Two crucial fixtures headline ISL 2025-26 Saturday’s action in the Indian Super League as Mohammedan Sporting Club host Bengaluru FC in Kolkata, while Kerala Blasters FC take on Chennaiyin FC in the Southern Derby later in the evening.
Both matches will play an important role in shaping the early standings of the season, with several teams still searching for consistency after the opening rounds.
Mohammedan Sporting Eye First Points
Mohammedan Sporting will enter their clash against Bengaluru FC under pressure as they continue their search for the first points of the season. The Kolkata-based club has endured a difficult start to the campaign, losing all three of their opening matches, including a heavy 1–5 defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The Black and White Brigade currently sit at the bottom of the league table without a point and will hope that returning home to the Kishore Bharti Krirangan provides the platform for a turnaround.
Head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo acknowledged the challenges his side faces in adapting to the demands of the ISL.
“Every single match is tough in the Indian Super League,” Wadoo said ahead of the match. “We are playing with an all-Indian squad. We need a bit of time to cope with the pressure and intensity. The team is constantly evolving and improving. Only three matches have been played. We must be at our very best to compete and try to secure a positive result.”
Goalkeeper Padam Chettri echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of cohesion within the squad.
“We need to spend more time together as a team. The results will definitely follow,” he said.
Bengaluru FC Look to Bounce Back
Bengaluru FC arrive in Kolkata hoping to recover from their first defeat of the campaign. Coached by former India international Renedy Singh, the Blues currently sit in the mid-table with four points from three matches. Their most recent outing ended in a disappointing 0–2 loss to Punjab FC, a result that halted their early-season momentum.
Photo: Baranidharan M / Focus Sports / ISL
Historically, the encounters between Mohammedan Sporting and Bengaluru FC have been closely contested. The teams have met twice previously in the ISL, with each side registering one win and scoring two goals apiece. Mohammedan claimed the most recent meeting in January 2025, securing a 1–0 away victory thanks to a strike from Mirjalol Kasimov.
Renedy Singh highlighted the importance of converting chances and maintaining defensive discipline.
“We need to score to win matches. The key is not to chase the game. We must defend well, stay compact, and then look for our chances to score. At the same time, we have to improve our defending from set-pieces,” he explained.
Midfielder Vinith Venkatesh also expressed confidence in the team’s morale despite the recent setback.
“The morale inside our dressing room is extremely high. Everyone is motivated to give their best and clinch three points. We fought until the end in the last game, but we must improve defensively and stick to the plan as a team,” he said.
Southern Derby: Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin
Later in the evening, the spotlight shifts to Kochi where Kerala Blasters will host Chennaiyin FC in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. Kerala Blasters have endured a difficult start to the campaign and remain without a point after three matches. Their most recent game ended in a frustrating 1–2 defeat to debutants Inter Kashi FC.
Head coach David Català acknowledged the importance of maintaining belief despite the results.
“It is important to give everything with the right approach, stay positive and show that we are better during the 90 minutes. Everyone wants immediate results but that doesn’t happen every time. We are improving every day and the energy and intensity in the camp are constantly improving,” he said.
Forward Víctor Bertomeu added that the squad remains focused on achieving collective success.
“I came here to be successful as a team first. I know the goals will come because I work hard every day and my confidence is high. My ambition is to win matches with this team,” Bertomeu said.
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Chennaiyin FC, meanwhile, will also be chasing their first win of the campaign. The Marina Machans secured their first point of the season with a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Odisha FC, where Elsinho scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser. Head coach Clifford Miranda believes his side is gradually improving despite the early setbacks.
“We are in a process. We are getting certain things right and some things are not going our way. We are lacking in the final phase. It will take some time but we will not drop our standards,” Miranda said.
Goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz emphasized the team’s determination to improve. “We are motivated to improve every game, stay focused on our plan, and put in a performance that reflects our character and determination,” he noted.
Historically, Kerala Blasters hold a slight edge in the Southern Derby. In 24 previous meetings, the Blasters have won eight matches compared to Chennaiyin’s seven, while nine encounters have ended in draws.
Kerala also dominated the most recent meeting between the sides in January 2025, securing a 3–1 away victory. With several teams still searching for consistency in the early stages of the season, Saturday’s matches carry significant importance. Mohammedan Sporting will aim to finally open their points account against Bengaluru FC, while the Southern Derby between Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin promises intensity as both sides look to kickstart their campaigns.
With three valuable points at stake and passionate supporters expected in both Kolkata and Kochi, the day’s ISL action could prove pivotal in shaping the early narrative of the 2025–26 season.
