Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) and Bengaluru FC (BFC) will clash for a spot in the Durand Cup final when they face off tomorrow in the second semi-final at the historic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Both sides are unbeaten in the tournament, but the Blues have shown greater dominance and cohesion compared to the Mariners as they approach this highly anticipated encounter.
Journey So Far
BFC
Bengaluru FC topped Group B by winning all three of their matches. They secured victories against the Indian Navy (4-0), Inter Kashi (3-0), and Mohammedan SC (3-2). In the quarter-finals, they edged out Kerala Blasters with a narrow 1-0 win to book their place in the semi-final.
MBSG
The Green-and-Maroon brigade also finished at the top of Group A. They defeated Downtown Heroes (1-0) and thrashed Indian Air Force (6-0). Their final group match against arch-rivals East Bengal was cancelled due to ongoing unrest in Kolkata.
In the quarter-finals, MBSG faced a tough challenge from Punjab FC, with the match ending 3-3 and going to penalties. Vishal Kaith’s heroics in the shootout secured a 6-5 victory for MBSG, sending them into the semi-finals.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
🚨Clash of Titans: Mohun Bagan SG vs Bengaluru FC in a Durand Cup Semi-Final Showdown!
Who will emerge victorious in this epic battle? @mohunbagansg @thedurandcup @bengalurufc @Rahul_01Giri #DurandCup #MBvsBFC pic.twitter.com/QWMn4PF0bV
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 26, 2024
Game Style
BFC
Gerard Zaragoza has started the season strongly, with Bengaluru FC winning all their matches in this tournament. They have scored 11 goals while conceding just two, both in the same match, and have kept three clean sheets. As the away side, adapting to the weather is a significant challenge, but Bengaluru’s advantage is that all their matches have been played in Kolkata (three at Yuvabharati and one at Kishore Bharati Stadium).
Zaragoza has utilised two different formations in the tournament. The 4-3-3 attacking system yielded eight goals in three matches without conceding, while the 4-4-2 was employed against Mohammedan SC, where they conceded two goals but managed to score three.
MBSG
Jose Molina’s team selections have been surprising, with different formations and player lineups in each of the three matches. It will be intriguing to see which strategy the Spaniard adopts for the semi-final. In their last ISL encounter in April 2024, MBSG thrashed BFC 4-0 in Bengaluru, with the Blues playing 4-3-3 under Zaragoza. Despite this same system’s success in this tournament for BFC, Molina will aim to replicate that previous performance.
Star players so far
Jorge Pereyra Diaz (BFC)
The Argentine striker has been in exceptional form for Bengaluru, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Pereyra Diaz has quickly established himself as a key player for Zaragoza, despite this being his first season with the club. His composed finish in the fourth minute of injury time against Kerala Blasters sealed BFC’s spot in the semi-final.
Diaz has a strong record against MBSG, scoring four goals in eight matches, including two in the Durand Cup and one in last year’s ISL final. He thrives on big occasions, and tomorrow’s clash promises to be another.
Jason Cummings (MBSG)
The Australian striker has impressed MBSG fans with his performances this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His crucial late equaliser against Punjab FC in the quarter-final kept MBSG’s hopes alive. In the last ISL season, Cummings scored 12 goals and provided two assists.
While his numbers were decent, fans were not satisfied in terms of fitness and overall impact compared to the reputation and experience he brought to the club. This season could be his breakout year, but his record against BFC – one assist in two matches – pales next to that of Pereyra Diaz. However, MBSG fans will hope his current form can turn the tide in their favour.
Also Read: Indian Super League 2024-25: Schedule Announcement