ISL 2025-26: Mohun Bagan look to bounce back with home win against Mumbai City

Two of the Indian Super League’s most successful clubs are set for a high-stakes meeting on Friday when Mohun Bagan Super Giant plays Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Defending champions Mohun Bagan currently sit at the top of the table with 13 points from five matches and will be keen to consolidate their lead. Mumbai City are close behind and are third with 11 points from as many games. The Islanders have the opportunity to make the leap to the top with a win.

The two parties enter the fixture in contrasting tones.

Mohun Bagan were held to a goalless draw by Bengaluru FC in the previous outing, ending a productive run that saw the team score 14 goals in its first four games while conceding just twice.

Mumbai City, on the other hand, showed resilience and character to secure a 2-1 win over Inter Kashi FC despite being reduced to 10 men.

However, history is in the visitor’s favor. Mumbai City have long proven to be a tough opponent for Mohun Bagan, winning seven of the 12 encounters. Mohun Bagan have registered just one win while four matches ended in a draw. That record will undoubtedly stick in the minds of the home side as they prepare for the match.

Mohun Bagan head coach Sergio Lobera acknowledged the importance of the match, describing it as a “huge match” and emphasizing the importance of increasing the lead at the top.

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«It’s a big match, a huge match, and exactly the kind of match I enjoy. Our aim is to finish top of the table, and a win here would leave a significant gap, especially given the short nature of the season,» he said.

“A win would be valuable not only for our position in the standings, but also because it would happen against a rival that will likely battle us for supremacy at the end of the season,” Lobera added.

Mumbai City coach Petr Kratky expressed confidence in his team’s preparation. While acknowledging the challenge posed by a strong Mohun Bagan side, he underlined his belief in his players’ ability to compete and deliver in a demanding match.

«They are a strong team and it will be a difficult match for us. However, I have full confidence in my team, which has prepared very well for tomorrow,» Mumbai City head coach Petr Kratky said on the eve of the match.

«Our aim is to compete with the same intensity that we have shown in every match this season and to rely on our abilities. We expect a very competitive match, but we know it is not beyond our reach,» he added.

Both teams remain undefeated after five games, adding even more intrigue to what promises to be a hard-fought encounter.

However, Mumbai City will have to make do without defender Hmingthanmawia Ralte (Valpuia), who is suspended after his red card in the previous match.

With Jamshedpur FC drawing 1-1 against Sporting Club Delhi on Thursday, the race at the top has tightened even further. A win for both teams on Friday could set the early momentum of the season.

Published on March 19, 2026