The much-anticipated Kolkata derby is back. This time, it will be played in the Durand Cup 2023 where East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face off on Saturday (August 12) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. This is the season’s first Kolkata derby and has the makings of a fiery encounter.
However, even before the duel, there has been no shortage of drama, as there had been a significant delay in releasing the tickets for the high-voltage clash. This was after East Bengal officials demanded more tickets for their members. Following this, Arup Biswas, Minister of Sports West Bengal, held a meeting with the Durand Cup Committee, heads of East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting.
But Debabrata Sarkar, a.k.a Nitu da, an East Bengal executive committee member, staged a walkout since their demands were unmet. Mohun Bagan were also on the same page but did not leave the meeting. “We had decided that if members do not get tickets, then we will not go to the field,” said Debabrata Sarkar.
“Last year, we got 4000 complimentary tickets. We also got the same number of tickets this year despite urging the Durand committee to give us more. We wanted 6000 tickets and a few priced tickets as well. If we cannot sell the price ticket, then we want to give it back. But the Durand committee asked “why should we be responsible for unsold tickets”. We were asked to give a minimum guarantee. We do not accept such terms. No one will go to the field if members do not get tickets,” Sarkar added.
Finally, 5000 tickets were allocated for members, 15000 for spectators (each club), and the rest for VIPs and VVIPs etc. Derby tickets will be sold offline, and according to officials, fans have to come to redeem the ticket even if they have booked it online.
Ticket distribution will start at 11 am. People started gathering from 3 o’ clock at night. Now at 9 am, there’s around 4-5k people at the line for the tickets of #KolkataDerby.
That’s the passion for @Mohun_Bagan. The legacy will continue generation afterwards!#JoyMohunBagan pic.twitter.com/TMDsdxpmPz
— Hrishav Hari (@HrishavHari) August 10, 2023
Bagan hold the edge
East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will go neck to neck in front of a sixty-thousand gallery at the Salt Lake Stadium. Regarding form, in the Durand Cup, the Mariners have won two out of two, while East Bengal have played one and drawn one. On paper, Juan Ferrando’s MBSG might be the stronger of the two sides after netting seven goals in two matches. Their bench strength is equally good.
History also favours MBSG as East Bengal last won a derby in 2019, and that too in the I-League. So confidence levels will be sky-high in the Bagan camp, believes Mehtab Hossain, who played 10 seasons for East Bengal. “Mohun Bagan are very strong, they have practised from before, plus their core composition is the same, and seem like a well-oiled machine,” Hossain told The Indian Express.
“But East Bengal has been unable to do the same. Had they done the same, I could have backed them equally. To win, they have to think properly and remain well-organised. They must also play a defensive-minded game and not allow space behind defenders. Whatever the system, compactness in midfield is critical for East Bengal.” he added.
One must not forget the tactical nous of new East Bengal coach and former Indian Super League winner Carles Cuadrat. But according to Hossain, the red and gold army will miss the services of Nishu Kumar, who was suspended after bagging a red card in the previous game
“Cuadrat will look to use dead ball situations, but one thing that will be a drawback will be the absence of Nishu Kumar, who would have been crucial for these set pieces,” he said before adding, “Nishu has played big games, a player like him in defense line gives composure, a big drawback. Experienced players matter in big games. Emotions can run high, and someone like Nishu could have been helpful in these times.”
“But at the end of the day, since it is a derby, things could be 50-50,” he signed off.
Players to watch out for:
Liston Colaco: The winger has been in excellent form for Mohun Bagan Super Giant this season. He is quick and skillful, and creative.
Saul Crespo: The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder is versatile, and innovative. His skills and experience can help the red and gold brigade in transition and progression from defence to attack. If Crespo can do his job, then East Bengal will ooze the x-factor, do a lot more in their counter-attacking moves, and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Probable XI
East Bengal: Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Nishu Kumar, Lalchungnunga, Gursimrat Gill, Mandar Rao Dessai, Harmanjot Khabra (c), Saul Crespo, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Vanlalpeka Guite, Nandhakumar Sekar, Javier Siverio
Mohun Bagan: Vishal Kaith (GK), Anwar Ali, Brendan Hamill, Hugo Boumous, Manvir Singh, Subhasish Bose (c), Abishek Suryavanshi, Liston Colaco, Glan Martins, Ravi Rana, Suhail Bhat
