The Salt Lake Stadium is all set to host ISL Shield winners Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC in the finals of the 2024/25 Indian Super League. Will Bengaluru FC replicate their 2018–19 heroics and win their second ISL trophy, or can the Mariners win the finals and become the second team in ISL history to complete the ISL double? Prior to the game, let’s quickly evaluate each of the clubs!
Road to Finals:
Bengaluru were eliminated by the Mariners in the 2024 Durand Cup semi-final. With five of their first six games won, the Blues had a stellar start to the league. However, Gerard Zaragoza’s team has struggled to go on a consistent run, failing to record back-to-back victories in their next 13 games. They remained in contention for the Shield until January, when they played five games and failed to win one, bowing out of the race. However, a fantastic run of results in the final games, as well as dominant displays in the playoffs against Mumbai and Goa, won Bengaluru FC a position in the finals.
Mohun Bagan were runners-up in the Durand Cup, losing to Northeast United in the final. The Mariners’ poor start continued, with Jose Molina’s team winning just one of their first three league games and sharing points in the first game of the AFC Champions League 2. They were unstoppable in the league after that, winning seven of their next eight games and keeping six clean sheets. Despite a loss to Goa, they had gone unbeaten in their last 12 games. Despite losing the first leg of the semi-finals, they did just enough in the second leg to defeat Jamshedpur and advance to the final.
Head to head this season:
The first meeting between these two teams occurred in the semi-finals of the 2024 Durand Cup at the same location, Salt Lake Stadium. Bengaluru blew a 2-0 lead in the final 30 minutes, forcing the game into penalties, which the Mariners finally won to advance to the finals. In the first league match between these sides, the Blues avenged themselves with a 3-0 home victory. The Mariners won the other game at Salt Lake Stadium, 1-0, with Liston scoring the winning goal.
What did the coaches say?
Before the game, Jose Molina and Subhasish Bose spoke to the media for the Mariners, while Gerard Zaragoza and Gurpreet Singh represented the Blues. While maintaining his confidence in his team, Jose Molina showed respect for the opposition. He added, “We respect Bengaluru FC. They are a really good team. They proved during the whole season the kind of team they are. They will be a tough, really tough opponent. But, of course, we have a plan. We are going to try our best to win. That is the only thing we have in our minds. Nothing more.”
Bengaluru FC’s head coach, Gerarad Zaragoza, stated that regardless of the outcome, he wants to watch an exciting final. “If we can score as many goals as possible, then it will be perfect if we can score one goal more than them. If we can finish 5-4, it will be better than 1-0.”, added Zaragoza.”
The finals is anticipated to be a sellout, and Gurpreet Singh commented about Mohun Bagan’s home crowd. He added, “The supporters have played a big factor for MBSG, always. You enjoy these kinds of games when you see a full stadium because that’s what you play for. This adds an extra motivation and extra challenge.”
Predicted Lineups:
Bengaluru FC: Gurpreet Singh, Nagmyal Bhutia, Chinglensana Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh, Pedro Capo, Suresh Singh, Alberto Noguera, Ryan Williams, Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri.
Mohun Bagan SG: Vishal Kaith, Asish Rai, Alberto Rodriguez, Tom Aldred, Subhasish Bose, Apuia, Anirudh Thapa, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Jason Cummings, Jamie Maclaren.
Key Players:
Bengaluru FC’s young Indian forward will pose a serious danger to the Mohun Bagan defense. Sunil Chhetri had 14 goals and two assists in the league this season, making it one of his best individual seasons at the age of 40. An intelligent striker with the instincts of a proper number nine, Sunil Chhetri’s movement against the strong defense of Mohun Bagan will be key for Zaragoza’s side to score.
For the Mariners, it will be Australian forward Jason Cummings. Even though he didn’t play much at the beginning of the season, Cummings has made a name for himself in this Mohun Bagan team. He occasionally plays as a second striker and offers a creative edge when Greg Stewart and Dimi Petratos aren’t available. Having scored four goals in five ISL knockout games, the Australian striker can be the difference-maker for the Mariners.
Prediction:
With home support on their side, one can expect Mohun Bagan to edge the game with a narrow win.
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