Mohun Bagan Super Giant wriggled out of tight situations in their quarter-final and semi-final clashes to earn a shot at the Durand Cup crown. It’s time for the final now, against a spirited NorthEast United FC at the Salt Lake Stadium. Will the rub of the green go their way on Saturday? Will it once again be an uphill task?
Whatever the outcome, for sure an interesting contest is on the cards.
Bagan played the catch-up game in their last two games. They had to rely on shootouts to reach yet another Durand final with goalkeeper Vishal Kaith effecting crucial blocks and saves in the tie-breaker. However, what stands out is the quality of their forward line which bailed Bagan out in regulation time to take the games till shootouts.
NorthEast, too, are confident about their strike force that comprises Spaniards Guillermo Fernandez — former Athletic Bilbao footballer — and Nestor Albiach alongside Jithin MS, Thoi Singh and others. But with Dimitrios Petratos, Jason Cummings and Greg Stewart upfront, it’s always an advantage for Bagan.
Bagan head coach Jose Molina, having given a start to both Petratos and Cummings in the semi-final against Bengaluru, may do so again in Saturday’s decider.
NorthEast will most likely have an aggressive approach as they have “nothing to lose.” And defensively, Bagan are not very confident.
“We are not here for holidays,” warned NorthEast head coach Juan Pedro Benali. “You (Bagan) are the favourites, that’s fine. You’re big and will have home support, that’s also fine. But we’re also here to win.
“We would rather want all the seats at the stadium to be filled up by Bagan supporters as that will spur us on, while it could lead to a bit of pressure as well for them (Bagan),” Benali said.
Bagan striker Stewart, however, hopes for a better show from his team on Saturday. “Of course, we don’t want to keep coming from goals behind. However, we have shown our mentality to go behind in games and come back and get the job done. Hopefully, we can go two goals ahead in this match.”
