After 87 matches and a month and a half of intense action, the stage is set for the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 grand finale between West Bengal and Kerala at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday (December 31, 2024). Watch the title round of the 78th National Football Championship live on TV and online. (More Football News)

The two sides are no strangers to summit clashes in national championships. West Bengal are gearing up for a record 47th final, while Kerala will make their 16th appearance in the Santosh Trophy title round.

“You have brought immense glory to India and have inspired millions of young athletes to pursue their dreams,” Mandaviya was quoted as saying in a media release.

However, not everyone from the team flew back home as PR Sreejesh stayed back in the French capital for the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Historically, Bengal have dominated at this stage, winning the Santosh Trophy 32 times, while Kerala are seven-time champions. In recent times, however, Kerala have had the edge over their eastern rivals, winning the 2017-18 and the 2021-22 titles by defeating West Bengal in the final.

History, however, has no part to play in the final on New Years’ Eve, believes Bengal head coach Sanjoy Sen. “Perhaps reaching the (Santosh Trophy) final is an achievement for other states, but that is not the case for us. It means nothing to Bengal – zero!” he exclaimed. “Unless we win the trophy, it all counts for nothing.

“Yes, we have won the tournament 32 times in the past, but the Santosh Trophy is a much bigger tournament now in terms of the number of states that participate in it. I do not intend to downplay past achievements, but I feel that it is more difficult to win it now,” said Sen.

Sen’s counterpart Biby Thomas Muttath echoed similar expectations from his home state. “The Santosh Trophy is like a World Cup for us, back in Kerala. The minimum expectation is for us to reach the final, but of course, everyone wants anything less than a win,” he said.

As for the road to the finale, both sides have won nine of their 10 matches, while drawing one each. The two teams have flaunted their garrison of attacking prowess in the 10 matches so far, Kerala having scored 35 goals, while Bengal netted 27.

The former have had a number of options for their goals, Naseeb Rahman (8), Muhammad Ajsal (9), and Sajeesh E (5) leading the charts for the southern state. Bengal, however, have been primarily reliant on their front two to finish off their goalscoring opportunities – Robi Hansda (11), and Naro Hari Shrestha (7).

The two teams have faced off 32 times in all in the championship. West Bengal have won 15 games, Kerala have won nine, while eight have ended in draws.

When and where will the West Bengal vs Kerala, Santosh Trophy final be played?

The West Bengal vs Keralarich711, Santosh Trophy final will kick off at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 7.30 pm IST.

Where will the West Bengal vs Kerala, Santosh Trophy final be telecast and live streamed?

The West Bengal vs Kerala, Santosh Trophy final will be streamed live on ssen.com and telecast on the DD Sports TV channel in India.