NEW DELHI: Bengaluru FC will chase a fairytale finish to their debut Indian Super League season when they face former champions Chennaiyin FC in Saturday's final.
The newcomers have enjoyed a dream run since switching from the rival I-League, winning 13 of their 18 matches under the stewardship of former Barcelona defender Albert Roca.
The Spaniard, who joined the south Indian club as coach in 2016, has already steered Bengaluru to victory in the Federation Cup and continental AFC Cup.
They will now attempt to lift the ISL trophy in front of their home crowd at Bangalore's Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
"It is what we wanted, to play here in front of our fans," said Roca, former assistant coach to Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona FC.
"I am very happy for that. On the other hand, there's also the pressure of playing at home. But this is the final and it is special. We have this chance, we will do everything to get the title."
Last week, skipper Sunil Chhetri netted a hat-trick on home turf in the second leg of the semi-finals as Bengaluru beat Pune 3-1 on aggregate.
Bengaluru switched to the ISL, which is backed by one of Asia's richest men, Mukesh Ambani, after Asia's football governing body ruled that the title winners will contest the AFC Cup from 2018.
With a city-based franchise format which mirrors cricket's lucrative Indian Premier League, the ISL has surpassed the decade-old I-League in broadcast ratings since making its debut in 2014.
Chennaiyin, the 2015 ISL champions, advanced to the final after a 3-0 thrashing of FC Goa in the semis, thanks to a brace from their ever-reliable striker Jeje Lalpekhlua.
Chennaiyin coach John Gregory said it was an "incredible feeling" to reach the final, but that the team had their work cut out against Bengaluru.
"We've built some trust and understanding and the result is that we've reached the final," said the former Aston Villa boss.
"When you go to the final, you have to make sure you win it. People talk about enjoying the final, but you enjoy it only if you win it."