ISL Final: Dominant Mohun Bagan Faces Resilient Bengaluru with Title at Stake
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Synopsis
On April 12, Mohun Bagan Super Giant faces Bengaluru FC in the ISL 2024-25 final at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. MBSG, the League Shield winners, will face third-place Bengaluru FC, who overcame challenges to secure their spot in this decisive showdown.
Key Takeaways
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant aims for the ISL Cup after winning the League Shield.
- Bengaluru FC has reached its fourth ISL final in eight seasons.
- Excitement surrounds the final, with both teams showcasing strong motivation.
- Local connection is vital for players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
- MBSG looks to maintain their unbeaten home record.
Kolkata, April 11 (NationPress) The Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) is set to battle Bengaluru FC in the grand finale of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, a thrilling encounter that promises to deliver high drama at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on Saturday (April 12). MBSG has clinched the League Shield, while Bengaluru FC secured a third-place finish in the league standings and navigated successfully through the Eliminator and semifinal rounds to reach this pivotal match.
During the pre-match press conference in Kolkata, Mohun Bagan Super Giant Head Coach, Jose Molina, emphasized the necessity of moving forward rather than dwelling on the past. “I do not focus on previous outcomes. My goal is to give my best for Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Winning the League Shield was significant, and we are eager to add the ISL Cup to our achievements. Losing last year’s final doesn't require additional motivation; we are already driven to succeed,” he stated.
This marks the fourth ISL final appearance for Bengaluru FC in a mere eight seasons, while MBSG has become the inaugural team to reach this stage three consecutive times. This match is a repeat of the ISL 2022-23 finale, where these two teams faced off, with the Kolkata-based side triumphing through penalties in a tightly contested match.
Bengaluru FC Head Coach Gerard Zaragoza, who showcased camaraderie by translating questions for Molina, expressed his excitement about the final in Kolkata. “We are highly motivated for the finals and look forward to the game. Everything is in order. We are confident, and Kolkata feels almost like a second home to us since we participated in the Durand Cup. We performed well during the playoffs and are eager for the grand finale,” he remarked.
His thoughts were echoed by BFC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who fondly recalled his long-standing connection with the city. “This is where my professional football journey commenced, and I consider myself fortunate to have had opportunities to play here from the start. Playing big matches in front of enthusiastic crowds is a great experience, and I feel privileged to compete here in Kolkata,” he mentioned.
Gurpreet also acknowledged the prowess of their opponents, stating, “Mohun Bagan Super Giant has been the standout team this season, which is evident in their League Shield victory.”
Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant captain Subhasish Bose, affectionately referred to as a striker by Molina due to his goal-scoring prowess this season, highlighted the significance of the venue as a local player. “Playing in front of our home fans is always exhilarating. I hope our supporters back us enthusiastically against Bengaluru FC tomorrow,” he shared.
The team aims to replicate their previous success in front of a passionate home crowd, while Bengaluru FC will draw confidence from their recent form, hoping to disrupt MBSG’s unbeaten home record during this campaign.
