Synopsis
Mohun Bagan Super Giant faces Odisha FC in ISL 2024-25, aiming for a historic title defense. Both teams have different motivations, with Bagan on the verge of a championship and Odisha striving for playoff qualification.Key Takeaways
- Mohun Bagan can make history by defending their title.
- Odisha FC seeks playoff qualification.
- Mariners boast the best defensive record.
- Odisha has a strong attacking presence.
- Both coaches emphasize the need for focus.
Kolkata, Feb 22 (NationPress) The Mohun Bagan Super Giant are preparing to face Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) this Sunday, with aspirations of becoming the first club to successfully defend the league title in the nation’s premier competition.
Currently leading the standings with 49 points from 21 matches, the Mariners require just a single victory to secure the title and defend their championship, making history as the first team to achieve this feat in the league’s existence. The second-placed FC Goa trails behind with 39 points from 20 games, and their maximum reachable total is 51 points if they win all remaining matches. A win for Mohun Bagan will elevate their points to 52, thus clinching the championship.
Odisha FC is eager to break into the playoff spots as they currently sit seventh with 29 points from 21 games. The sixth position is held by Mumbai City FC with 32 points, making the playoffs a viable target for the Juggernauts, who have historically struggled against the Mariners, failing to win in four attempts (D1 L3).
Odisha FC enters this match boasting a formidable attacking record, having scored 40 goals from inside the box this season, the highest in the league. However, they will face a tough challenge against Mohun Bagan, who have conceded only 11 such goals - the lowest in the league - and have achieved the most clean sheets (13) this term.
The Mariners have maintained clean sheets in their last five ISL matches. A shutout in this game would mark the first occurrence in ISL history of a team securing six consecutive clean sheets.
Coach Jose Molina’s squad has remained unbeaten in their last 10 home matches in the ISL, their longest streak in the competition. Only Bengaluru FC (19), Odisha FC (13), and Kerala Blasters FC (11) have longer unbeaten home runs.
Odisha FC won their previous ISL match at this venue, triumphing over East Bengal FC 2-1 on December 12, 2024. They now have the opportunity to achieve consecutive victories at this venue for the first time in ISL history.
The striker has netted 47 ISL goals and is just three away from becoming the fourth player to reach the 50-goal milestone in the competition; however, he has yet to score against the Mariners. Mauricio has contributed nine goals and six assists in the 2024-25 season.
The two teams have clashed 12 times in the competition, with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant securing five victories and Odisha FC winning once, while six matches ended in draws.
Coach Jose Molina dismissed the idea that his team could afford to relax in upcoming matches. “We are not in a position to take it easy. We need to continue fighting in every match,” he stated.
Head coach Sergio Lobera of Odisha FC emphasized the need for defensive discipline in the upcoming game. “We must find the right balance. We cannot afford to concede too many chances against this opponent as it may prove perilous,” he commented.
