The temperature in Kolkata soared to 33 degrees Celsius with humidity around 60 percent, but that didn’t deter the passionate fans. More than 200 supporters were seen queuing up to buy online tickets near the stadium. While the lucky ones managed to get their hands on the coveted passes for the much-anticipated ISL Final, many were left disappointed, wandering in search of tickets after the online batch sold out within a day.
Only online tickets were released this time for the final. With limited options, some desperate fans turned to black market sellers, who were demanding triple the original price. The charged atmosphere outside the stadium is a clear reflection of how high the stakes are when Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC — two giants of Indian football — lock horns in the grand finale. This rivalry has always promised intensity, and the narrative is further spiced up by Mohun Bagan’s recent dominance over Bengaluru FC, having defeated them in both the 2022-23 ISL Final and last year’s Durand Cup semi-final.
Bengaluru FC are making their fourth ISL final appearance in just eight seasons, while Mohun Bagan have become the first team in ISL history to reach the final for three consecutive years. Having already clinched the League Shield, Mohun Bagan now aim to complete a historic league double. No team has ever won the ISL Final at home, and under the guidance of head coach Jose Molina, the Mariners will look to rewrite history when they host the Blues at their fortress.
“I don’t care about what happened in the past. I am trying to do my best for Mohun Bagan Super Giant. We did well to win the League Shield and we are motivated to win the ISL Cup too. I don’t need extra motivation from the fact that we lost the final last year. We are already motivated enough,” Molina said ahead of the highly anticipated clash.
Exactly a year ago, on April 11, Bengaluru FC were thrashed 4-0 by Mohun Bagan at the Kanteerava Stadium, finishing that season in 10th place. Spaniard Gerard Zaragoza, who was the coach then and remains at the helm now, has overseen a remarkable turnaround. For Zaragoza, guiding his team to the final after such a turbulent season is an achievement in itself, but he and his players are determined to take the final leap.
“We are very motivated for the final and excited for the game. Everything is fine. We are confident, and Kolkata feels almost like our second home because we were here for the Durand Cup. We had a good playoff run, and we are looking forward to the grand finale,” said Zaragoza.
Sunil Chhetri: The Impact Sub?
Veteran striker Sunil Chhetri has been nothing short of sensational this season, netting 14 goals and providing two assists. The 40-year-old has started 18 matches, showcasing incredible fitness and consistency. However, Zaragoza has preferred to use Chhetri as a second-half substitute in the playoffs, where he has scored two crucial goals in three matches. Expect a similar strategy in the final, with Chhetri potentially becoming the game-changer against a weary Mohun Bagan defence.
Home Advantage for the Mariners
Mohun Bagan remain unbeaten at home in this ISL season, having won 12 of their 13 matches at the Salt Lake Stadium. Their fortress has been impenetrable.
“I am always thrilled to play in front of our home fans. I hope they support us wholeheartedly against Bengaluru FC tomorrow,” said captain Subhasish Bose.
However, Bengaluru can draw confidence from last year’s final, when Mumbai City FC defeated Mohun Bagan 3-1 at the same venue. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is no stranger to the pressure of playing at Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
“As you know, my journey as a professional footballer started here. I was fortunate to get opportunities to play from the beginning. Playing big finals in front of big crowds is a great experience, and I feel lucky to be here in Kolkata for this match,” said Gurpreet.
Injury Updates
Suresh Singh Wangjam was a doubt after limping off with a hamstring injury against FC Goa. However, he looked fit in the final training session, albeit with strapping on his knee. For Mohun Bagan, Ashique Kuruniyan, who picked up a knock in the semifinal second leg against Jamshedpur, has recovered and is ready to go. Manvir Singh, who missed both semifinal legs due to injury, is also fully fit and expected to start.
Head-to-Head Record
The two teams have met 11 times in the ISL. Mohun Bagan have won seven of those encounters, Bengaluru FC have emerged victorious twice, and two matches have ended in draws.
Players to Watch
Manvir Singh is set to make a record fifth ISL final appearance, further strengthening his legacy. He also leads the charts for the most ISL playoff appearances (18). This season, he has scored five goals and provided four assists.
Sunil Chhetri and Dimitrios Petratos have been proven match-winners in ISL finals, with both scoring twice in past finals — including the 2023 final between these two sides. While Chhetri has 14 goals to his name this season, Petratos has chipped in with four, setting up what promises to be another classic ISL finale.
Also Read: The 40-plus age just as number as Sunil Chhetri continues to blaze a trail