Will Mohun Bagan rack up the Domestic Double or CLL will have a memorable season ? Mohun Bagan SG vs Bengaluru FC – ISL Cup Final Preview.

byAnik Nandi -

 Will Mohun Bagan rack up the Domestic Double or CLL will have a memorable season ?

Picture courtesy - ISL Media


“Team bonding and winning mentality is the mystery to our successful run.” – Captain Subhasish Bose.

While winning the ISL Shield and becoming Champions of India isn’t a distant memory, Mohun Bagan has another trophy on the line. The final game of ISL Season 2024-25 is on this Saturday, 12th April, 2025 as Mohun Bagan play the ISL Cup Final at their home stadium, VYBK against the fiery Bengaluru FC. Can the Mariners secure another trophy for their cabinet in this record-breaking season or will Bengaluru FC take revenge for the 2022-23 ISL Cup Final? Let’s find out!

5 Key Things to Look out for this ISL Final: -

   1. Masterminds at work - Jose Molina and Gerard Zaragoza :

Picture Courtesy - ISL Media

It’s been a long season for both the clubs and it’s the final game on the line. Both coaches will have their tricks up their sleeves that might bring the difference in this high-intensity match. While Bengaluru FC has been the only team to stump Mohun Bagan at the away game this season, they met their match soon after at VYBK. 

From fielding new lineups to trying out new strategies, Molina ball has been successful and impressive to witness. On the other hand, Gerard has brought his team to the final, which earns him enough credit to be called a mastermind.   

2.      2. Clutch Paglu - Lalengmawia Ralte :

Picture courtesy - MBFT & MB HUB Media

The man of the moment, Apuia, has been phenomenal this entire ISL season. By scoring his debut goal in the last match, he secured the Final berth for Mohun Bagan. He will be in control of the midfield as skilled midfielders of The Blues in the names of Alberto Noguera and Pedro Capo will be needed to be kept on leash.

3.      3. The Aaram-se Approach – Jason Cummings :

Picture Courtesy - MBFT & SoccerMonk Media
The Joker scored for Mohun Bagan in the last two matches and he is in terrific form. From developing the attack to scoring goals, the Aussie World Cupper will surely turn up to put the ball in the back of the net. All the hard work both on and off the field makes the game look easy. With all his focus on the final, his aim will be to lift the ISL Cup in aaram-se style.  

4.      4. The Defensive Wall – Alberto Rodriguez and Tom Aldred :

Picture Courtesy _ ISL & MBSG Media
The Wall has stood the test of time and it is the final test which will prove them to be the best defensive duo in the history of ISL. They will need to be in a tandem arrangement to stop Bengaluru FC’s strong attack from piercing Mohun Bagan’s defensive shield.

5.      5. Bengaluru FC’s GOAT Performer - Sunil Chhetri :

Picture courtesy - ISL & BFC Media
This Indian football legend needs no introduction. This small box packs a punch of dynamite, ready to explode. An injury time goal from him in the previous match came in clutch to take the team to the finals and he will be there to take the team all the way.   

-: Tactical Analysis : -

Bengaluru FC will field a 4-3-3 lineup as usual. With Ryan, Edgar and Sunil up front, their formidable attack looks troublesome to deal with. While Ryan is fast on his feet to receive through passes, Edgar is on his toes in the box to look for gaps in defense to score. 

Picture Courtesy - ISL & BFC Media
Sunil’s anticipation and ability to score makes him a dangerous striker too. In the midfield, The Blues will miss Suresh as CDM due to injury concerns and field a substitute in the likes of Fanai. Up ahead in the midfield, Pedro Capo and Alberto Noguera are constants. 

While Pedro is responsible of controlling the midfield and maintaining possession, Noguera is more focused on delivering through passes and applying pressure in the attacking third as he is also capable of shooting from the edge of the box. In defense, its an all-Indian lineup with Gurpreet at goal- strong but not enough to withstand Mohun Bagan’s volley of attacks.

Picture Courtesy - ISL & BFC Media
As for the Mariners, Molina will field a 4-2-3-1 lineup with National Team Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith in the starting XI. The Wall will be accompanied by Captain Bose and Asish Rai on the left back and right back respectively. 

This defense is the strongest amongst all team this ISL, which is more than enough to deal with BFC’s attacks. After an amazing performance in the last two matches, Anirudh Thapa will retain his spot in the midfield along side Apuia to represent the team in vibrant Green and Maroon colors. Both will work together to maintain possession and develop attacks. 

Picture Courtesy - MBFT & SoccerMonk Media
Ashique performed splendidly in the 2nd leg of the Semi final which might be not enough to convince the coach to start him on the left wing in the final as Molina might stick to his tried and tested winger duo of Liston and Manvir. As Manvir Singh is the natural Right Winger, he will replace Ashique if he is fully fit to perform. As CAM, Jason will work in unison with Macca, who will play the main striker role, to score the deciding goals for the team.  

Predicted Lineups: -

Mohun Bagan Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vishal Kaith(GK), Ashish Rai-Tom Aldred- Alberto Rodriguez- Subhasish Bose(C), Anirudh Thapa-Apuia, Liston Colaco- Jason Cummings – Manvir Singh, Jamie Maclaren. 

Coach: Jose Francisco Molina.

Bengaluru FC Predicted XI (4-3-3): Gurpreet Singh Sandhu(GK), Naorem Roshan Singh-Chinglensana Singh-Rahul Bheke(C)- Namgyal Bhutia, Lalremtluanga Fanai - Pedro Capó - Alberto Noguera, Ryan Williams-Sunil Chhetri- Edgar Mendez.

Coach: Gerard Zaragoza.

 The VYBK, filled in full capacity in the colours of Green and Maroon, with thousands of fans screaming at the top of their voice will send shivers down the spine of any opponent. The 12th Man will play a significant role in this high-stakes match to back the team at home. Mohun Bagan always steps on the field to win and on Saturday, Bengaluru FC will attempt to stop us. Let’s witness history in the making as both the teams fight to emerge victorious.

Kick OFF:  12th April, 2025, 7:30 PM IST

Venue:  Vivekananda YuvaBharati krirangan (VYBK) or Salt Lake stadium, Salt Lake, kolkata, India.

Live Stream:  Star sports 3(TV), Sports 18 khel(TV), JioStar(India OTT Stream), One Football (International OTT Stream)

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