Bhubaneswar, April 25 (NationPress) As the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 reaches its thrilling quarterfinal stage, Kerala Blasters FC is set to challenge the defending ISL Shield and Cup champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while FC Goa prepares to face Punjab FC on the opening day at the Kalinga Stadium this Saturday.

The previous Round of 16 encounters at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar yielded surprising outcomes, with defending champions East Bengal FC and last year’s runners-up Odisha FC being eliminated. In a stunning twist, I-League club Inter Kashi managed to defeat ISL 2024-25 cup runners-up Bengaluru FC through penalties.

On the other hand, ISL teams Mumbai City FC, recovering from a significant playoff loss, and NorthEast United FC made a bold statement with their respective victories against Chennaiyin FC (4-0) and Mohammedan Sporting (6-0).

The quarterfinals’ first day will showcase two of India’s most beloved clubs, as Kerala Blasters FC faces off against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while FC Goa takes on Punjab FC.

Kerala Blasters FC enters the first quarterfinal against Mohun Bagan SG with renewed vigor. This marks their debut in the quarterfinals of the Kalinga Super Cup, under the guidance of coach David Català, who was appointed just weeks prior to the tournament.

After overcoming the defending champions, the Blasters are buoyed by confidence as they prepare to face a Mohun Bagan squad that has incorporated several players from their developmental team. Nonetheless, Català acknowledges the strengths of the Green and Maroons.

“We will approach every match with the same mindset: to win. Focus is key,” stated Català. “Facing a younger MBSG team does not guarantee an advantage. They possess enough strength to compete with any team. They have skilled players and are the league and ISL Cup champions, so this match will be challenging.”

Mohun Bagan SG has yet to play in the competition, having received a bye in the Round of 16 following Churchill Brothers’ withdrawal. With a place in the AFC Champions League Two secured, Mohun Bagan SG is testing their younger squad members in the Kalinga Super Cup, appointing midfielder Deepak Tangri as captain.

Coach Bastab Roy, stepping in for José Molina, aims to maximize the tournament experience. “Our primary goal is to play, enjoy the game, and gauge how the young players manage at this level. We’re not pressuring them to win,” he explained. “We have trained for this tournament for about a week, and our team includes seasoned players like Deepak Tangri, Sahal Abdul Samad, Ashique Kuruniyan, and others. We are fortunate to face a formidable team like Kerala Blasters, one of the top teams in Indian football right now.”

The second quarterfinal consists of the teams that secured second place in the ISL standings, with FC Goa holding a distinct advantage. They have faced Punjab FC four times previously, remaining unbeaten. Punjab's best result against the Gaurs has been a draw.

Despite their favorable historical record, FC Goa remains cautious about Punjab FC. Head coach Manolo Márquez remarked, “It’s always challenging against Punjab FC in the ISL. This season, we were fortunate to win in Fatorda and secured a 1-0 victory away. I anticipate a closely contested match on Saturday. We analyzed their performance against Odisha FC in the Round of 16, and they demonstrated they are in excellent form. However, every match is crucial. We are optimistic but recognize that our previous victories were hard-fought.”

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis dismissed any overconfidence from their recent win against Odisha FC. “Our last victory against Odisha has no bearing on this match. Each game is unique, and we are solely focused on the upcoming match,” he stated.

Dilmperis emphasized the significance of patience against FC Goa. “We are up against a team that finished second in the ISL standings. They have quality players, a solid playing style, and an excellent coach. Given that this is a cup match, we might have a chance in penalties if it ends in a tie. Hence, patience and strategy will be crucial.”

Both matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports 3 and streamed on JioHotstar. Kerala Blasters FC vs Mohun Bagan SG kicks off at 4:30 PM IST, while FC Goa vs Punjab FC starts at 8 PM.