It does not get bigger than the biggest game in Indian football also being a dream final, but that is exactly what the grand finale of the 132nd Durand Cup has shaped up to be. Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) and Emami East Bengal (EEB) go head to head on Sunday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata. The game will kick off at 4:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Few sporting rivalries match the frenzy of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Top that off with the finale of the Durand Cup, and you have crackling drama on your hands. The dreams of football enthusiasts in West Bengal came true as the two big weights qualified in the finals, making it the Kolkata derby.
Road To The Final
| Match Info | Mohun Bagan | East Bengal |
| Group Stages | Won 5-0 vs BD Army | Drew 2-2 vs. BD Army |
| Group Stages | Won 2-0 vs Punjab FC | Won 1-0 vs Mohun Bagan |
| Group Stages | Lost 1-0 vs East Bengal | Won 1-0 vs Punjab FC |
| Quarterfinals | Won 3-1 vs Mumbai City FC | Won 2-1 vs Gokulam Kerala |
| Semi-Finals | Won 2-1 vs FC Goa | Won 2-2 (5-3 PEN) vs NorthEast Utd |
It wasn’t easy for either of the clubs to come to this stage. They had to come up against some of the most formidable opponents on their way to the final. Despite all obstacles and difficulties, both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal emerged victorious over their rivals to make it to the final in what will be the grand showdown as the two Kolkata giants will battle it out on Sunday for the ultimate prize at stake.
Head-To-Head Guide
Total Matches Played – 21
Mohun Bagan SG wins – 7
East Bengal FC wins – 9
Total Matches Draws – 5
The Team’s Form Guide
Mohun Bagan SG : W W L W W
East Bengal FC : W W W W D
Predicted Starting Lineups
Possible Substitutes: Brendan Hamill, Armando Sadiku, Liston Colaco, Kiyan Nassiri, Manvir Singh.
Possible Substitutes: Antonio Pardo, Cleiton Silva, VP Suhair, Nishu Kumar, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul.
What Did The Coaches Say?
Carles Cuadrat, the EEB head coach was certainly brimming with clarity and confidence in the pre-match presser saying, “After the draw with the Bangladesh Army team, we talked among the team. Improved in our sessions. Then we beat Mohun Bagan. Won the Derby. Then match by match we improved and now we are in the final. It’s just the beginning of the process and I am very happy.”
“There are a lot of new players in the team and among foreigners. So it’s just the beginning of the process. It’s really humid weather but that is for both the teams and we are ready to play the game. The last time, East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan in consecutive two matches was in 2016. So it’s been a long time. So this time we want to give our best and try to win the trophy,” coach Cuadrat concluded.
Juan Ferrando, the MBSG gaffer, not one to betray much emotions ever had this to say, “I am happy with our performance till now. We have played some good teams like Mumbai and FC Goa. And we are going to play another good team in the final. So it will be great if we can win the trophy. We are in the preseason and I am happy with how we are progressing. For me, the past is the past,” said Juan.
“Every match is different. Honestly, in the last Derby, I was more focused on the AFC Cup match but now I am happy that my players have made it to the group stage. And we have an opportunity to play against a good team. It’s a good target and a good challenge for us. We will try to win the trophy.”
IFTWC’s Match Predictions
The rivalry is heating up, with both parties vying for glory to earn the right to lay their hands on the three iconic and glittering Durand trophies and be crowned champions. It is certainly a final made in heaven, particularly for the fans in Kolkata and the state of West Bengal as well as for their millions of admirers all across the country. It is also a Durand Cup final that’s made in heaven for Indian football.
It has the capability to showcase its true potential. May the best team be crowned as champions. It’s not easy to predict a winner at this stage between the two teams. While one of them is still yet to taste a defeat in the competition, the other team was wounded after the last derby defeat and came back roaring in the AFC Cup Qualifiers and Durand Cup knockouts against strong Mumbai & Goa sides.
Match Details and Telecast News
Match Info : 132nd Durand Cup Final
Match Kick Off Time : 4:00 PM (IST)
Teams : Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal
Date : Sunday, 3rd September, 2023
Venue : Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata
Live Telecast : Sony Sports Ten 2
Live Streaming : Sony LIV App
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