ISL Final: What Happened The Last Time Mohun Bagan Super Giant Faced Bengaluru FC In A Summit Clash?

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As the Indian Super League (ISL) gears up for the high-voltage 2024-25 final between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bengaluru FC, let's revisit the last time these two powerhouses clashed in the summit showdown. It was March 2023 - a night that etched itself into ISL history as one of the most thrilling finals ever played.

In the 2022-23 season finale, Mohun Bagan, then under the guidance of Spanish tactician Juan Ferrando, edged past Bengaluru FC in a dramatic penalty shootout.

After a pulsating 2-2 draw at the end of extra time, the Mariners triumphed 4-3 in the tiebreaker to lift the ISL Cup for the first time in their current avatar.

The match had everything - intensity, drama, and nerves of steel. Dimitri Petratos was the star for Mohun Bagan, converting twice from the spot during regulation time. For Bengaluru FC, talisman Sunil Chhetri and Fijian striker Roy Krishna found the net, keeping their side in the contest till the very end.

Bengaluru FC had arrived in the final as dark horses. Despite finishing fourth in the league standings, they found momentum at the perfect time. Under Simon Grayson, the Blues stitched together an incredible 11-match unbeaten run, powered by a blend of experienced stalwarts - Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, Javi Hernandez, and the evergreen Chhetri. Their grit and resilience made them a force to be reckoned with.

Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, were organized and tactically astute. Their gameplay revolved around Petratos' clinical finishing and Hugo Boumous' creativity in midfield. The team's ability to absorb pressure and strike on the counter proved crucial throughout the season - and especially so in the final.

The clash was more than just a match - it was a spectacle. It wasn't just about 90 or even 120 minutes of football. It was about pride, tradition, and writing history.

Fast forward to today, and the two sides prepare to meet again in the 2024-25 final - but much has changed. New head coaches, refreshed squads, and evolved playing styles. Yet, the rivalry burns just as bright. While Mohun Bagan now chase a historic double, Bengaluru FC aim for redemption.

Back then, the Mariners had the last laugh. But in football, history is always waiting to be rewritten. As these two sides prepare for another chapter in their fierce rivalry, one thing is certain - if the last final was anything to go by, fans are in for another classic.