Mohun Bagan Super Giant will search a record-extending 18th title once they face first-time finalists NorthEast United FC within the Durand Cup summit showdown right here on Saturday, hoping the harm considerations over skipper Subhasish Bose wouldn’t come of their method. For a crew that didn’t concede a single purpose within the group stage, Mohun Bagan went 0-2 down after their defensive mainstay, Bose, struggled with an harm and was substituted on the half-hour mark of their semifinal towards Bengaluru FC.
The Blues made full use of the defensive frailty to go 2-0 up. The Mariners fought arduous to revive parity earlier than Vishal Kaith’s brilliance below the bar sealed a wonderful 4-3 win within the tiebreaker.
Bose had a lightweight coaching together with his teammates on Friday and it’s nonetheless not clear whether or not coach Jose Molina will danger beginning the crew’s captain within the match’s greatest match.
While Mohun Bagan’s defence appeared to be their weak hyperlink, the cohesion within the midfield and incisive assault led by Jason Cummings and Dimitri Petratos confirmed the best way for the Mariners.
Among Indians, Liston Colaco and Aniruth Thapa have been spectacular and the latter’s peach of a purpose within the 84th minute had turned it round for them towards the Blues.
Goalkeeper Kaith has been phenomenal within the final two knockout matches, saving 4 penalties, first towards Punjab FC after which versus Bengaluru and he’ll as soon as once more be the important thing towards the spirited NorthEast United FC.
“It feels nice to play successive finals. We gave our 100 per cent and made a terrific comeback after the two-goal deficit. Full credit score to the crew to attain the 2 essential objectives and convey the match to the tie-breaker,” Kaith stated.
Unlike the quarters and semis, the ultimate can have extra-time and Mohun Bagan will look to seal the difficulty within the regulation time.
Playing at dwelling may even give Mohun Bagan an enormous enhance as about 30,000-plus followers are anticipated to cheer for the Mariners.
But the John Abraham-owned Highlanders shouldn’t be underestimated as they’ve proven their prowess by blanking fierce rivals Shillong Lajong FC 3-0 on the latter’s dwelling floor to make their first ever remaining within the Durand Cup.
Under the steering of coach Juan Pedro Benali, NEUFC have demonstrated their supremacy within the group levels, successful all three matches whereas netting a formidable 10 objectives and conceding solely as soon as.
They are identified for his or her tactical brilliance and defensive solidity, and will probably be as a lot an off-the-pitch battle between the 2 Spaniard coaches as it’s on-field.
Spanish recruit Guillermo Fernandez has emerged as one of many key performers for NorthEast United FC.
The 31-year-old boasts a formidable resume with over 430 appearances throughout prime European leagues, together with La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, and has made a big influence for the membership.
Fernandez is the joint prime scorer for NEUFC on this Durand Cup and is tied with Jithin MS for second general with 4 objectives.
Jithin, 26, has additionally been a revelation for NEUFC this season with not simply scoring however establishing and the duo will give Mohun Bagan defence some anxious time.
On face to face, Mohun Bagan lead 7-2 towards NEUFC with one being a draw. In their final assembly, Mohun Bagan had defeated NEUFC 4-2 within the ISL final season right here.
Kickoff: 5.30pm.
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