Bengaluru FC, founded in 2013, has been one of the most successful clubs in India, both in the domestic league and in AFC competitions. Since their inception, they have brought in a comprehensive professional model, which was unique and set an exemplary milestone for other clubs to follow.

Nicknamed the Blues, Bengaluru FC joined the Indian Super League (ISL) in the 2017-18 season, marking a significant step in the club’s history. Under the guidance of Albert Roca, former FC Barcelona assistant coach, they made it to the ISL Cup final in their first-ever season, setting a high standard from the beginning.

Despite missing the title in their debut, Bengaluru FC clinched the ISL Cup the following season and also finished at the league summit for back-to-back seasons. The Blues have also won the I-League, Federation Cup, Durand Cup, and Super Cup and finished as runners-up in the 2016 AFC Cup (becoming the first Indian side to reach the final), establishing themselves as one of the most decorated clubs within a relatively short period.

Since winning the ISL Cup in the 2018-19 season during Carles Cuadrat’s tenure, the trophy has remained elusive for the Blues over the years. With Cuadrat’s former assistant, Gerard Zaragoza, now at the helm of Bengaluru FC, the Spaniard will aim to bring back the glory days as they are gearing up to take on League Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ISL final on Saturday in Kolkata.

As a gigantic clash awaits in the City of Joy, let’s walk through the previous seasons where the Blues made it to the final.

ISL 2017-18 final

The Blues endured a heartbreaking loss in their first-ever ISL final as Chennaiyin FC edged out Bengaluru FC by a 3-2 scoreline.

Sunil Chhetri’s flying header handed an early lead to the hosts in the high-voltage match. However, the Marina Machans delivered a commanding fight back as they secured a comeback win to lift the Cup title for the second time.

Mailson Alves’s first-half brace brought John Gregory’s men back into the game. The Brazilian struck twice, thanks to his sharp heading prowess from corner kicks. Another Brazilian, Raphael Augusto, scored the third for the visitors with his precise strike from the edge of the box.

Despite Miku finding the back of the net in the stoppage, it ended up as a consolation as the Blues missed out on the opportunity to be crowned as ISL Cup winners in their debut season.

ISL 2018-19 final

A redemption season for Bengaluru FC, where the Blues scripted history by winning their first-ever ISL Cup. Boasting several match-winners in their squad and banking on Cuadrat’s tactical acumen, Bengaluru FC finally got the job done by securing a crucial victory against 10-man FC Goa.

It was a roller-coaster game in Mumbai where both teams had numerous clear-cut chances, but a lack of precision in the final third prevented them from scoring goals. Rahul Bheke headed home the winner in the most demanding situation as Bengaluru FC finally scored the most important goal from a routine set-piece move in the dying minutes of the second half of extra time.

This victory marked Bengaluru FC’s first and only achievement in the ISL thus far.

ISL 2022-23 final

Bengaluru FC demonstrated a remarkable resurgence as they won eight straight league stage matches to qualify for the ISL playoffs after struggling mid-season. Simon Grayson’s men got the better of Kerala Blasters FC in a knockout clash and then overcame Mumbai City FC in the semi-final to qualify for the final for the third time.

When two powerhouses of Indian football lock horns in an ISL final, it promised to be a thriller with MBSG taking on Bengaluru FC. There was nothing to separate both sides, as Dimitri Petratos and Sunil Chhetri’s goals from the spot saw the first half end on level terms.

Going into the second half, Roy Krishna put the Blues up front only for Petratos to equalise within seven minutes to go by scoring his second penalty goal of the match. Both sides generated a couple of chances in the extra time after 90 minutes of regular play, but the match headed into penalty shootouts, where the Mariners had the last laugh.

Bruno Ramires and Pablo Perez missed their penalties as the Blues lost to the Mariners by a 4-3 scoreline in the tiebreaker.