Mohun Bagan vs Bengaluru FC: Exciting Semi-Final Clash in 2024 Durand Cup
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 27: Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant are set to face former champions Bengaluru FC in the second semi-final of the 2024 Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday.
The Mariners secured their semi-final spot by defeating Punjab FC 6-5 in a thrilling sudden death after a 3-3 draw in regulation time. They are eager to return to their home ground for this crucial match against the 2022 Durand Cup champions, Bengaluru FC.
Bengaluru FC reached the semi-finals with a dramatic 95th-minute goal from Jorge Pereyra Diaz, clinching a 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters.
Coaches’ Insights
Mohun Bagan SG head coach, Jose Molina, expressed his thoughts ahead of the match, saying, “Bengaluru FC are a good team. They have some really good players but I am thinking and concerned about the whole team, not any individual players. It is going to be a good game. We are going to miss Jamie Maclaren and Ashique Kuruniyan tomorrow but the rest of the team is ready to give their best. Playing in the home ground will be an advantage for us. Supporters will come in numbers to support us. You can see the formation and lineup tomorrow on the pitch.”
On the other hand, Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza commented, “Mohun Bagan Super Giant is a team that has really talented players across the pitch, and we are sure that this will be a fixture that demands us to be focused. I was happy with the way we defended together as a unit and stayed compact against the Blasters. I felt we controlled that game well for most parts of the 90 minutes, and it’s something that we will need to try to replicate tomorrow.”
Key Players and Performances
In the quarterfinals, Mohun Bagan’s Suhail Bhatt, Manvir Singh, and Jason Cummings scored in regulation time. Coach Jose Molina had to bring in star players Greg Stewart, Dimitrios Petratos, and Apuia to push the game to penalties.
Bengaluru FC showcased strong form throughout the tournament, winning all their group matches, scoring ten goals, and conceding only twice. New signings Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Alberto Noguera have been impressive, working well with captain Sunil Chhetri.
The winner of this semi-final will face NorthEast United in the Durand Cup final on Saturday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Doubts Revealed
Mohun Bagan -: Mohun Bagan is a famous football club from Kolkata, India. They have a long history and are one of the oldest football clubs in Asia.
Bengaluru FC -: Bengaluru FC is a football club based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. They are known for being one of the top teams in Indian football.
Durand Cup -: The Durand Cup is a very old football tournament in India. It started in 1888 and is one of the oldest football competitions in the world.
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan -: This is a big stadium in Kolkata, also known as Salt Lake Stadium. It is one of the largest football stadiums in India.
sudden death -: Sudden death is a way to decide the winner in a tied match. Teams take turns to score, and the first team to score when the other doesn’t, wins.
Kerala Blasters -: Kerala Blasters is another football club in India, based in Kochi, Kerala. They are popular and have many fans.
Jose Molina -: Jose Molina is the coach of Mohun Bagan. He helps the team plan and play their matches.
Gerard Zaragoza -: Gerard Zaragoza is the coach of Bengaluru FC. He also helps his team plan and play their matches.
NorthEast United -: NorthEast United is a football club based in Guwahati, Assam. They will play against the winner of this semi-final in the final match.
