A day of rest and a recovery session later, ATK Mohun Bagan got into the Derby mode from Monday. On Sunday evening, the entire squad and support staff were glued to the television, watching SC East Bengal’s 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur FC in ISL VIII. The Derby is slated for November 27 and, going by what we saw on Friday against Kerala Blasters, ATK Mohun Bagan will start as overwhelming favourites.

Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh though doesn’t believe ATK Mohun Bagan will have it easy. “There is no reason to underestimate SC East Bengal just because we won against Kerala Blasters. They have some outstanding players. Our job is to log full points and that’s why we have to be more focused in practice sessions,” Amrinder said.

This will be the India goalkeeper’s first Derby and he is looking forward to it. “The Derby is one of the biggest matches in Asian football. I know how important this game is for the fans. It is our job to make them happy. This will be my first Derby and I can’t wait to be a part of this match. This game is special and that’s why the whole team want to give its best,” he added.

Like Amrinder, Liston Colaco also will be a Derby debutant. “I have heard about this match from a young age. If coach (Antonio Lopez Habas) selects me, it will be a dream come true. Every Indian footballer wants to play the Derby. I saw East Bengal’s game on Sunday. I am confident that we would win the match. If I can score against SC East Bengal then that will be big moment for me,” Liston, who scored gem of a goal in the first match, said.

Pritam Kotal, one of the three ATK Mohun Bagan captains this season, said his team should be wary of SC East Bengal’s Antonio Perosevic.

Mumbai City win

Defending champions Mumbai City FC beat FC Goa 3-0 margin, an ISL VIII match at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Monday. Igor Angulo (33rd, 36th) scored twice under three minutes before Brazilian Ygor Catatau (76th) celebrated his debut within minutes of stepping onto the pitch.