Kolkata Derby: The Kolkata Derby is the biggest fixture in the Indian football calendar. The two Kolkata giants are fighting for bragging rights for more than 100 years now and have seen several ups and downs for either team. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 Live Updates only on InsideSport.IN
This is a game that divides West Bengal into two halves and has the power to hike inflate the prices of hilsa and prawn in the market considering the outcome of the game. it is sensational to even acknowledge the culture and history involved in the fixture as it takes a new colour in the Indian Super League.
Here are the five things that fans will eagerly watch at the second leg of the Kolkata Derby this season.
Return Derby for Mario Rivera
Mario Rivera is no stranger to the Kolkata Derby. He first experienced the Kolkata Derby from the East Bengal dugout when he was Alejandro Menendez’s assistant coach way back in 2018. He was then appointed the head coach of the Red and Golds in 2020 for a short stint. But now he has returned again to SC East Bengal camp and has already guided them to their first Indian Super League match win this season.
The Red and Golds were in a precarious situation being the only team in the league without a single win. But Rivera joined the team as their new head coach and right in the first game, SC East Bengal defeated FC Goa to break the jinx. But the problems still remain as they were humiliated in the next game by Hyderabad FC. Rivera’s understanding of the derby and the emotions of the supports will definitely play a role in how he sets his team up for the big clash. It will be really interesting to see how the Spanish tactician rises to the occasion and also uses the new foreign players who have joined the club in the January transfer window.
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A point to prove for Marcelo Riberio
It will be a new experience for SC East Bengal’s new Brazilian forward. But with the game played in Goa under closer door circumstances, Marcelo would not feel much different. But the Brazilian marksman will be looking to make his mark on this important clash. We already had a glimpse of his huge frame and physicality in the last game as he took on two Hyderabad FC defenders and earned a penalty late in the game.
The former Gil Vicente striker is known for his hold up play and his ability to find the net consistently. Something that the Red and Golds have been missing for the last two seasons. They tried their luck with Daniel Chima but he only found the target twice and the management was highly unimpressed with the Nigerian’s performance that they decided to part ways. So they will hope that Marcelo proves a point in the big clash. The 24-year-old has already plied his trade in the lower divisions in Spain and has also featured in the top tier in Portugal. So there is no doubt about his quality. But it will interesting to see how he adapts to the situation and also develops an understanding with Antonio Perosevic and other domestic forwards.
A golazo from Liston Colaco?
Amidst Roy Krishna, Hugo Boumous and David Williams, it has been Liston Colaco who has impressed the most for ATK Mohun Bagan this season. The Goan youngster has scored five goals along with an assist and has been a livewire on the field for the Mariners. However, the two-week break due to unforeseen circumstances may have broken her rhythm but Colaco looked very sharp against Odisha FC aswell. He skipped past defenders with relative ease, created a number of openings in the first half but could not get the killer blow.
It was an underwhelming second half for the young winger as he could not make much impact. Overall it has been a promising season for Liston who will look to make a mark in the biggest league fixture on the calendar. His five goals include some wonder strikes and the Mariners will hope that he brings in his best game in the Kolkata Derby.
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Can Fran Sota resolve SC East Bengal’s creativity issues?
One area where SC East Bengal struggled was creativity in midfield. The Red and Gold brought in players like Amir Dervisevic and Darren Sidoel in midfield to take control in the most important part of the field. But both the midfielders have struggled to make a mark. While Sidoel still keeps his place in desperate underwhelming performances, Dervisevic has parted ways with the club. The Red and Golds have already brought in his replacement in Fran Sota. The Spanish versatile attacking midfielder is known for his ball progression, creativity and vision.
Sota who has plied his trade for several lower division clubs in Spain looks like a player who can impact the game from midfield. Coming up from the Osasuna youth academy there is no question about Sota’s technique with the ball. His nimble footwork, crisp passing and exceptional vision will surely help the forwards leading the lines. SC East Bengal have not had that penetration this season, something Sota specialises in. So it will be interesting to see how the likes of Perosevic and Marcelo gel with the Spaniard.
Derby Debut for Juan Ferrando
Well who isn’t excited to be a part of the Kolkata Derby!
Head Coach Juan Ferrando is eagerly waiting for his first 💚♥️#ATKMohunBagan #JoyMohunBagan #AmraSobujMaroon #HeroISL pic.twitter.com/ZJKLam6uOD
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) January 25, 2022
It has been a whirlwind of a season for Juan Ferrando. He started the ISL season with FC Goa. The Gaurs were considered as one of the favourites to win the title this season stated rather poorly. Ferrando won his first title with FC Goa as they clinched the Durand Cup right before the ISL. But despite the poor start, not many people would have expected Ferrando to leave the Gaurs mid-season to join ATK Mohun Bagan. That’s exactly what has happened as the Mariners triggered his release clause and replaced Ferrando for Antonio Habas.
Ever since joining the Green and Maroons, Ferrando has seen a smooth transition in terms of the style he likes and also about team selection. The Mariners have also notched up a few wins before they were struck by COVID-19 and to isolate. They came out to play after more than two weeks and dominated Odisha FC though it ended in a stalemate. But it will be interesting to see if the Spanish tactician changes his guard considering it is a big clash against the arch-rivals. It will be very interesting to see how he lines up his team for the big clash.
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