5:30 PM: Hello everyone and welcome to Khel Now’s LIVE COVERAGE of the East Bengal Vs ATK Mohun Bagan Kolkata Derby match in Durand Cup 2022. The kick-off is just half an hour away! I’m your host Riddhiman Sarkar, and I’ll be keeping you company through what promises a fascinating evening of football. Please wait for 30 Seconds for the Live blog to load.
East Bengal Vs ATK Mohun Bagan: Build-up
January 19, 2020. That was the last time the City of Joy, Kolkata witnessed the prestigious, historic and most energetic encounter of Indian football – the Kolkata Derby. Cut back to August 28, 2022, the derby is back in the city! The last two years remained witness to the “Boro Match” being played at Goa, due to COVID concerns. However, times have changed. East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan will go neck to neck in the Durand Cup 2022, in front of a sixty-thousand gallery at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Firstly, East Bengal last won a derby way back on January 27, 2019. That was when both clubs plied their trade in the I-League. The last two seasons haven’t witnessed even a draw between these teams. Each time, the arch-rivals have pounced upon the Red & Golds and snatched away victory as if taking away a piece of chocolate from a child. Stephen Constantine’s army will be fuming for revenge.
Secondly, the club is yet to register their first win this season. The previous two matches only earned them two points each. Undoubtedly, the likes of Ivan Gonzalez and Kamaljit Singh will be looking forward to snatching all three points from this game.
When it comes to the Kolkata Derby, the Mariners have been habituated to winning it since the 2019/20 season. On paper, they will be the favourites in this match. However, Juan Ferrando will be the person more under pressure since his star-studded line-up is yet to seal their first victory of the season.
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