Mohun Bagan Super Giants, Mumbai City FC Clash In ISL Season Opener

Last season's finalists Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC will renew their rivalry as they kick off the 11th ISL here on Friday, marking the start of a new chapter with Kolkata Maidan's 'Big Three' now competing in India's top-tier football competition. Mohammedan SC have joined their city rivals and two other century-plus old clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in the Indian Super League this season. Mohammedan Sporting secured promotion after winning the I-League last season, and the 103-year-old club will be eager to quickly adapt to the demands of top-flight football.

Mohun Bagan were the first to join the ISL, in 2020, following their merger with ATK, forming ATK Mohun Bagan.

Since their entry, the Mariners have been consistent and always seen as title contenders, including last season when they became the league champions by winning the Shield but lost to Mumbai City FC in the final for the ISL Cup.

East Bengal joined the top-tier league soon after Mohun Bagan through a separate consortium. Their entry completed the transition of Kolkata's two most famous clubs from the I-League to the ISL, reigniting the century-old rivalry at the highest level of Indian football.

With the addition of Mohammedan Sporting, the Maidan will now witness the 'Big Three' of Kolkata battling it out in the ISL, adding a new layer of competition and excitement to the league, which is now bigger with 13 teams.

The opener between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City promises to set the tone for an exhilarating season.

Mohun Bagan and MCFC shared the top honours between them in the last couple of seasons.

Mohun Bagan have strengthened their attack with the signing of Australian all-time A-League top scorer Jamie Maclaren who is dealing with an injury at