Bhubaneswar, Apr 22 (UNI) After a day's break, the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 returns on Wednesday with a double-header featuring three Indian Super League (ISL) teams—all eyeing a spot in the final eight.
The day starts with ISL Cup runners-up Bengaluru FC taking on I-League runners-up Inter Kashi in the opening clash.
Later in the evening, Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC will go head-to-head in what promises to
be a high-octane showdown.
With knockout spots on the line, both fixtures are expected to bring plenty of intensity and drama. Here's what to expect from the two crucial matchups.
Bengaluru FC enter the competition with an eye on the silverware after narrowly missing out on the ISL Cup. The Blues hold a slight edge in their head-to-head record against Inter Kashi, having registered one win and one draw in their two encounters.
Gerard Zaragoza’s side finished third in the ISL with 38 points, secured through 11 wins and 5 draws. They also enjoyed a terrific run in the ISL playoffs—only to fall short in the final, where they were narrowly beaten in extra time. That heartbreak has left them hungry for redemption.
On the other hand, Inter Kashi have been on a solid run themselves, finishing second in the I-League with 39 points from 22 matches, including 11 wins.
However, defensive frailties have plagued them lately, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet in their last six outings. A 3–1 win over Rajasthan United FC in their final league game offers some momentum, and they’ll look to build on that as they take on the ISL heavyweights.
The later match sees Mumbai City FC take on Chennaiyin FC in a clash steeped in history, with the Islanders holding a clear head-to-head advantage, winning 15 encounters compared to Chennaiyin FC’s seven.
Interestingly, Mumbai City FC are currently on a remarkable 13-match unbeaten streak against Chennaiyin FC across all competitions, including a win and a draw in this season’s ISL.
That said, Mumbai City FC's recent form has been shaky. They have managed just one win in their last six games and were handed a heavy 5–0 defeat by Bengaluru FC in their most recent outing. They finished the ISL season in sixth place with 36 points, recording nine wins and nine draws.
Chennaiyin FC, meanwhile, endured a challenging season as well, finishing 11th with just 28 points. Their form has been inconsistent, though a morale-boosting 2–1 win over Punjab FC in their last match offered a glimmer of hope. With eight wins and four draws, they’ll be looking to build on that momentum and pull off an upset against a formidable Mumbai side.
With the league campaign behind them, both teams will have a keen eye on the Kalinga Super Cup as an opportunity to end their season on a high.
UNI BM