ISL 2025-26: Blues face Islanders' challenge at fortress Kanteerava on Saturday
Bengaluru, April 24
As the Indian Super League enters Gameweek 10, Bengaluru FC play host to Mumbai City FC for their final home game of the 2025-26 season in the Indian Super League at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.
The Blues head into the fixture on the back of a gruelling away game at the VYBK against East Bengal FC last week, where they were held to a 3-3 draw, thanks to a last-minute equaliser by Anton Sojberg.
The Islanders' eight-game unbeaten streak came to an end as they went down 0-2 to FC Goa at the Fatorda, with goals from Sahil Tavora and Mohammed Nemil ensuring the Gaurs won back-to-back home games for the first time this season.
Life in the ISL for Blues' Head Coach Pep Munoz hasn't started as he would have wanted. With a draw and a loss in two games in charge, he will look to get maximum points this weekend as his side welcomes Petr Kratky's team on Saturday.
"We're playing against a team that is above us on the table, and tomorrow is going to be very crucial for both teams. I know that we have young players who are training very well, and I want to see them show that on the pitch too," said Head Coach Pep Muñoz at the pre-match press conference in Bengaluru.
A win on Saturday would catapult the Blues to second place on the table, provided results elsewhere go in their favour. "Obviously, there are four or five teams, and they all have a chance. The table could be completely different tomorrow, and the top six teams do have a shot at the title," said Blues defender Rahul Bheke.
With ten points in five games, two more than the hosts in the same period, Kratky will look to make the most of this visit to the Garden City to keep his side's title hopes alive. On the other hand, the Blues will look to end their home season on a positive note to keep pace in the title race.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone new to ISL, I'm amazed at how competitive this league is! Mumbai City's gone eight games unbeaten and they're still fighting for the title. This match could define the season for both teams.
Pep Munoz needs to sort out the midfield ASAP. We're leaking goals at crucial moments. Rahul Bheke is right, every game is make or break now. Come on Blues! 💙
Good to see young players getting a chance under Munoz. The ISL needs more Indian talent stepping up. But seriously, we need to win this - second place is still within reach if the other results go our way.
I've been following ISL from abroad and it's great to see Bengaluru FC maintaining their fortress reputation at Kanteerava. That home crowd is something else! Stop equating, start winning Blues!
Mumbai City are no pushovers but their unbeaten run just ended - that's a psychological blow. We need to press them high and early. Rahul Bheke has been solid at the back but the whole defense needs to step up. Come on Blues, let's finish strong at home! 💪
N Naveen S Pep Munoz saying We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.