Published on July 24
KOLKATA: The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup begins on Saturday with the iconic Kolkata Derby as East Bengal FC take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The opening match kicks off at 5:00 PM.
A rivalry steeped in history
The two Kolkata giants have faced each other over 20 times in the Durand Cup, with East Bengal holding a slight edge. They have contested 12 Durand Cup finals, with East Bengal winning six, Mohun Bagan four, and two ending shared. In 2023, Mohun Bagan ended a 23-year wait for the title by defeating East Bengal 1-0 in the final.
New coaches, fresh start
Both teams begin the tournament under new head coaches. Antonio Lopez Habas takes charge of East Bengal after guiding Mohun Bagan to the 2023-24 ISL League Shield, while Panagiotis Dilmperis begins his tenure with Mohun Bagan after an impressive spell at Punjab FC.
"No nostalgia. We have to think about the present and the future, because the past is the past. "I absolutely respect my trajectory in India, with my players and the fans. But now it's another job, another side, for professional life. I have to fight for my dream now," said Antonio Lopez when asked whether he was facing his old club stirred any nostalgia. Meanwhile On his Mohun Bagan journey Dilmperis said: "Starting with a derby against East Bengal is something that makes me feel excited, because this is the reason why football exists," he said. "Joining a club like Mohun Bagan, with this fan base, the owner, the history and huge expectations, creates for me not anxiety but big motivation."
Star signings add spice
Former East Bengal midfield star and reigning ISL Golden Ball winner Miguel Figueira Damasceno is set to make his derby debut for Mohun Bagan. Serbian striker Dejan Drazic has also joined the Mariners, expressing excitement about experiencing Kolkata's biggest football rivalry.
Live broadcast The match will be telecast live on Sony Ten 5 and streamed on SonyLIV.
PHOTO CAPTION: East Bengal coach Antonio Lopez Habas and Mohun Bagan coach Panagiotis Dilmperis (Right)