How Bengaluru FC can win Kalinga Super Cup 2025?

Bengaluru FC are facing Inter Kashi in the round of 16 fixture on April 22.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC have enjoyed a unique bounce-back season while nearly missing out in the ISL Final. The Blues fell short on the final hurdle as Mohun Bagan Super Giant came from behind to walk out 2-1 winners.

However, Gerard Zaragoza’s men have one final opportunity to win some silverware this season, when they begin their Kalinga Super Cup 2025 campaign on April 22.

Let us look at how Bengaluru FC can possibly win the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 title this season:

Bengaluru FC have a tricky first opponent

The Blues are gonna open their campaign with a tricky round of 16 fixture against potential I-League champions Inter Kashi. The Kashi Warriors were impressive in the recently concluded I-League season and will be keen to show their quality against Bengaluru FC.

While they can be a tricky outfit coached by former Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Antonio López Habas, the Blues should have a comfortable outing against them. Edgar Mendez and Ryan Williams could prove to be decisive players against an Inter Kashi defense which will pushed and tested to the limit.

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The Blues will face a tough quarterfinal game

If Bengaluru FC successfully gets past Inter Kashi, they might face either Mumbai City FC or Chennaiyin FC in the quarterfinals. While Mumbai will be the favorites to progress from their round of 16 game, Chennaiyin will be determined to build on the emphatic end to their season.

While Mumbai City FC got battered 5-0 by the Blues in the knockout round of the ISL playoffs, the Marina Machans won 5-2 over Jamshedpur FC in their final ISL outing. Any of the two teams can cause problems for Bengaluru FC, however, the Blues will be favorites to get the better of both teams.

A semifinals disappointment can be a cruel reality for Bengaluru FC

The semifinals can see the Blues facing either NorthEast United FC or Jamshedpur FC if results progress based on the current form of their respective opponents. Either side presents a difficult challenge for Bengaluru FC, even in their current imperious form.

A matchup against NorthEast United FC will feature players like Alaeddine Ajaraie, Jithin M.S. and Macarton Louis Nickson, who can be dangerous on their day. While coach Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC featuring ex-Bengaluru FC midfielder Javi Hernandez and defender Stephen Eze can make things challenging for the Blues.

Based on current form and how both teams have fared against Bengaluru in the ISL, the Blues might sneak their way past either side to the Kalinga Super Cup Final.

Will Bengaluru FC lift their second Kalinga Super Cup trophy?

Bengaluru FC will be facing the winner of the other side of the bracket, featuring teams like Mohun Bagan Super Giant, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC or defending champions East Bengal FC. While any of these teams will be a tricky challenge for the Blues, FC Goa and East Bengal FC might be the most realistic challengers in the Final.

While Mohun Bagan Super Giant reportedly will not be fielding any of their star foreign players for the tournament and Kerala Blasters FC will be under new management with David Catalá, the Gaurs and the Torchbearers might capitalise on this potential situation.

However, having broken Gaurs’ hearts in the ISL playoffs and completed the league double over Kerala Blasters FC, the Blues will be favourites going into the Final if results happen for this possibility.

With less than 48 hours remaining for the start of the Kalinga Super Cup action, Bengaluru FC enter the tournament as the favourites to win it all. Gerard Zaragoza will be keen to cap off his first season as head coach with some silverware in Bhubaneswar in early May.

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