Bengaluru FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan: Three key battles that could decide the ISL 2022-23 final

These clashes will certainly play a huge role in the outcome of the ultimate fixture.

The 2022-23 season of the Indian Super League is approaching its end. In the highly-anticipated final, Bengaluru FC will face ATK Mohun Bagan. The match is set to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on 18 March 2023. Whatever may be the outcome of the final, it is going to be an exciting end to a very entertaining season.

The curtain dropper will see the Blues, who went on an incredible winning run in the latter stage of the season, take on the Mariners who are finally playing to their strengths. There are going to be plenty of outstanding domestic and foreign players on the pitch representing both finalists. These individuals have played remarkably throughout the season and will aim to help their team lift the ISL trophy.

The duels will play a huge role in deciding the outcome of the final between Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan. Here are the three key battles one should keep an eye out for:

3. Dimitri Petratos vs Sandesh Jhingan

Dimitri Petratos leads ATK Mohun Bagan’s forward line by example. He is constantly working towards playing the ball to the wingers behind the full-backs, drops deep and also exploits gaps behind the defensive line. His deliveries from set-piece situations prove to be an extra threat and these qualities make him a dangerous player for the opposition.

Sandesh Jhingan is the in-form player in BFC’s defence. The centre-back will aim to stay close to Petratos and limit his involvement in the match. He will hope to take pointers from Odei Onaindia who did not let ATKMB’s striker score in either of the two legs in the semi-final.

2. Carl McHugh vs Javi Hernandez

The midfield battle often decides the outcome of a game. In the ISL 2022-23 finale, eyes will be on Carl McHugh of ATK Mohun Bagan and Javi Hernandez of Bengaluru FC. Both players are crucial to their team’s respective game-plans and must deliver a good performance to help their team to the title.

Javi Hernandez is the club’s top-scorer with seven strikes heading into the final. He also found the back of the net in the second leg of the semi-final against Mumbai City. His finishing quality and distribution make him a devastating attacker. Carl McHugh is the general in front of ATKMB’s defence who will provide it protection and stay close to Hernandez like a shadow.

1. Slavko Damjanovic vs Roy Krishna

Slavko Damjanovic is one of the most consistent players in ATKMB’s line-up. He uses his tall frame and body balance to dispossess forward players and makes clearances, thanks to his prowess in aerial duels. He will come up against a tricky opponent in Roy Krishna in the final.

The BFC striker loves to drift away on the channels or behind the centre-backs and pulls away defenders from their positions. His pace can cause issues for Damjanovic who would not prefer a sprint race against the former Mariner. This is one of the crucial duels that could play a significant role in the outcome of the game. 

In case Sunil Chhetri starts for BFC, it could spell further trouble for ATKMB’s defence as it will add more pressure on Damjanovic and he will need support from his fellow defenders such as Pritam Kotal. That is another duel fans should watch out for.