I-League 2018-19: 3 reasons why you should not miss Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal this weekend
It’s time for the most important fixture of Indian football once against as East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will be going head-to-head again in the return leg of I-League 2018-19 season.
East Bengal won the previous leg by 3-2, which was also their first win in Kolkata Derby after 32 months. Laldanmawia Ralte scored a brace and Jobby Justin scored the other goal for East Bengal. Azharuddin Mullick and Dipanda Dicka scored for Mohun Bagan.
With 22 points from 12 matches, East Bengal stand in the fourth position of the league table. Mohun Bagan are on sixth with 21 points from 13 matches. A win could lift East Bengal in the second place, whereas Mohun Bagan too could have their last shot with another three points.
No matter what, the match would be exciting as always and let us look at the three reasons why you should not miss the match on Sunday.
#3 Last one in I-League
In all probability, the upcoming Kolkata Derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will be the last fixture of these two iconic clubs, as both of them are expected to play Indian Super League from next season. For that, both teams will try to mark the occasion memorable.
On December 30, 2007, the two teams met each other for the very first time in I-League. Mohun Bagan won that match courtesy a solitary goal from Bhaichung Bhutia. The Sikkimese came to haunt East Bengal again in the second leg as his brace was enough to make a Derby Double in favour of Mohun Bagan.
On that note, East Bengal will try to replicate the same as they have already won the first leg this season. East Bengal have the distinguished record of winning the very first match between these two sides way back in 1925, when the red and golds defeated Mohun Bagan 1-0, thanks to Nepal Chakroborty’s lone goal.
Combining National Football League and I-League, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have played each other 43 times. The red and golds won 16 times whereas Mohun Bagan won 14 matches, while 13 matches ended in stalemate. East Bengal have scored 25 goals whereas Mohun Bagan scored two more than their arch-rivals.
It needs to be seen what kind of drama awaits for the fans when the teams meet for the last time in I-League.