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The first Kolkata Derby of this season’s I-League is only three days away. The temperature around maidan has already started soaring up amid the cold weather that has gripped the city.
Both the clubs are struggling to get the things going this season. With nine points from six matches, the Kolkata giants are only separated on the league table by their goal differences.
East Bengal have lost three matches in a row before a morale-boosting win ahead of the Derby. Mohun Bagan may have lost only one match, but a spate of draws has prevented their progress in the league table.
Going by the recent performances between the two sides, Mohun Bagan certainly have an upper hand. With three wins and two draws in their last five matches, the advantage is with the green and maroon side.
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But statistics matter little when the two enemies face each other. Sunday will not be an exception as the winning side will progress further on the league table and keep themselves hunting for the league.
On that note, let us look at the five recent meetings between the two clubs:
#5 East Bengal 2-2 Mohun Bagan (Calcutta Football League: September 2, 2018)
East Bengal made a brilliant turnaround in the last match against their arch-rivals. After conceding two goals within the first 30 minutes of the match, East Bengal reduced the margin in the first half and got the equaliser in the second and could’ve won if chances were not missed.
The match saw a certain World Cupper Johnny Acosta make his first appearance for the club. However, it was Acosta whose mistake led to the first goal of the match, scored by Pintu Mahata from an unmarked position.
Brilliant Henry Kisekka doubled Mohun Bagan’s lead in the 30th minute from a brilliant cross of Arijit Bagui. Bagui also made his contribution in the first goal of the match and was superb throughout.
But the introduction of Lalrindika Ralte tilted the fortune in the Red and Golds' favour and East Bengal immediately equalised from a howler of a mistake by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Paul. Acosta registered his name on the scoresheet in his debut match and what an occasion it was!
In the second half, Lalrindika’s corner was initially saved by Shilton but Laldanmawia scored from the rebound to brought East Bengal back into the game.
#4 East Bengal 0-2 Mohun Bagan (I-League: January 21, 2018)
With a win in the return fixture in last season’s I-League, Mohun Bagan achieved a rare ‘double’ against their arch-rivals. The loss hampered East Bengal journey en route to the title and they eventually finished on fourth.
The match was completely dominated by the Green and Maroon brigade. In fact, they could’ve scored at least five goals against their opponents, had all the chances been utilised. Akram Moghrabi was centre of all their attacks.
Mohun Bagan were in disappointment after the sudden departure of Sony Norde, who left the club midway in the season owing to an injury.
But that mattered little as Dipanda Dicka rose to the occasion and marked his name in the history books with a brace in the match.
The green and maroon got the first goal within 55 seconds, even before all the spectators could take their seat.
Moghrabi's head was brilliantly sent home by Dipanda Dicka. He added a second later in the first half from a Raynier Fernandes corner.
East Bengal got a goal disallowed in the 27th minute but apart from that, they never looked comfortable in the match. Midfielder Mahmoud Al-Amna’s injury in the first half made the task tougher for them.
#3 Mohun Bagan 1-0 East Bengal (I-League: December 3, 2017)
East Bengal lost the first Kolkata Derby of last year's I-League after a lone goal from Mohun Bagan's defender Eze Kingsley. East Bengal’s the then coach Khalid Jamil made some questionable changes before the match which went against the team.
The strategy to deploy Mehtab Singh at central defence was a big mistake as Sony Norde exploited the youngster with his skills and precision. Gurwinder Singh was also not looking in front a compact Mohun Bagan attack.
Bagan broke the deadlock from a corner in the 39th minute. Defender Eze Kingsley rose above everyone to head the ball home.
This match saw former Mohun Bagan player Katsumi Yusa and defender Eduardo Ferreira lining up against their former team for the first time.
Trinidad and Tobago player Willis Plaza failed to go past an onrushing Shilton Paul later in the second half. Also, Cavin Lobo’s shot was saved by Paul later in the game.
#2 East Bengal 2-2 Mohun Bagan (Calcutta Football League: September 24, 2017)
East Bengal made this match memorable by winning their record consecutive eighth Calcutta Football League.
With just a point needed to lift the trophy, East Bengal came from behind to equalise and secured the title. This was also the first experience of a Derby for red and gold coach Khalid Jamil.
East Bengal fell behind in the third minute courtesy an own goal by Carlyle Mitchell, who was signed by the club on advice of fellow Trinidadian Willis Plaza. During a clearance, Mitchell put the ball on his own net.
Mohun Bagan were attacking relentlessly to earn more goals. However, it was not to be. Laldanmawia Ralte brought East Bengal back into the game just before the half-time whistle.
Mitchell turned himself villain in front the packed faithful when he brought down Kamo Bayi inside the box.
Ansumanah Kromah made no mistake from the spot to put Mohun Bagan ahead once again. However, Raynier Fernandes handled the ball inside the box and Al-Amna converted from the spot.
#1 Mohun Bagan 2-1 East Bengal (I-League, April 9, 2017)
There was a long lasting myth about Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri until this match - East Bengal never lost a Derby on this ground. The north-eastern town of West Bengal boast a major support base for East Bengal.
The match witnessed the famous Sten Gun celebration from Mohun Bagan’s winger Sony Norde. The Haitian put his team ahead through a superbly taken free-kick on 35th minute. This was the first and only goal for Norde in a Kolkata Derby so far.
Moments later, rookie Azharuddin Mullick doubled the lead. It was a howler from East Bengal goalkeeper TP Rehenesh, who was well ahead of his line and all it took was chip from Mullick to put the ball on the back of the net.
A tussle between Willis Plaza and Anas Edathodika saw the Trinidadian given marching order as East Bengal’s fortune turned from bad to worse. With clocks ticking down, East Bengal failed to get a grip on the match and Ivan Bukenya’s late goal wasn’t enough for the secure at least a point.
The myth was broken finally.
