NorthEast United FC vs Mohun Bagan: Three key battles that could decide Durand Cup final

The Mariners aim for a record 18th title, while the Highlanders want to land their first major silverware.

The defending champions of the Durand Cup, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, are ready to face first-time finalist NorthEast United FC in the final of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup on 31st August at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), Kolkata. The game will kick off at 5:30 P.M.

NorthEast United FC, defeated Shillong Lajong FC comfortably by a margin of 3-0 in the semifinal. At the same time, Mohun Bagan Super Giant reached the final after a close match, defeating Bengaluru FC in a penalty shootout. The Mariners aim for a record 18th title, while the Highlanders want to land their first major silverware.

The two sides have faced each other many times in the Indian Super League (ISL), however, this will be their first encounter in this competition. Let’s take a look at some key battles that could decide the fate of the clubs in this tournament:

Jason Cummings vs Míchel Zabaco

Jason Cummings, the top scorer for his team Mohun Bagan, has scored three goals and provided one assist for his team. Last year, he debuted for the Mariners and emerged as the team’s top goal-scorer in the ISL, netting 13 goals, with the most important one coming in the 80th minute of the final league game against Mumbai City FC, helping his team win the ISL league shield for the first time. He also scored the sole goal in the ISL Final for his team, which was won by Mumbai City FC by a margin of 1-3.

Míchel Zabaco, captain of NorthEast United, missed the first two games of the tournament but put in a solid performance after returning in the third game against Odisha FC. The club has maintained a solid defensive performance and only conceded one goal so far.

Mohammed Ali Bemammer vs Anirudh Thapa

The midfield battle will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. Mohammed Ali Bemammer, the Moroccan defensive midfielder for NorthEast United FC, has played all five games in this tournament.

In the previous ISL season, he recorded the most successful passes and highest tackles for his team. In the ongoing Durand Cup, Bemammer’s physical presence, tackles, key passes, and duels have helped his team dominate on the field. However, the final will be his biggest test.

On the other hand, Anirudh Thapa will be key for Mohun Bagan. His brilliant goal from outside the box in the semi-final helped his team equalize and eventually win the penalty shootout.

Thapa has only played two games in this tournament, against the Indian Air Force and Bengaluru FC, and scored for his team in both. Both the midfielders can dominate the midfield, break the defense with key passes to the forwards, and help the team to victories.

Jithin M.S vs Alberto Rodríguez

Under Juan Pedro Benali’s guidance, Jithin M.S. has developed into a key player for the Highlanders. In this tournament, he has scored four goals and provided two assists, putting him in the running for both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.

To win the Golden Boot, he needs two more goals to match Noah Sadaoui of Kerala Blasters, who has scored six goals and provided two assists. Jithin’s pace, ability to beat defenders, and his key passes to his teammates will be crucial factors in the final.

Alberto Rodríguez joined Mohun Bagan this summer on a free transfer from Indonesian club Persib Bandung. Rodríguez will have to defend against the likes of Jithin M.S., and Guillermo Fernández, both have scored goals and two assists in this tournament.

His defensive skills were on display when he intercepted Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri in a one-on-one situation in the semi-final, denying Chhetri a goal in the 12th minute of the game.

With Subhasish Bose possibly missing the final due to an injury in the semifinal, Rodríguez and his fellow defenders will also need to stop NorthEast’s fast counter-attacks.

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