Bengaluru FC had a remarkable turnaround in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, making significant strides compared to their previous campaign, where they ended 10th in the standings. Finishing third in the league table with 38 points from 24 matches, the club showed grit and fighting spirit under head coach Gerard Zaragoza. Their record of 11 wins and five draws reflected a side that had rediscovered its identity and competitive edge.

In the playoff quarter-finals, Bengaluru FC’s hunger was on full display as they thumped Mumbai City FC, the 2023-24 ISL Cup winners with a stunning 5-0 victory. The momentum continued in the semi-finals, where they edged past FC Goa 3-2 on aggregate to seal a spot in the final despite losing the second leg semi-final.

The summit clash, however, ended on a bittersweet note. Up against a formidable Mohun Bagan Super Giant side, Bengaluru FC fought valiantly but fell just short, losing 2-1. Despite the heartbreak in the final, Bengaluru FC’s campaign sent out a clear message that they’re back among the league’s elite.

Let’s take a closer look at how their ISL 2024-25 season unfolded.

Record

Pl: 24; W: 11; L: 8; D: 5; Pts: 38; GF: 40; GD: 31

Positives

BFC kicked off their ISL journey in emphatic fashion, keeping five consecutive clean sheets and storming to 16 points from their first six fixtures, a start that saw them top the table early on. This defensive steel, combined with Zaragoza’s disciplined structure, made them one of the toughest teams to break down.

But perhaps the biggest testament to their growth was their never-say-die attitude. After a January slump that saw five defeats in six games, Bengaluru FC regrouped and bounced back with three straight wins to seal a playoff berth. From there, they didn’t look back, taking down Mumbai City FC with authority and outlasting FC Goa over two legs in the semi-finals.

This was a trait that had been missing in the previous season but returned in abundance this time.

Negatives

The second half of the season carried its challenges. After establishing themselves as strong contenders for the Shield during the first half of the season, BFC struggled with inconsistency, leading to a drop in their standings. A mid-season slump saw them lose five out of six fixtures, which significantly impacted their position on the table. Despite these setbacks, the squad fought back and managed to clinch a place in the playoffs.

Best Player: Sunil Chhetri

At 40, Sunil Chhetri once again proved age is just a number. With 14 goals and two assists in 28 matches, the Bengaluru FC legend led from the front, not just in output but in example. His sharp movement, calm finishing, and relentless work rate stood out, as did his discipline: no yellow or red cards all season. With 1,964 minutes played, he was not just a key figure on the pitch but also a key leader of the team.

Best young player: Vinith Venkatesh

Among the emerging stars, 19-year-old Vinith Venkatesh announced himself as one to watch. With one goal and two assists across 19 appearances, he brought energy and composure to their midfield. A pass accuracy of 79%, impressive dribbling, and tenacity in tackles showed maturity beyond his years. Venkatesh’s impact on both ends of the pitch gave the Blues a much-needed boost in key moments.

What do they need next season?

While the 2024-25 season ended without silverware, Bengaluru FC can take immense pride in the progress they’ve made. Head coach Zaragoza, speaking after the ISL Cup final defeat, insisted that the loss would make his side stronger.

To build on this momentum, Bengaluru FC needed to strengthen their squad depth. Their mid-season slump, which saw them lose five out of six games, exposed a lack of quality beyond their first-choice eleven. As fatigue and injuries crept in, the absence of reliable alternatives hurt their consistency. Strengthening the bench across positions will be crucial for sustaining a title challenge across a long and demanding season.

Equally important will be replacing the experience and leadership of Aleksandar Jovanovic, who is set to retire at the end of the season. His influence at the back was immense and finding a seasoned defensive figure who can marshal the backline and mentor the younger players will be key.

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Bengaluru FC2024-2025 Vinith VenkateshSunil Chhetri