The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season is set to begin with a highly anticipated clash between defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant and ISL Cup winners Mumbai City FC. The match will take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata at 7:30 pm IST on Friday, September 13.
Mohun Bagan has a strong track record in ISL season openers, having won both their previous openers against Kerala Blasters FC in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, their overall record against Mumbai City FC is less favorable, with just one win in ten meetings. That single victory, though, was significant as it came in the title-deciding match of the previous season.
Jose Molina’s Return to Indian Football This season, Mohun Bagan has appointed Jose Molina as their head coach. Molina, who previously coached ATK in 2016, returns to Indian football with high expectations. Known for his successful stint with ATK, leading them to an ISL title, Molina is now tasked with guiding Mohun Bagan to defend their championship.
In a pre-season interview, Molina expressed his excitement about returning to Indian football and taking charge of a prestigious club like Mohun Bagan. He acknowledged the growth in the quality of the league and the players since his previous stint and emphasized his commitment to winning the ISL title once again.
Petr Kratky’s Ambitions for Mumbai City FC, under the leadership of coach Petr Kratky, also enters the season with high ambitions. Kratky, who led the team to the ISL Cup last season, holds an impressive 68.42% win rate from the 19 matches he has managed. With the aim of clinching the ISL Shield this season, Kratky emphasized his team’s desire to win every game and their commitment to maintaining high standards throughout the season.
Both teams are expected to bring their best to the season opener, with fans eagerly awaiting a thrilling contest between two of the league’s strongest clubs.
Key Players
Mumbai City FC have a new captain in Lallianzuala Chhangte, following Rahul Bheke’s departure to Bengaluru FC. No player had delivered better expected goals (xG) value in ISL 2023-24 than Chhangte (10.93), with his 10 strikes last term being the most by any Indian player, while equalling his own record of as many goals in 2022-23.
Similarly, the Mariners will be banking on Jason Cummings to lead their frontline. Cummings had scored a goal once in every 106.7 minutes last season, the second best by any player (minimum 1000 minutes played) behind Dimitrios Diamantakos (102.5). His 11 goals in ISL 2023-24 had made him the 23rd player to score more than 10 goals in his debut season in the league.
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