Durand Cup 2024: Mohun Bagan Super Giant and NorthEast United FC Face Off in Final with History in Sight – News18

Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant and in-form but first-time finalists NorthEast United FC will face off in the 133rd Durand Cup final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.

Mohun Bagan SG are eyeing their record-extending 18th Durand Cup title as NorthEast United FC have already made history by reaching the Durand Cup final for the first time ever.

The Mariners won both their group-stage games, scoring seven goals while keeping a clean sheet. In the knockouts, MBSG have let in five goals only to be saved by Vishal Kaith’s heroics. The quarterfinals against Punjab FC ended in thrilling 3-3 in regulation time as Mohun Bagan went through on penalties. Penalties were again needed in the semifinals, following a comeback from two goals down to make it 2-2 against Bengaluru FC.

With home support on their side, Mohun Bagan head coach Jose Molina is not counting on just that to see their team through.

“I think it’s really good to have home support but on the pitch, it will be eleven players taking on eleven players. So it’s never an advantage to play in front of the home crowd. There will be pressure as the home side but the players are experienced enough to handle that,” he said at the pre-match press conference on Friday.

When asked about the opposition, he said; “NorthEast is a very good team. We have seen that throughout the tournament. They have good wingers. But we have full confidence in our boys and we will give our best on the pitch tomorrow.”

Star mid-fielder Greg Stewart is also not taking NEUFC lightly. He said, “I feel a bit pressured to play in front of the home crowd. Because it is a do and die match. It’s going to be a tough match tomorrow against a very good NorthEast side.”

NorthEast United boss, on the other hand, is counting on support to weigh heavily on the home side.

“It’s fantastic to play in front of such an amazing crowd in Kolkata. There is nothing to lose for us. We have played good football and have come here to give our best in front of such an amazing crowd, fantastic city and amazing people,” he said at the pre-match press conference.

“We have our weapons and they have theirs and it is going to be a terrific game and at the end of the match we will be congratulating the best team,” the NEUFC coach added.

Having made history already with their first-ever appearance in a final, NorthEast United FC have nothing to lose. At least according to head coach Juan Pedro Benali.

‘The Highlanders’ have been dominant all through the Durand Cup campaign, winning all their three group stage matches and that too with 10 goals scored and conceding just one.

In the Quarters, NEUFC swatted aside the Indian Army football team and then outclassed Shillong Lajong FC 3-0 in the Northeastern derby.

Skipper Michel Zabaco is looking forward to go one step further and create more history.

“We are here to give our one hundred per cent and win the trophy. They have are a very good team and have solid individual players but we will be playing to our game plan and come away with a win,” he said.