A clash of history, pride, and passion as Mohun Bagan Super Giant takes on East Bengal in the first Kolkata Derby of ISL 2024-25
As the October breeze sets in, Kolkata’s football-crazed fans find themselves on the edge of their seats. Why? Because the first senior Kolkata Derby of the season is just around the corner! On October 19, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the reigning ISL Shield champion, will take on their eternal rivals, East Bengal FC, at the Salt Lake Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. This isn’t just any game; it’s a date with history, where 113 years of rivalry and emotions collide once more.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has had a mixed start to their ISL campaign. With four matches played, they sit fourth in the standings with 7 points and a goal difference of +1. Despite their stuttering form, the Mariners have picked up valuable points, even when they’ve not been at their best. The team’s 3-0 win against Mohammedan SC hinted at what they’re capable of when things start clicking. However, their defence remains a concern, with seven goals conceded in just four games.
On the other hand, East Bengal FC are languishing at the bottom of the table with no points from their opening four matches. The Red and Gold Brigade have struggled defensively and offensively, conceding eight goals while scoring just three. Their poor start saw Carles Cuadrat replaced as head coach, and now, under Oscar Bruzon, they’re looking to turn a new leaf.
Greg Stewart will be playing his first Kolkata Derby, and the pressure will be on the Scotsman to control the game from the middle of the park. Stewart has already contributed one goal and three assists in the 2024-25 season, with an impressive passing accuracy of 83%. His ability to create chances—14 this season—makes him the key to unlocking East Bengal’s shaky defence. He’s not just a playmaker; Stewart is also a workhorse, winning 14 duels and recovering the ball 18 times in four games.
If history is anything to go by, Mariners’ very own DimitriosPetratos will relish this derby. Petratos has scored in each of his last three ISL matches against East Bengal, making him a lethal force in this fixture. Though he’s yet to score in the current campaign, he’s already set up one goal and created nine chances. Expect Petratos to be at the heart of Mohun Bagan’s attack once again.
New signing Jamie Maclaren comes with an illustrious record from the A-League, where he’s the all-time top scorer with 154 goals. The Australian forward opened his account against Mohammedan SC and will be itching to score his first derby goal. With a goal conversion rate of 50% in the ongoing ISL, Maclaren is a clinical finisher who will need just one moment of magic to change the course of the game.
The top scorer of last season with Kerala Blasters, DimitriosDiamantakos, has the potential to turn East Bengal’s fortunes around. Although he’s yet to find the net this season in ISL, Diamantakos can cause havoc for Mohun Bagan’s defence. With one assist in his two appearances, the Greek striker is due for a big performance.
MadihTalal was one of the standout players last season, providing the most assists in the league. While he’s yet to provide an assist this season, Talal has already created 11 chances and completed 119 passes, proving he’s still a creative force. Talal’s vision and passing will be vital if East Bengal are to upset their rivals.
Having transferred from Mohun Bagan to East Bengal, Anwar Ali’s presence in this derby will be even more intense. With his transfer still under dispute, Ali is under pressure to prove himself. He’s already made six interceptions and 53 successful passes. Still, his real test will be keeping the likes of Petratos and Maclaren at bay.
