Hero Super Cup Final: Bengaluru FC square off against Odisha FC for the trophy
The champion of the Hero Super Cup 2023 will be crowned on Tuesday, when Bengaluru FC take on Odisha FC at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala.
The champion of the Hero Super Cup 2023 will be crowned on Tuesday, when Bengaluru FC take on Odisha FC at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala.
A win for the Juggernauts can hand them their first-ever silverware in their history, while the Blues could lift their second one, after winning the first edition in 2018.
The Blues have made it to three out of possible three finals this season and will be vying for their second trophy, after lifting the Durand Cup earlier in the season. However, it won’t be easy for the Blues against a resilient Odisha FC side that has regained their lost charm under current head coach Clifford Miranda.
Form Guide
Bengaluru FC – WDWDL
Bengaluru FC’s 2-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC in the semi-final – courtesy of goals from Jayesh Rane and Sunil Chhetri – saw them reaching their third final of the 2022-23 season. The Blues managed two draws and a win in the group stage of the Hero Super Cup. Known for their defensive solidity, Simon Grayson’s side have kept two clean sheets in the competition so far.
Odisha FC – WWWDL
The Juggernauts have salvaged themselves after the 2-0 defeat to ATK Mohun Bagan in the Hero ISL playoffs. The momentum is certainly in their favour as they come into this tie on the back of three consecutive wins, after a 1-1 draw with East Bengal FC in the opening group stage game of the Hero Super Cup. Miranda’s side came back from a goal down to secure a comprehensive 3-1 victory over NorthEast United FC in the semi-final.
Head-to-Head Record
The two teams have met three times this season with Bengaluru FC winning twice and Odisha FC winning the other. They won their respective home ties in the Hero ISL campaign while the Blues got the better of the Juggernauts in their Durand Cup quarter-final encounter, courtesy of Roy Krishna's 121st-minute winner.
Overall, it will be their 14th meet on Tuesday – the Blues have won eight of the past encounters, to Odisha FC’s four. The two sides have played out a draw only on one occasion.
Key Players
Bengaluru FC
Javi Hernandez
Bengaluru FC’s midfield maestro Javi Hernandez has played a starring role for his side in this season. His ability to pull opposition out of position is nothing short of extraordinary. The 32-year-old has scored two goals in the competition and is known for pulling the strings behind forward Roy Krishna.
Sunil Chhetri
The prolific goalscorer has a knack for finding the back of the net. A goal in the semi-final against Jamshedpur FC will certainly boost his confidence ahead of the mega contest. The Indian international has created a perfect partnership with Krishna that can cause all the harm to Odisha FC's defence.
Odisha FC
Diego Mauricio
Mauricio is the most dynamic goal-scoring threat on the pitch for Odisha FC. The Hero ISL Golden Boot winner has been in terrific form in the Hero Super Cup as well. The Brazilian has netted three goals in the competition so far and will surely aim to add more to his tally in the final against Bengaluru FC. The Brazilian has scored a whopping 17 goals in all competitions.
Nandhakumar Sekar
Sekar has proved to be a revelation for Odisha FC. The winger featured in 20 games for the Juggernauts in the Hero ISL this season and scored six goals and registered one assist. The 27-year-old has had a standout campaign in the Hero Super Cup so far where he has netted four goals, including a brace against the Highlanders in the semi-final.
Match timings and Telecast details
Match: Bengaluru FC vs Odisha FC
Date: April 25, 2023
Venue: EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode, Kerala
Kick-off time: 7:00 pm IST
Telecast: Sony Sports Network
Online Streaming: FanCode