The Indian Super League (ISL) is synonymous with thrilling football, and few fixtures capture the intensity of the competition like the clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups are always a topic of heated discussion among fans, as these two powerhouses bring a blend of tactical nous, star power, and passionate support to the pitch.
A Rivalry Rooted in Excellence
Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC are two of the ISL’s most successful clubs, with a combined total of five league titles and multiple cup triumphs. Mohun Bagan, based in Kolkata, boast a rich legacy and a fervent fanbase, while Bengaluru FC, hailing from the Garden City, are known for their disciplined approach and consistent playoff appearances. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups are critical to this rivalry, as both teams field a mix of seasoned internationals and promising Indian talents.
In the 2024-25 ISL season, the two sides met three times: twice in the league phase (September 28, 2024, and January 27, 2025) and once in the ISL final (April 12, 2025). These matches showcased contrasting fortunes, with Bengaluru dominating early and Mohun Bagan clinching the title in a dramatic final. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups played a pivotal role in shaping these outcomes.
Recent Encounters: A Tale of Revenge and Redemption
September 28, 2024: Bengaluru FC 3-0 Mohun Bagan Super Giant
The first meeting of the season at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium saw Bengaluru FC deliver a masterclass, defeating Mohun Bagan 3-0. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups highlighted Bengaluru’s tactical superiority, with coach Gerard Zaragoza’s 4-2-3-1 formation overwhelming Mohun Bagan’s 4-2-3-1 setup under Jose Molina. Bengaluru’s goals came from Sunil Chhetri, Ryan Williams, and Edgar Méndez, with Mohun Bagan struggling to create chances.
Bengaluru’s midfield, led by Alberto Noguera and Suresh Singh Wangjam, controlled the tempo, while Mohun Bagan’s defense, including Subhasish Bose and Tom Aldred, was exposed by Bengaluru’s quick transitions. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups showed Bengaluru’s depth, with substitutes like Jorge Pereyra Díaz adding dynamism.
January 27, 2025: Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 Bengaluru FC
The return fixture at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium saw Mohun Bagan exact revenge with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups reflected both teams’ intent to secure crucial points. Mohun Bagan stuck with their 4-2-3-1, with Greg Stewart replacing Anirudh Thapa in midfield, while Bengaluru maintained their 4-2-3-1 but missed the spark from their earlier encounter.
Liston Colaco’s 74th-minute goal, a curling effort assisted by Dimitri Petratos, proved decisive. Mohun Bagan’s defense, anchored by Vishal Kaith and Subhasish Bose, held firm against Bengaluru’s late pressure. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups showcased Mohun Bagan’s improved cohesion and tactical discipline.
April 12, 2025: ISL Final – Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-1 Bengaluru FC
The ISL 2024-25 final at Salt Lake Stadium was a blockbuster, with Mohun Bagan clinching a 2-1 victory after extra time. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups were tailored for the high-stakes occasion, with both teams fielding their strongest XIs. Mohun Bagan’s 4-2-3-1 relied on Jason Cummings and Jamie Maclaren upfront, while Bengaluru’s 4-2-3-1 leaned on Sunil Chhetri and Ryan Williams.
The match saw an own goal by Mohun Bagan’s Alberto Rodríguez (49’) give Bengaluru the lead, but Jason Cummings equalized with a penalty in the 72nd minute. Jamie Maclaren’s 96th-minute strike in extra time sealed the title for Mohun Bagan. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups underlined the fine margins that decided this epic final.
Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Shaped the Game
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups revealed distinct tactical approaches. Mohun Bagan’s 4-2-3-1 emphasized midfield control and attacking versatility, with Greg Stewart and Dimitri Petratos creating chances for Jamie Maclaren and Jason Cummings. Their defense, led by Subhasish Bose and Tom Aldred, improved significantly after the September loss, with Vishal Kaith’s goalkeeping proving crucial in tight moments.
Bengaluru FC’s 4-2-3-1 relied on quick transitions and wing play, with Ryan Williams and Edgar Méndez exploiting the flanks. Alberto Noguera’s playmaking was central to their midfield dominance in the first match, but Mohun Bagan’s adjustments in the later games neutralized this threat. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups highlighted Bengaluru’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the final, where they struggled to contain Mohun Bagan’s attacking substitutions.
Full Scorecard Breakdown
Below is a detailed breakdown of the three matches, highlighting the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups, key events, and player performances.
