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Reigning ISL champions Mohun Bagan SG are set to travel to Bhubaneswar to face Odisha FC in the first leg of the league semi-finals on Tuesday, April 23.
This blockbuster clash is set to be one of the most entertaining fixtures this season, with both sides also having played in the AFC Cup earlier this year. Additionally, this matchup was part of the playoff games last season, when Mohun Bagan SG secured a 2-0 victory on their way to winning the coveted trophy.
Odisha FC are on the back of a 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the playoffs, which also secured their place in the final four for the first time in their history. The Blasters netted the opening goal, but a late goal from Diego Mauricio took the game to extra time. Isak Ralte then scored the winner, as the Juggernauts went into a frenzy.
Odisha also boast an unbeaten record at the Kalinga Stadium in the ISL. They will hope they can maintain that momentum at home. Head coach Sergio Lobera expressed his confidence in his players ahead of the semi-final clash. He said:
"It’s a different game but we have competed well against them in the last four outings. And tomorrow’s game is not about the individual performance, it’s all about the performance of the team. Our focus is to be loyal in our style of play. We don’t need to change anything, just be careful as we know how good they are as a team."
Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan SG are fresh off winning the ISL Shield, having defeated Mumbai City FC 2-1 in the title decider clash at the Salt Lake Stadium. The celebrations were immense, given that the team will also play in the AFC Champions League 2 next season. However, they will now have their full focus on retaining the ISL title.
In the four encounters with Odisha this season, Mohun Bagan only won once, with that victory coming in September during the AFC Cup. Odisha then put an end to their continental journey, while the two ISL games have ended in a draw.
While the Juggernauts may have the mental advantage, Mohun Bagan look like a different team under Antonio Habas and walk into this clash as favorites. Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Habas said:
"We need to prepare for this match as any league match, we need to win this match in the 90 minutes. We can’t think about the second leg, that is how we think about it. This semi-final is very difficult to win in the first leg, but we should not lose it in the first match."
Odisha FC vs Mohun Bagan SG: Head-to-head record
Matches played: 23
OFC wins: 3
Draws: 10
MBSG wins: 10
Result in the previous fixture: Odisha FC 0-0 Mohun Bagan SG
Odisha FC vs Mohun Bagan SG: Top goalscorers in the 2023-24 ISL season
Odisha FC: Roy Krishna (12 goals in 23 games)
Kerala Blasters FC: Dimitri Petratos (10 goals in 20 games)
Odisha FC vs Mohun Bagan SG: Stats and numbers from the 2023-24 Indian Super League season
Most saves: Amrinder Singh (69), Vishal Kaith (45)
Most assists: Amey Ranawade (6), Manvir Singh (7)
Most shots per 90: Diego Mauricio (3.0), Armando Sadiku (4.4)
Most clearances: Mourtada Fall (75), Hector Yuste (74)
