentally, and tactically. At the end, it comes down to execution and attitude on matchday. The team that shows greater desire and mentality will give itself the best chance to win," ucap Petr Kratky, Pelatih Kepala Mumbai City FC.

Kratky menekankan bahwa pertandingan terakhir ini menggunakan prinsip pemenang mengambil semua hal sehingga seluruh energi harus dihabiskan tanpa sisa.

"We know what's at stake, we need to win and we have to prepare accordingly to that. So as I said, the team is ready, they want to fight and we will see what happens. Obviously we know Delhi will be very hot so we have to be extremely well prepared for the conditions and obviously Punjab is a very good team," kata Petr Kratky, Pelatih Kepala Mumbai City FC.

Kratky menyatakan timnya tidak memiliki beban apa pun dan wajib menunjukkan performa kerja keras demi mengamankan tiga poin penuh.

"It's the last one. The winner takes all basically. So again, as I said, for me, we just have to fight. We just have to work and nothing to lose. Can't be anything left on the pitch," tutur Petr Kratky, Pelatih Kepala Mumbai City FC.

Gelandang Mumbai City FC, Zothanpuia mengungkapkan perkembangan positif dirinya serta atmosfer optimistis yang terbangun di dalam tim menjelang laga krusial ini.

"Joining the club has been a huge learning experience for me. The coaches, staff, and teammates have supported me from day one and helped me improve both as a player and as a person. The team has prepared very well and everyone is focused on this game. The atmosphere within the group is very positive and we are ready to give our best and fight for the three points," kata Zothanpuia, Gelandang Mumbai City FC.

Zothanpuia juga memuji peran krusial sang pelatih kepala dalam menyuntikkan kepercayaan diri serta menjaga komunikasi yang baik dengan para pemain.

"Our coach has played an important role in building confidence within the team. He always trusts and supports the players and his communication helps us to stay," ujar Zothanpuia, Gelandang Mumbai City FC.

Di kubu lawan, Punjab FC mencatatkan lonjakan performa signifikan musim ini melalui ketajaman penyerang Nsungusi Effiong dan racikan strategi tim kepelatihan.

Pelatih kepala Punjab FC, Panagiotis Dilmperis memilih fokus pada proses pengerjaan taktik di lapangan daripada terjebak dalam hitungan matematis klasemen.

"Last day, a lot of teams, a lot of possibilities, a lot of scenarios that anyone can be champion. We try to approach this game like all the others. And I think that pushes the pressure away from the team," kata Panagiotis Dilmperis, Pelatih Kepala Punjab FC.

Dilmperis menegaskan identitas klubnya yang menuntut prestasi tinggi dan enggan merasa puas hanya dengan menduduki peringkat kedua dalam kompetisi.

"When I signed in this club, I knew how demanding this club is. I love this kind of demanding because finally it means you are in the biggest club in India. We cannot be happy finishing in the second position," tutur Panagiotis Dilmperis, Pelatih Kepala Punjab FC.

Sayap Punjab FC, Ninthoi Meetei mengekspresikan kepuasan mendalam atas bimbingan sang pelatih meski dirinya harus melewati masa-masa sulit akibat cedera.

"I must say that it's a really hard time going on for me and it's bad timing and very bad luck I must say. But I am not giving up from inside," kata Ninthoi Meetei, Winger Punjab FC.

Meetei menambahkan bahwa kepercayaan yang diberikan pelatih memicu motivasi dirinya untuk terus berjuang keras memberikan kontribusi maksimal.

"I know this year I am so satisfied with the coach. He gives me more confidence. I know I am going to work hard," ucap Ninthoi Meetei, Winger Punjab FC.

Kemenangan East Bengal atas Inter Kashi otomatis menutup peluang bagi Mohun Bagan, Punjab FC, Mumbai City FC, dan Jamshedpur FC untuk merebut trofi juara ISL musim ini.