3 reasons why you should watch the Kolkata Derby

With both the Kolkata based clubs struggling after the first six rounds, a favourable result for any one team in the Derby will put the respective outfits in a more comfortable position. A victory in this match will not only fetch three points for the team but also will be a huge morale booster for in the context of the remainder of the I-League.

The result of the match may not have a huge impact on the I-League standings, but nevertheless, it will be an important clash which should not be ignored at all.

These are the 3 reasons why you should watch the Kolkata Derby:

#3 Both the teams are hungry for a win

These two teams from Kolkata are always expected to win the I-League, no matter what the teams look like at the start of the season. The passionate followers of the big two mounts huge pressure on the players to perform well in each of the fixtures. But they have failed to do so in the ongoing season of the I-League.

Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have accumulated 9 points from 6 games and are currently placed at the 8th and 6th position respectively. Since both, the teams have a point to prove and get back on track for the championships, the ‘Kolkata Derby’ promises to be a mouth-watering clash.

Mohun Bagan started their campaign with two stalemates against Gokulam Kerala FC and Aizawl FC. But back to back away wins put them in a comfortable position after 4 rounds, but the 0-3 loss to a resurgent Churchill Brothers FC put them in the back foot once again. After a 1-1 draw against league leaders Chennai City FC in the previous game, Sony Norde and Co. will be eyeing a turnaround and this is the best possible match to get their momentum back.

East Bengal’s campaign was off to a flier following their impressive away wins in the North East. The 1-2 loss to Chennai City FC halted their winning run. After a hat-trick of losses, the Red and Gold Brigade salvaged three points against Gokulam Kerala FC in the previous tie.

The win gives them fresh air ahead of the ‘Kolkata Derby’ but they cannot afford to be complacent. Alejandro Menendez’s men will not want to lose the opportunity to grab three points and move up to the fourth position in the standings.

#2 Big players will make the match special

Johnny Acosta (left) and Henry Kisseka (right) will play pivotal roles in the 'Kolkata Derby'

Reaching deep into the pockets to secure foreign recruits has been a hallmark for both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in the past two decades and this year was not an exception. Fresh from 2018 World Cup experience, Costa Rican stopper Johnny Acosta was roped in by East Bengal which was probably the biggest signing in Indian football in recent times.

Apart from that, they have likes of Borja Gomez Perez along with Johnny in the defence, who has been performing consistently for them. Fireworks will be in the air when the rock solid back four of East Bengal comes head to head against Mohun Bagan’s lethal forward line consisting of Henry Kisseka, Dipanda Dicka and Omar El Husseiny. It will a contest to watch out for even though Haitian winger Sony Norde may not feature in the match due to injury problems.

Meanwhile, East Bengal has recently secured the services of Spanish duo of Jaime Colado and Toni Dovale. With Mexican forward Enrique Esqueda ailing an injury, Alejandro could possibly field the new signings in the Kolkata Derby itself. This will add a surprise element to the match and make it even more interesting.

#1 The biggest match in Indian football

A packed up Salt Lake Stadium during a 'Kolkata Derby'

Although the Indian Super League has hogged most of the limelight in Indian football in the past few years, yet the Kolkata Derby has not lost its importance. It is arguably the biggest fixture in the Indian football circuit. The rivalry dates back to 1925, these two clubs have been facing off each other in fierce encounters for nearly 94 years now. Whatever the competition may be, this fixture always attracts enormous hype!

The entire city comes to a halt for the 90 minutes of the match and the population is divided into two parts with each of them backing either the ‘Mariners’ or the ‘red and gold’ brigade. The build-up to the Derby is even more interesting with fans paying a visit to the practice sessions in huge numbers, extensive media coverage by the local newspapers and news channels. The battle between ‘chingri’ and ‘ilish’ will be re-ignited once again!

Controversies revolving around the match also grabs the eyeballs even though it is not always healthy for the growth of the game. With packed stands regular in any Kolkata Derby, it is expected that around 70,000 people will turn up at the majestic Salt Lake Stadium this Sunday evening. The electrifying atmosphere will give take the game to a different level after all this is the biggest game in Indian football!