In the Semi Final, Mohun Bagan faced FC Goa, where both were quite evenly matched, but a thumping Jason Cummings penalty and an impressive Armando Sadiku long ranger made things smooth for Juan Ferrando's boys. But again all Brilliance and form go out of line when it's a Kolkata Derby and Overconfidence should be banned in Mohun Bagan's mentality.
Yes, the majority of the ISL teams are treating this as a Pre-Season trophy and no major AFC Spot is on the line. But once it becomes a Kolkata Derby, nothing matters, you have to win this thing.
Coming to Juan Ferrando, he has improved his tactics and team chemistry within such a short time with no pre-season is quite commendable. With players like Sadiku, Anirudh Thapa, Anwar Ali, Jason Cummings and Hugo Boumous, it definitely makes a difference. On paper, this Mohun Bagan side is much better and dominating but as already proven, you just can't win derbies with a good portfolio holder. You need that mentality and calmness especially when it's a Cup final as well. You need nerves and an unreal mentality to win derbies.
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| Courtesy: Mohun Bagan Super Giant |
On the other hand, Emami East Bengal faced North-East United FC in the semis, where they came back from being 2-0 down to make it 2-2 and eventually to win it in the Penalties by 5-3.
East Bengal have quite the advantages in this game, as they have already beaten Mohun Bagan in this same tournament in the most heartbreaking way. After winning against Northeast in penalties, Carles Cuadrat's side will get four days to prepare and rest. On the other hand, Mohun Bagan will get barely 2 days to rest. Emami East Bengal players are much more match-fit and their chemistry is much better than their Mohun Bagan counterparts. Also, Carles Cuadrat as a coach is very determined to win this derby to stamp his standing before ISL to make him a contender for the top-four finish.
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| Courtesy: Indian Super League |
Mohun Bagan's best performance till now is the match against Mumbai City where they won dominantly 3-1, if Juan Ferrando and his boys can replicate that dominant performance with cool. This match will be a cakewalk, as the last match's goal scorer Albanian legend, Armando Sadiku said "...I need a revenge. I will give my best to score and win this trophy.."
"Ei Mathei Bodla Nebo..."
Prediction: A close battle can be expected as mentioned it is a cup final, but a scoreline of 1-0 or 2-1 in favour of Mohun Bagan can be expected. But any blunder can cause the match to go into penalties as in the Durand cup there is no extra-time.
Possible Line-ups:
Mohun Bagan SG: Vishal Kaith (GK), Ashish Rai, Anwar Ali, Subhasish Bose, Hector Yuste, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul, Ashique Kuruniyan, Hugo Boumous, Jason Steven Cummings, Manvir Singh
Emami East Bengal: Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Harmanjot Khabra, Jordan Elsey, Lalchungnunga, Mandar Rao Desai, Saul Crespo, Borja Herrera, Mobashir Rahman, Nandhakumar Sekar, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Javier Siverio.
Kick OFF: 4:00 PM IST
Live Stream: Sony Sports Ten 2 (TV) and Sony Liv (OTT)
Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangyan (Salt Lake Stadium), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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