Mohun Bagan Super Giant Faces Off Against Bengaluru FC in Durand Cup Semi-Final Showdown

Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant meet former champions Bengaluru FC in the 2024 Durand Cup semi-final. Both teams are coming off thrilling quarter-final victories, and the match promises to be a gripping encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant return to their home ground to face former champions Bengaluru FC in the second semi-final of the 2024 Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday. The Mariners narrowly edged Punjab FC 6-5 in a sudden death shootout after a 3-3 draw in regulation time during the quarter-final. Excitement is high as the defending champions gear up for their semi-final clash against the 2022 Durand Cup champions Bengaluru FC.

A dramatic 95th-minute strike from Jorge Pereyra Diaz secured Bengaluru FC's 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters, booking their spot in the semi-finals, according to an Indian Super League (ISL) press release. The match kicks off at 5:30 PM, with Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina emphasizing that while Bengaluru FC possesses strong individual players, he is focused on the entire team. Molina noted that playing on their home ground would be an advantage and expressed confidence in his team's readiness despite missing key players Jamie Maclaren and Ashique Kuruniyan.

Mohun Bagan SG brought out their star players to overcome a resilient Punjab FC in the quarterfinals, with Suhail Bhatt, Manvir Singh, and Jason Cummings scoring in regulation time. For Bengaluru FC, their fine form continued with a last-minute victory over Kerala Blasters. Coached by Gerard Zaragoza, Bengaluru FC topped their group, scoring ten goals and conceding just two, thanks to the cohesive play of new signings Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Alberto Noguera along with captain Sunil Chhetri. Zaragoza highlighted the need for focus and praised his team's defensive efforts against Kerala Blasters, aiming to replicate that performance in the semi-final.

The winner between Mohun Bagan SG and Bengaluru FC will face NorthEast United in the Durand Cup final on Saturday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

(With inputs from agencies.)