In recent years, this fixture has become synonymous with the height of Indian football rivalry. In the last four seasons, Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC have traded blows for top honours, with each team taking their share of trophies.
Mumbai City FC dominated the 2020-21 season, winning both the League Shield and the Cup, leaving Mohun Bagan SG in their wake. In the 2022-23 season, Mumbai City FC once again clinched the Shield, only to be upstaged by the Mariners in the ISL Playoffs. Last season the trend of competitive duels continued, in which both teams won a trophy each.
The first game of the 2024-25 season promises another chapter in this exciting rivalry. Historically, Mumbai City FC have had the advantage, winning seven of the ten meetings between the two teams.
However, Mohun Bagan SG's recent triumph in the Shield final, along with their victory in the Durand Cup 2023, suggests that they are more than capable of challenging Mumbai City FC's dominance.
Mumbai City's Bipin Singh has been a persistent thorn in Mohun Bagan SG's side. His impressive performances in previous finals and league matches have made him a player to watch. With four goals and two assists against the Kolkata giants, Singh's presence will be keenly felt by the Mariners.
On the other hand, Mohun Bagan SG's Jason Cummings has a notable record against Mumbai City FC, scoring in all three of his ISL appearances against them last season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial as the Mariners look to make their strengths come into play early in the season. Dimitri Petratos, who played a pivotal role in last season's Shield decider with two assists, will also be one to watch.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter are two former Mumbai City FC stars now wearing the Mohun Bagan SG jersey: Apuia and Greg Stewart. His successful spells with the Islanders have left a void that the new-look Mumbai City FC will need to address. The clash against their former team will be an important test for them and a chance to prove their worth in the Mariners setup.
The match will also feature a host of India's best football talents. Mumbai City FC has players like Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh, Mehtab Singh, Brandon Fernandes and recently Phurba Lachenpa, while Mohun Bagan SG's lineup includes Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco, Subhasish Bose, Apuia and Vishal Kaith . The presence of these national team regulars will ensure a high-quality spectacle for Indian football fans.
Although this match will not be for a trophy, there is a lot at stake. The points earned in this match could have significant implications for the League Shield race, given the strength of both teams. A win for either team could set the tone for their season and provide a crucial psychological advantage in what promises to be a closely contested campaign.
Mumbai City FC dominated the 2020-21 season, winning both the League Shield and the Cup, leaving Mohun Bagan SG in their wake. In the 2022-23 season, Mumbai City FC once again clinched the Shield, only to be upstaged by the Mariners in the ISL Playoffs. Last season the trend of competitive duels continued, in which both teams won a trophy each.
The first game of the 2024-25 season promises another chapter in this exciting rivalry. Historically, Mumbai City FC have had the advantage, winning seven of the ten meetings between the two teams.
However, Mohun Bagan SG's recent triumph in the Shield final, along with their victory in the Durand Cup 2023, suggests that they are more than capable of challenging Mumbai City FC's dominance.
Mumbai City's Bipin Singh has been a persistent thorn in Mohun Bagan SG's side. His impressive performances in previous finals and league matches have made him a player to watch. With four goals and two assists against the Kolkata giants, Singh's presence will be keenly felt by the Mariners.
On the other hand, Mohun Bagan SG's Jason Cummings has a notable record against Mumbai City FC, scoring in all three of his ISL appearances against them last season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial as the Mariners look to make their strengths come into play early in the season. Dimitri Petratos, who played a pivotal role in last season's Shield decider with two assists, will also be one to watch.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter are two former Mumbai City FC stars now wearing the Mohun Bagan SG jersey: Apuia and Greg Stewart. His successful spells with the Islanders have left a void that the new-look Mumbai City FC will need to address. The clash against their former team will be an important test for them and a chance to prove their worth in the Mariners setup.
The match will also feature a host of India's best football talents. Mumbai City FC has players like Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh, Mehtab Singh, Brandon Fernandes and recently Phurba Lachenpa, while Mohun Bagan SG's lineup includes Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco, Subhasish Bose, Apuia and Vishal Kaith . The presence of these national team regulars will ensure a high-quality spectacle for Indian football fans.
Although this match will not be for a trophy, there is a lot at stake. The points earned in this match could have significant implications for the League Shield race, given the strength of both teams. A win for either team could set the tone for their season and provide a crucial psychological advantage in what promises to be a closely contested campaign.
