East Bengal vs Altyn Asyr: Three key battles that could decide AFC Champions League Two Qualifier

East Bengal will look to use the home advantage and grab a win to book their spot in the group stage.

Indian football stalwarts East Bengal FC are all set to face Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr for the AFC Champions League Two preliminary round. The high-voltage fixture will be played on August 14 at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium at 7:00 P.M. A win in this round will guarantee the Red & Golds a place in the group stage, where arch-rivals Mohun Bagan are already in.

With stakes high as this, East Bengal have made multiple big-money signings this transfer window. The side is also flying high in the ongoing Calcutta Football League and Durand Cup. But, this continental fixture is expected to be much tougher for the Kolkata club, especially when they play a continental cup after a decade-long gap.

East Bengal have some big names in their squad, but so does Altyn Asyr. The visitors will look to bank on their star performers to shock the hosts. On that note, let’s have a look at the key battles that the clubs need to be better at to pull this fixture:

Madih Talal vs Ahmet Atayew

Madih Talal is one of the best foreign recruits made by East Bengal in the past few years. He played a pivotal role in Punjab FC’s courageous ISL debut season. The 26-year-old is continuing his good form while playing for the Kolkata club in the Durand Cup 2024. He has two goal contributions in as many matches.

Ahmet Atayew, being a defensive midfielder will be entrusted with the responsibility to block Talal. The 33-year-old has been playing for the visitors since 2020 & is known for bodying playmakers. Whoever wins the battle between the two will dominate the game.

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Dimitrios Diamantakos vs Batyr Babaev

The highest goal-scorer from ISL 2023-24 has joined the Torch Bearers, making their attack stronger than ever in ISL. He barely played 45 minutes for East Bengal till now and has already struck one goal and an assist. Carles Cuadrat shall rely heavily on him for East Bengal’s goals. 

Goalkeeper Batyr Babaev will be the prime obstruction for Diamantakos and his thirst for goals. His side only faced 26 goals in the domestic league of 2023 and 17 in 2024 till now. Babaev with his apt reflexes will be the biggest concern for Diamantakos.

Prabsukhan Singh Gill vs Rakhman Muratberdyev

Anyone who follows Indian football would regard Prabsukhan Singh Gill as one of the best goalies at the current time. His performance has saved the Bengal club multiple times. His strong reflexes, ability to rush out, and decision-making nature have been the biggest plus for East Bengal. 

Gill however needs to stay attentive for sudden shots, and especially long rangers. Rakhman Muratberdyev can shoot sudden shots on target for the visitors, which might trouble the West Bengal-based club. Rakhman Muratberdyev gelling up well with Selim Nurmuradov might result in giving the hosts some shockers.

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