On Tuesday, Bengaluru FC will face Odisha FC at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala, to determine the winner of the Hero Super Cup 2023.
A win for the Juggernauts would be their first ever silverware, while a win for the Blues would be their second, after winning the first edition in 2018.
The Blues have reached three finals out of a possible three this season and will be seeking for their second title, having won the Durand Cup earlier in the season. However, the Blues will face a tenacious Odisha FC team that has rediscovered its lost sparkle under current head coach Clifford Miranda.
Odisha FC
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The Juggernauts have recovered from their 2-0 setback to ATK Mohun Bagan in the Hero ISL playoffs. The momentum is unquestionably in their favour, as they enter this match on the strength of three consecutive victories, including a 1-1 draw with East Bengal FC in the first group stage game of the Hero Super Cup. Miranda’s team rallied from a goal down to defeat NorthEast United FC 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Bengaluru FC
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Bengaluru FC advanced to their third final of the 2022-23 season after defeating Jamshedpur FC 2-0 in the semi-finals, with to goals from Jayesh Rane and Sunil Chhetri. In the Hero Super Cup group stage, the Blues managed two draws and a victory. Simon Grayson’s squad, known for their defensive tenacity, has so far maintained two clean sheets in the competition.
Read More :- How Bengaluru FC overcome a difficult journey to reach the Hero Super Cup final?
Head-to-Head Competition
This season, the two clubs have played three times, with Bengaluru FC winning twice and Odisha FC winning the other. In the Hero ISL, they both won their home matches, while the Blues defeated the Juggernauts in the Durand Cup quarter-finals, with to Roy Krishna’s 121st-minute winner.
On Tuesday, they will meet for the 14th time; the Blues having won eight of the previous games against Odisha FC’s four. There has only been one draw between the two teams.
Significant Players
Bengaluru FC
Javi Hernandez
Javi Hernandez, the midfield maestro for Bengaluru FC, has been a standout for his team this season. His ability to dislodge opponents is nothing short of miraculous. The 32-year-old has two goals this season and is known for pulling the strings behind attacker Roy Krishna.
Sunil Chhetri
The goal-scoring machine has a propensity for finding the back of the net. A goal against Jamshedpur FC in the semi-finals will undoubtedly enhance his confidence ahead of the big game. The Indian international has formed an ideal relationship with Krishna, which might be disastrous for Odisha FC’s defence.
Odisha FC
Diego Mauricio
Mauricio is Odisha FC’s most explosive goal-scoring threat. The Hero ISL Golden Boot winner has also been impressive in the Hero Super Cup. The Brazilian has three goals in the competition thus far and will undoubtedly look to add to that total in the final against Bengaluru FC. The Brazilian has a total of 17 goals in all competitions.
Nandhakumar Sekar Sekar has been a revelation for Odisha Football Club. This season, the winger appeared in 20 Hero ISL games for the Juggernauts, scoring six goals and registering one assist. The 27-year-old has had an outstanding season in the Hero Super Cup, scoring four goals, including a brace against the Highlanders in the semi-final.
Match times and telecast information
Bengaluru FC vs. Odisha FC
25th of April, 2023
EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala
Time of start: 7:00 p.m. IST
Sony Sports Network will broadcast the game.
Streaming Online: FanCode
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