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Match Details |
Bengaluru FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant (September 28, 2024) |
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC (January 27, 2025) |
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC (April 12, 2025) |
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Venue |
Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru |
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
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Final Score |
Bengaluru FC 3-0 Mohun Bagan Super Giant |
Mohun Bagan Super Giant 1-0 Bengaluru FC |
Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-1 Bengaluru FC (AET) |
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Mohun Bagan Lineup |
Starting XI: Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodríguez, Subhasish Bose (C), Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Greg Stewart, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren |
Starting XI: Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodríguez, Subhasish Bose (C), Lalengmawia Ralte, Greg Stewart, Liston Colaco, Dimitri Petratos, Sahal Abdul Samad, Jamie Maclaren |
Starting XI: Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodríguez, Subhasish Bose (C), Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Greg Stewart, Dimitri Petratos, Jamie Maclaren |
|
Bengaluru FC Lineup |
Starting XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Nikhil Poojary, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Alberto Noguera, Ryan Williams, Edgar Méndez, Pereyra Díaz, Sunil Chhetri (C) |
Starting XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Nikhil Poojary, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Alberto Noguera, Ryan Williams, Edgar Méndez, Pereyra Díaz, Sunil Chhetri (C) |
Starting XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Nikhil Poojary, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Alberto Noguera, Ryan Williams, Edgar Méndez, Pereyra Díaz, Sunil Chhetri (C) |
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Goals |
Sunil Chhetri (15’), Ryan Williams (35’), Edgar Méndez (62’) |
Liston Colaco (74’) |
Alberto Rodríguez (49’ – OG), Jason Cummings (72’ – Penalty), Jamie Maclaren (96’) |
|
Assists |
Ryan Williams (1), Alberto Noguera (1) |
Dimitri Petratos (1) |
Greg Stewart (1) |
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Key Moments |
– Chhetri’s early header sets the tone (15’) |
– Colaco’s curling effort wins it (74’) |
– Rodríguez’s own goal gives Bengaluru lead (49’) |
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Player of the Match |
Alberto Noguera (Bengaluru FC) |
Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) |
Jamie Maclaren (Mohun Bagan Super Giant) |
This table encapsulates the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups and the critical moments that defined these matches. Mohun Bagan’s ability to adapt after their early loss and Bengaluru’s attacking flair in the first match were standout features.
Key Players to Watch in the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC Lineups
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
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Jamie Maclaren: The Australian striker’s goal-scoring prowess was evident in the final, with his extra-time winner proving decisive. His movement is key in the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups.
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Greg Stewart: The Scottish midfielder’s creativity and vision make him a game-changer, with assists in crucial moments.
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Vishal Kaith: The goalkeeper’s heroics, particularly in the January match and final, have solidified Mohun Bagan’s defense.
Bengaluru FC
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Sunil Chhetri: The veteran striker remains Bengaluru’s talisman, with his goal in the September match showcasing his enduring quality.
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Alberto Noguera: The midfielder’s playmaking ability was pivotal in Bengaluru’s 3-0 win, making him a key figure in the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups.
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Ryan Williams: The winger’s pace and directness troubled Mohun Bagan’s defense, with a goal and assist in the first match.
Historical Context: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record between Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru is closely contested. In 16 previous meetings, Mohun Bagan have won 8, Bengaluru have won 6, and 2 matches have ended in draws. Mohun Bagan’s 31 goals to Bengaluru’s 24 give them a slight edge in attack. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups have often been the deciding factor, with tactical battles in midfield and key individual performances shaping results.
The 2024-25 season saw Mohun Bagan overcome their early defeat to claim the ISL title, but Bengaluru’s 3-0 win earlier in the season remains their heaviest loss under Jose Molina.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups sparked intense discussions on X. After the final, Mohun Bagan fans celebrated Jamie Maclaren’s heroics, with one post stating, “Maclaren and Kaith won us the title! #MBSG #ISLFinal.” Bengaluru supporters praised Sunil Chhetri’s leadership, with a user noting, “Chhetri gave his all, but Mohun Bagan’s lineup was too strong in the end. #BFC.”
The electric atmosphere at Salt Lake Stadium, with 59,112 fans for the final, added to the spectacle, with tifos and chants creating an unforgettable experience.
Tactical Takeaways and Future Prospects
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups highlighted Mohun Bagan’s resilience and ability to adapt after their early season setback. Jose Molina’s focus on midfield control and attacking substitutions proved decisive in the later matches. Bengaluru, despite their early dominance, struggled with consistency, particularly in defense, where they conceded crucial goals in the January match and final.
As the ISL evolves, both teams are likely to remain title contenders. Mohun Bagan’s depth, with players like Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad, gives them an edge, while Bengaluru will look to bolster their defense and capitalize on Chhetri’s experience. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups will continue to shape this rivalry in future seasons.
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Conclusion
The Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups defined the narrative of their 2024-25 ISL encounters. From Bengaluru’s dominant 3-0 win to Mohun Bagan’s gritty 1-0 victory and dramatic 2-1 triumph in the final, these matches showcased the tactical brilliance and individual heroics that make this fixture a highlight of the ISL. The full scorecard breakdown captures the key moments, with players like Jamie Maclaren, Vishal Kaith, and Sunil Chhetri leaving their mark.
As Mohun Bagan celebrate their ISL title and Bengaluru regroup for the next season, the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Bengaluru FC lineups will remain a focal point for fans and analysts. This rivalry, steeped in history and passion, promises more thrilling chapters in the years to come.
