The Kolkata Derby: East Bengal's Quest for First ISL Victory Against Mohun Bagan

In addition, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has proven to be a formidable defensive force, conceding only 5 goals against East Bengal FC, the lowest against any team they have faced at least twice. Both teams are eager to secure crucial points in the upcoming match, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant aiming to extend their unbeaten streak and East Bengal FC determined to overcome their rivals and avoid another defeat.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant have recorded a 79.2% passing accuracy against East Bengal FC in the ISL, which is their second-best against any opponent behind the 82.5% they have registered against Punjab FC. East Bengal FC will have to discover a way to break down the cohesiveness in the Mariners' passing patterns to not let them orchestrate the flow of the proceedings.

The Mariners will be targeting their fourth league double against East Bengal FC in the ISL. Against no other team have they scaled this feat more times in the competition (also NEUFC - 3 league doubles in 2021-22, 2023-24, 2024-25). Mohun Bagan Super Giant have netted in each of their nine ISL encounters against East Bengal FC.

East Bengal FC have struck the third-least goals (16) in the ISL 2024-25. They have thus strengthened their frontline by signing Venezuelan striker Richard Celis until the end of the season. Celis, 28, has represented clubs such as Atletico Venezuela CF, Deportivo JBL, Caracas FC and Academia Puerto Cabello, and can play down the centre as well as through the left flank, arguably making up for the absence of attacking midfielder Madih Talal. Whether Celis plays any part in this match remains to be seen though.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina played down their impressive track record against East Bengal FC in the ISL.

"What we did in the ISL so far doesn't matter in tomorrow's game. We need to perform well, defeat them in the 90 minutes tomorrow on the pitch," he said.

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East Bengal FC head coach Oscar Bruzon backed his players to perform well in the Kolkata Derby.

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"We have to optimise the resources that are available to us and we have full confidence in the players who will take the field to play in the Kolkata Derby," he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)