The highly anticipated 2024-25 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) is set to commence on September 13 with a blockbuster clash between two of the league’s powerhouses. Defending league champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face ISL 2023-24 Cup winners Mumbai City FC at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. 

This opening match serves as a rematch of last season’s thrilling final, promising an exciting start to the new campaign.

Fixture Announcement and Key Matches

The ISL has released the fixtures for the first 84 matches of the season, scheduled to take place until the end of 2024. This season will see the league expand to 13 teams, with the historic Mohammedan Sporting Club earning promotion after topping the I-League. Their entry marks a significant moment in Indian football, as Kolkata will now be home to three of the country’s most storied football clubs: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, and Mohammedan SC.

The addition of Mohammedan SC to the ISL roster guarantees fans six Kolkata derbies, adding extra excitement to the season. The first of these derbies is scheduled for October 5, when Mohun Bagan Super Giant takes on Mohammedan SC. This will be followed by the always intense East Bengal vs. Mohun Bagan clash on October 19, both of which are expected to draw large crowds and intense rivalry.

Season Opener: A Blockbuster Encounter

The opening fixture between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC is set to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have established themselves as dominant forces in Indian football, and their encounter is expected to set the tone for the season. 

Mohun Bagan, having secured the league title last season, will look to start their title defense on a strong note in front of their home crowd. On the other hand, Mumbai City FC, who lifted the ISL Cup last season, will aim to spoil the party and make an early statement in the league.

Mohammedan Sporting Club’s promotion to the ISL is a historic milestone, not just for the club but for Indian football as a whole. One of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in India, Mohammedan SC’s arrival in the ISL is expected to reignite traditional rivalries and add a new layer of competition. Their first match in the top tier will be against NorthEast United FC on September 16, a date that will be eagerly awaited by their passionate supporters.

Notable Fixtures

• September 14: Bengaluru FC vs East Bengal FC – Two of the league’s most followed teams clash in an early test of their ambitions.
• September 28: Bengaluru FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant – A high-stakes encounter between two title contenders.
• October 19: East Bengal FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant – The first of the season’s Kolkata derbies, a match that never fails to deliver drama and excitement.
• December 9: East Bengal FC vs Mohammedan SC – Another Kolkata derby that will see two fierce rivals face off.

The ISL 2024-25 season promises to be one of the most competitive and entertaining yet, with the introduction of new teams and the continuation of historic rivalries. As the league grows, so does its fanbase, both domestically and internationally. The stage is set for another thrilling season of football in India, where established giants and ambitious newcomers alike will battle for supremacy.

The season opener on September 13 is just the beginning of what is expected to be a captivating journey, as the ISL continues to elevate the standard of football in India.