Oscar Bruzon upbeat on East Bengal's chances of producing comeback against FK Arkadag in AFC Challenge League

East Bengal lost to FK Arkadag in the first leg of the semifinal.

Oscar Bruzon’s East Bengal are aiming to turn around a 1-0 deficit in the second leg of their AFC Challenge League quarterfinal against FK Arkadag at the Arkadag Stadium, Turkmenistan, on Wednesday (12 March, 2025). The Red & Gold Brigade not only need to avoid a loss or draw but must win by a two-goal margin to progress to the semi-final of the competition.

Ahead of the game, Oscar Bruzon was positive on his squad’s fitness levels and stated, “Our team is in the best condition; we’ve had some issues throughout the season and changes with injuries, but most of our players are available right now, eager and excited to be part of this competition.

“Tomorrow, we have the chance to get to the next round. Two Turkmenistan teams have come to India and gotten the desired result, we now have the chance to prove we can come here and beat a Turkmenistan team away.”

Problems of unfamiliar opponents?

The Spanish gaffer admitted that his side didn’t have much knowledge about FK Arkadag before the first leg, which could’ve resulted in the loss. He talked up about East Bengal boasting more experience in AFC competitions than them and hopes that could play to their advantage in the second leg, stating: “We didn’t have much information on FK Arkadag in the first leg as their season ended in November. We only had information from the AFC Challenge League group stage.

“They had some changes in the squad, they have some new players. Now we have gotten more information after the home game. We know the condition of this pitch, it’s completely different rom the ones we play in ISL. It’ll be a more physical game tomorrow, based on second balls, transitions, and vertical actions.

“Arkadag are a new club, but they have had top reults in the lat two seasons in the domestic season. East Bengal have more success in international competition than them, so tomorrow I hope we can put East Bengal on the map and keep progressing on this competition,” he finished off with.

East Bengal will take on FK Arkadag on March 12, 2025. The match will be telecast on the FanCode app and will kick off at 4 PM IST.

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