Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) are set to take on Bengaluru FC in the grand finale of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday at 7:30 PM IST. It promises to be a high-stakes, winner-takes-all showdown worthy of the much-anticipated championship decider.
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Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC: Preview
Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) and Bengaluru FC are set to lock horns in the grand finale of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday at 7:30 PM IST at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The stage is set for a thrilling winner-takes-all clash between two of Indian football’s premier clubs, in a rematch of the ISL 2022-23 final.
MBSG come into the final on the back of a stellar campaign, having clinched the League Shield. Head coach Jose Molina, speaking at the pre-match press conference in Kolkata, emphasized focusing on the present. “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,” he said.
Captain Subhasish Bose, jokingly referred to as a striker by Molina due to his goalscoring form, expressed his excitement about playing at home. “I am always thrilled to play in front of our home fans. I wish that the fans support us wholeheartedly against Bengaluru FC.”
MBSG’s firepower this season has been led by Jason Cummings, who has scored in four consecutive playoff matches. With six goals and six assists, the Aussie forward has been in lethal form and will be key to breaking down Bengaluru’s backline. He’s also on the verge of joining elite company like Roy Krishna and David Williams with another goal in the final.
Manvir Singh is also poised for a record fifth ISL final appearance and holds the record for the most ISL playoff matches played (18). He has netted five goals and provided four assists this season. Dimitrios Petratos, another crucial cog, has four goals and was on the scoresheet in last year’s final against Bengaluru FC.
In midfield, Anirudh Thapa has provided creativity and control with three assists, 18 key passes, and 55 recoveries. His battle with BFC’s Alberto Noguera will be a key factor in shaping the contest.
At the back, Subhasish Bose has been rock-solid, registering six goals, 46 interceptions (third-highest in the league), and 44 successful tackles (fourth-most). He’ll face a stern challenge from BFC winger Ryan Williams, who has seven goals and four assists in 21 matches.
Mohun Bagan have reached the final for a record third consecutive time and remain unbeaten at home in this campaign. They’ve also dominated the head-to-head against Bengaluru FC in the ISL, with seven wins in 11 matches, compared to BFC’s two.
Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, are playing in their fourth ISL final in just eight seasons. Having finished third in the standings, they have shown grit in the knockout stages, advancing past both eliminator and semi-final hurdles to book their ticket to the summit clash.
Speaking ahead of the final, BFC head coach Gerard Zaragoza said, “We are very motivated for the finals and excited for the game. Everything is fine. We are confident and Kolkata is almost like our second home, because we were here for the Durand Cup. We had a good playoffs and we are looking forward to the grand finale.”
Veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also reflected on his connection with the city. “As you know, my journey as a professional footballer started here and I was very lucky to be getting opportunities to play matches from the beginning. I am grateful for the journey. If you get an opportunity to play big games, big finals, in front of big crowds as a player, it’s a great experience and I am lucky to be here for the match in Kolkata.” He also acknowledged the Mariners’ dominance, saying, “Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been the standout team this season and there is no denying that, which is why they won the League Shield.”
Sunil Chhetri, who scored in the 2023 final, continues to be BFC’s talisman with 14 goals this season. Alberto Noguera, with five goals and four assists in 25 matches, has been in excellent form throughout the playoffs and will be vital in midfield.
Defensively, Rahul Bheke will anchor BFC’s backline. He’s registered 121 clearances—fourth-most in a single ISL season—and maintains an 85% passing accuracy with 1,095 successful passes. His battle with Jason Cummings could be one of the deciding factors of the match.
Ryan Williams, with his pace and dribbling, will test Bose’s defensive nous. The winger has created 33 chances this season and blends attacking verve with defensive contribution.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC: Head-to-Head
- Matches Played – 13
- Mohun Bagan wins – 10
- Bengaluru FC wins – 2
- Draws – 1
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – Team News
Mohun Bagan Super Giant are likely to have a fully fit squad available for their clash against Bengaluru FC.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant – Predicted Lineup (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper – Vishal Kaith
- Defenders – Asish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose
- Midfielders – Lalengmawaia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco
- Forwards – Jason Cummings, Jamie Maclaren
Bengaluru FC – Team News
Suresh Singh Wangjam and Vinith Venkatesh remain doubtful for Bengaluru FC’s clash against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Bengaluru FC – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
- Defenders – Namgyal Bhutia, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh, Naorem Roshan Singh
- Midfielders – Pedro Capo, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Alberto Noguera
- Forwards – Ryan Williams, Jorge Pereyra-Diaz, Edgar Mendez
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC: Prediction
With Mohun Bagan Super Giant boasting an unbeaten home record this season, a full-strength squad, and key players like Jason Cummings and Subhasish Bose in top form, they hold a slight edge. Bengaluru FC, though resilient and experienced in finals, may struggle if Suresh Singh Wangjam and Vinith Venkatesh are unavailable.
Prediction: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-1 Bengaluru FC
When and Where To Watch ISL 2024-25 Final LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The 2024-25 ISL Final clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC is set to take place at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.
Fans can catch the action live on Sports 18, while streaming will be available on Jio Hotstar. International viewers can also tune in via the OneFootball app.
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FAQs
When and where is the ISL 2024-25 final between Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC?
The final will be held on Saturday at 7:30 PM IST at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Who are the key players to watch in the ISL 2024-25 final?
For Mohun Bagan: Jason Cummings, Subhasish Bose, and Anirudh Thapa. For Bengaluru FC: Sunil Chhetri, Ryan Williams, and Alberto Noguera.
What is the head-to-head record between Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC in ISL?
In 11 ISL meetings, MBSG have won 7 times, BFC twice, and 2 matches have ended in draws.
Are there any injury concerns ahead of the final?
Mohun Bagan are expected to have a fully fit squad, while Bengaluru FC have doubts over Suresh Singh Wangjam and Vinith Venkatesh.
Who won the last ISL final between Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC?
Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Bengaluru FC in the ISL 2022-23 final via penalties.
