Odisha FC has revealed their squad for the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, just a day before their match against Punjab FC scheduled at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday.

The Kalinga Warriors, who finished as runners-up in the prior edition of the tournament, are eager to hit the field and aim for an even better performance this year.

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This edition of the cup will be hosted in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for the second consecutive time, commencing on Sunday. Odisha FC will kick off their campaign with an exciting first match against Punjab FC.

The tournament will see participation from 15 top clubs across India, which includes 13 Indian Super League (ISL) teams and two I-League clubs. This year, the competition will adopt a knockout format, promising thrilling matches as teams compete for glory.

The champions of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 will earn the prestigious opportunity to compete in the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) Playoffs, allowing Indian clubs the chance to flaunt their skills on the continental stage.

Since their debut in the Kalinga Super Cup in 2023, the Juggernauts have established themselves as a formidable presence in the tournament. They emerged as champions in 2023 and were runners-up in 2024, making this tournament their top priority.

In the previous year, East Bengal FC claimed the trophy by defeating Odisha FC 3-2 after a thrilling extra-time finale. The Red and Gold Brigade ended their 12-year wait for a national title and are eager to defend their crown on the same ground.

Odisha FC Squad for Kalinga Super Cup 2025:

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Anuj Kumar, Manas Dubey

Defenders: Narender, Amey Ranawade, Carlos Delgado (Spain), Mourtada Fall (Senegal), Jerry Lalrinzuala, Saviour Gama, Ricky Meetei, Subham Bhattacharya, Tankadhar Bag

Midfielders: Rohit Kumar, Lalthathanga Khawlring, Hugo Boumous (France), Raynier Fernandes, Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, Narendra Naik

Forwards: Diego Mauricio (Brazil), Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Rahim Ali, Aphaoba Singh, Rahul KP, Dorielton Gomes (Brazil)

FC Barcelona’s forward Robert Lewandowski has suffered an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left thigh, putting his participation in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on April 27 (IST) in jeopardy.

While the club hasn’t officially provided a timeline for his recovery, it is anticipated that Lewandowski will be sidelined for two to three weeks, potentially missing the upcoming semifinal against Inter Milan, with the first leg scheduled for May 1 (IST).

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According to the club’s statement, “Tests conducted on Sunday confirmed that Robert Lewandowski sustained an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left thigh. His return to team training will depend on the recovery process of the injury.”

This injury caused the top scorer to miss out on marking his 100th La Liga appearance with a goal, a milestone he achieved in his third season with the club, having played in Barcelona’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday.

During his 77 minutes on the field, the Galician side successfully contained the Polish striker. He had an early opportunity with a curling shot that didn’t find the target, which could have marked his 100th goal for FC Barcelona.

Lewandowski is experiencing his most fruitful season in a Barca shirt, scoring 40 goals across 48 appearances in La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup: 25 in La Liga, 11 in the Champions League, 3 in the Copa del Rey, and 1 in the Super Cup.

With 25 league goals, he currently leads the race for the Pichichi trophy, outpacing Kylian Mbappe by three goals, Ante Budimir by nine, and Raphinha and Oihan Sancet by ten. Only time will reveal how much further the FC Barcelona striker, now a La Liga centurion, can enhance his goal tally.

On Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian coach of Real Madrid, chose not to comment on his future amidst speculation about his potential departure before the season’s end. Following his team’s loss to Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals, there are indications that Ancelotti’s tenure at Madrid may be nearing its conclusion, particularly with rumors suggesting he could resign after next weekend’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona to take on the role of head coach for the Brazilian national team.

The Italian was asked about this matter during a press conference before Sunday’s match against Athletic Bilbao, who recently advanced to the semifinals of the Europa League, according to Xinhua reports.

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When asked about Brazil, Ancelotti simply stated, “There’s no need to discuss that,” and added, “I don’t wish to address my future today. After the season concludes, we will have a conversation with the club.”

Ancelotti emphasized his strong relationship with the club, asserting, “What we have achieved and what we will achieve, we’ll do together. There have never been any conflicts, and there won’t be any.”

He highlighted that Real Madrid has the Copa del Rey final approaching against Barcelona and that they are only three points behind the Catalan club in La Liga. Moreover, this summer, the team is set to enter the FIFA Club World Cup as one of the favorites.

“We must evaluate the future at the conclusion of the season or whenever it wraps up. However, as long as we are still in contention for significant titles, discussing this topic is premature,” he stated.

Ancelotti also refuted claims of conflict with some players or with club president Florentino Perez.

“We share the same disappointment as the fans over our elimination from such a major competition, but such events happen in football. Victories aren’t guaranteed. We are aligned in our vision and there is no discord with the club; we’re in this together during both good and challenging times. Anyone claiming otherwise is not being truthful,” Ancelotti remarked.

He concluded by expressing his gratitude to his players, saying, “I’ve had a wonderful experience here, and I hope to keep enjoying it.”