Defending champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face first-time finalist NorthEast United FC in the 133rd Durand Cup final at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. The match promises to be a historic occasion for both teams, with NorthEast United aiming for its maiden title and Mohun Bagan seeking to extend its record-breaking tally to 18.
The road to the final has been contrasting for the two teams. NorthEast United has been in impressive form, winning all five of its group stage matches in regulation time. Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, has relied on late equalizers to avoid defeat and has won both its quarterfinal and semifinal via penalty shootouts.
In terms of form, NorthEast United has been more efficient, scoring 16 goals while conceding just one. Mohun Bagan, despite investing heavily in new signings, has appeared to be a team still in the building process. Its new head coach, Jose Molina, has admitted that the team is still in the pre-season build-up phase and needs time to gel.
NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali is confident that his team can pull off an upset. “We have nothing to lose and we will try to bring out our best and win our first major trophy since our inception,” he said.
Mohun Bagan will be hoping to see its attack improve and cut down on the defensive errors that have cost it in recent matches. The team boasts a star-studded lineup that includes Greg Stuart, Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings, Manvir Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco, and Apuia.
The Durand Cup final is expected to be a closely contested affair between two teams with contrasting styles. NorthEast United will look to exploit Mohun Bagan’s defensive weaknesses, while Mohun Bagan will rely on its attacking prowess to overcome its opponent’s resilience.
