ISL 2022-23: Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan all set to face off in grand finale in Goa

The Indian Super League has reached its ultimate stage as the final is set to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Fatorda Stadium) in Goa between Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan FC on Saturday, March 18. Bengaluru come to the final after defeating Mumbai on penalties with a score of 9-8 and, on the other hand, Mohun Bagan defeated Hyderabad FC on penalties with a scoreline of 4-3.

Mohun Bagan has won the title most number of times, i.e.., three times. Juan Ferrando was hired to return the Mariners to trophy success, and he hopes to do so on Saturday.

ATK Mohun Bagan has edge over Bengaluru FC 

ATKMB hopes the second time is the charm for them after falling short to Mumbai City FC in the ISL final in 2021. Also, this victory can act as their entry ticket back into AFC contests. The winners of this match will compete in qualifiers for India’s participation in the AFC Cup.

Before the year 2022, few people would have predicted Bengaluru FC would go to the ISL final, let alone the playoffs. Under Simon Grayson, the Blues were having a pretty poor season, and nothing was working for them. The New Year Gods then looked favorably on them and gave the side a fresh start.

In 2023, Bengaluru FC had a winning streak of 11 games. They are by far the league’s most effective team. One of the victories came against ATKMB at the Salt Lake Stadium. The Blues are roaring and have a lot of momentum right now. To defeat the Mariners once more, they must keep up their confidence and determination as they have in recent games.

Head to Head:

If we talk about head to head, both teams have played six games so far in ISL history. Mohun Bagan have won four games, whereas, on the other hand, Bengaluru side have won only one and one match ended in a draw.

ATKMB Won – 4

BFC Won – 1

Draw – 1

Probable Playing XI:

Bengaluru FC : Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Prabir Das, Bruno Ramires, Sandesh Jhingan, Aleksandar Jovanovic, Naorem Roshan Singh, Suresh Wangjam, Rohit Kumar, Javi Hernandez, Roy Krishna, Sivasakthi Narayanan.

ATK Mohun Bagan FC: Vishal Kaith (GK), Asish Rai, Pritam Kotal, Slavko Damjanovic, Subhashish Bose, Glan Martins, Carl McHugh, Manvir Singh, Hugo Boumous, Liston Colaco, Dimitri Petratos.