East Bengal ‘win’ drawn derby

Margao: This was far from your regular Kolkata derby. The players were at loggerheads with each other, there were skirmishes on the field and some visible anger in the stands too. But for a game involving two of India’s biggest football clubs – Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC – in a winner-takes-all clash, this was a bit subdued.
Maybe it’s the circumstances. They were playing in distant Goa, on a field that wasn’t really conducive for football, and in front of almost empty stands. The crowd attendance didn’t cross thousand. If you discount the derbies during the Covid-19 pandemic here, when fans were not allowed, this one would be the lowest attended in recent memory.
At least East Bengal wouldn’t mind the numbers as Oscar Bruzon’s side secured a goalless draw against Mohun Bagan to top the group and qualify for the semifinals of the Super Cup at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Friday.
The Kolkata giants finished with five points each but East Bengal topped with a better goal difference, thanks to their 4-0 demolition of Chennaiyin. Bagan will rue their draw against Dempo in the previous game. Tonight’s encounter means they have now failed to score for 180 minutes.
“The level that we have right now is not enough,” admitted coach Jose Molina.
Bruzon, of course, would be delighted how his side has bounced back after the unexpected draw against Dempo in the opener. The win against Chennaiyin was good, and for the first time in some years, they started and finished as the better team against their most fierce rivals.
“We are no longer a reactive team, relying on counterattacks,” said Bruzon. “We were good and deserved to qualify. The idea is to always be the dominant side.”
On the evidence of the 90-minute show on Friday, hardly any neutral will grudge East Bengal’s qualification. Despite needing only a draw to qualify, there was attacking intent from start to finish, as showcased by Brazilian Miguel Ferreira’s attempt on goal in the first minute itself.
East Bengal were the team in control in the opening half with the midfield trio of Saul Crespo, Mohamad Rashid and Miguel playing their roles to perfection.
Hamid Ahadad’s header from close range went wide, Bipin Singh saw his flick strike the crossbar and bounce back, while Mahesh Singh’s volley from an encouraging position was blocked by Alberto Rodriguez.
Bagan had little of note in the first half, and their handful of supporters on the north stand found their voice only at the half an hour mark when the team won the first cornerkick. It was not until Apuia’s shot, straight into the hands of goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, that the two-time ISL champions looked threatening enough to score a goal.
In the second half though, Bagan showed greater intent. They were better in attack too with foreigners like Robson Azevedo, Jason Cummings and Jason Cummings all taking the field. But every time they tried to find an opening, defender Anwar Ali stood like a rock, his double block late in the game to deny Robson and Cummings being the highlight.

Bagan were frustrated and East Bengal stayed alive in the end, doing just what the doctor ordered.