ISL Final Iain Hume David James Kerala Blasters Luis Garcia Habas Atletico De Kolkata
Kerala Blasters player-manager and striker David James and Iain Hume and Atletico de Kolkata midfielder and manager Luis Garcia and Antonio Lopez Habas attend a press conference with the ISL trophy in the backgroundIANS

Two months of non-stop, no-pausing-for-breath, goals, goals and more goals action culminates in this – the ISL final between the Kerala Blasters and Atletico De Kolkata in Mumbai on Saturday.

Both teams have sent their fans through the wringer en route to this everybody-wanted-to-be-in-it final at the DY Patil Stadium, with the Kerala Blasters and Atletico De Kolkata showing nerves of steel in the end to see off their respective opponents in the semifinals and the final few matches in the league phase.

For about 105 minutes in the semifinal second leg against Chennaiyin FC, it looked like the Kerala Blasters would be knocked out of the Indian Super League, and that too despite winning 3-0 in the first leg in front of their home crowd in Kochi.

However, a stunning goal from Stephen Pearson right towards the end of extra time sent the Kerala Blasters and their ridiculously loud fans into delirium, and with it allowing them to savour the ISL final.

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"I think this is possibly the biggest final in Indian football," said Kerala Blasters player-coach David James, deciding to chuck understatement out of the door. "I came here with no knowledge of the I-League and now we're speaking about the ISL's first final.

"The world's media wants to know about it, so to think that's it's easy or that there is no pressure is completely wrong. It's been three months, it's been serious from day one, I'm a competitor and I have a team of competitors and we want to win the cup.

"I think we're set for a wonderful encounter, it's going to be a wonderful and exciting game."

Atletico de Kolkata also showed their handling-the-pressure skills to the fullest extent against FC Goa, holding the high-flying Zico-led team goalless for 180 minutes plus extra time, before locking and loading to great extent in the penalty shootout.

The Kolkata side have clearly missed the services of their main man Fikru Teferra, and with the striker ruled out of the final as well, it will be up to the likes of Luis Garcia to find the goalscoring/playmaking mojo.

"Kerala have played some wonderful football and are deserving of their place in the final," said the former Liverpool player Garcia. "We have also been one of the consistent sides in the tournament. We too deserve our place.

"It is a big occasion. We want to go out and enjoy ourselves. We are very excited to be a part of such a historic moment in Indian football. From the opening ceremony to now, everything has happened in a positive way. I feel privileged to be here."

Goals have not been easy to come by for the Kerala Blasters, who beat Atletico de Kolkata in their home game whole drawing at home in the league phase, either, and the obvious go-to man will be Iain Hume. The former Canada international has been their talisman up front, and with the striker showing signs of building a good understanding with Michael Chopra, the stingy Atletico defence will need to be at their best.

A rock-solid defence and the odd goal could be what transpires in this too-close-to-call ISL final, but the fans will certainly be hoping for an end-to-end cannot-take-your-eyes-of-it finale of massive proportions.

Where to Watch Live

Get the Live Blog of the ISL Final HERE

The Indian Super League Closing Ceremony is set to begin at 6 pm IST (12.30 pm GMT, 7.30 am ET) with the ISL Final scheduled for a 7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT, 8.30 am ET) start. Live coverage in India will be on Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD2,Star Sports 3, Star Gold, Asianet Movies, Suvarna Channel, Jalsha Movies and a few more channels. Audience in India and selected countries across the world can also watch the ISL finale via free live streaming online on Starsports.com.

US viewers can live stream the marquee clash on FoxSoccer2go, while Europe viewers can catch all match action live on Eurosport or their online Player. Middle East and North Africa viewers can catch the match live on Bein Sports or via live streaming on Bein Sports Connect.

South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa viewers can watch the ISL final between Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata live onSuperSport or their online option. Viewers in Australia can catch Kerala Blasters vs Atletico de Kolkata live on Fox Sports or also via their live video option online.