Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: Guwahati is all set to host a highly anticipated ISL clash between arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal Football Club at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium on Saturday evening. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM.
This iconic rivalry, commonly referred to as the Kolkata Derby, has a rich history. In Guwahati, the two teams have faced off twice in the recent past. Their first encounter in the city was in the 1996 Bordoloi Trophy final, where Mohun Bagan emerged victorious 2-1. The second meeting took place in the 2009-10 Federation Cup semifinal, where East Bengal avenged their earlier defeat with a commanding 2-0 victory.
Originally planned for Kolkata, the derby was shifted to Guwahati due to security concerns. The Kolkata Police cited their inability to provide adequate security because of the ongoing Gangasagar Mela.
Both teams arrived in Guwahati on Friday, and the city is already buzzing with excitement. Die-hard fans of both sides have started pouring in from Kolkata, and a large turnout is expected at the stadium on match day.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, currently at the top of the league table with 32 points from 14 matches, will aim to extend their dominance. Meanwhile, East Bengal FC, under new head coach Oscar Bruzon, is looking to bounce back from a rough patch. They have managed only two wins in their last five games and are placed 11th in the standings.
The ISL head-to-head record heavily favors Mohun Bagan, with the Mariners winning eight out of nine encounters against East Bengal, with the remaining match ending in a draw.
Despite their dominant record, Mohun Bagan head coach Jose Molina remains cautious. “What we did in the ISL so far doesn’t matter in tomorrow’s game. We need to perform well and win on the pitch during those 90 minutes,” he stated.
On the other hand, East Bengal’s head coach Oscar Bruzon exuded confidence in his squad. “We have to optimize the resources available to us, and we have full confidence in the players who will take the field,” he said.
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