Traditionally, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have had the upper hand over NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), and the statistics underscore this fact. The Mariners have won six of their eight league meetings against the Highlanders, with their last defeat to NorthEast United FC occurring in December 2022. In total, across ten encounters, including two playoff matches, Mohun Bagan SG have asserted their dominance in this fixture, scoring 21 goals compared to NorthEast United FC’s 12.

However, as they prepare to meet at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday, it cannot be confidently said that Mohun Bagan SG will be the favourites for this clash. While they enjoy home advantage, the tides are slowly changing.

Both sides have played one match so far: NorthEast United FC won their opener against Mohammedan SC, while Mohun Bagan SG squandered a 2-0 lead, settling for a draw against Mumbai City FC.

Mohun Bagan SG is undergoing a transition under new head coach Jose Molina. They have strengthened their squad but lost several key players this summer. The head coach acknowledged that his team needs time to adapt after the draw against Mumbai City FC. 

“I’m a new coach, and for a team to adapt to any new coach, there is a process, and mistakes are made,” the Spaniard stated after the match.

In contrast, NorthEast United FC benefit from continuity under head coach Juan Pedro Benali, having retained the majority of their players from last season. After narrowly missing out on the playoffs last year, they have significantly bolstered their attacking options.

Both teams were among the best in pre-season, reaching the Durand Cup final. Despite the attacking depth in Mohun Bagan SG’s squad, NorthEast United FC demonstrated their fighting spirit, rallying from a two-goal deficit to take the match to penalties, where they triumphed over the defending champions Mohun Bagan SG. This victory secured their first-ever trophy in the club’s history during their inaugural appearance in any final.

Given the attacking prowess of both teams, their upcoming clash could be a seesaw battle reminiscent of the Durand Cup final, with plenty of goals likely on offer.

Strong attacking depth 

Mohun Bagan SG’s new signing and A-League top scorer, Jamie Maclaren, is available for this fixture, enhancing the team's attacking options alongside influential players like Jason Cummings and Dimitrios Petratos, who were heavily involved in goals last season.

In terms of firepower, NorthEast United FC boast Guillermo Fernandez and Alaeddine Ajaraie, both of whom found the net in the Durand Cup final. Ajaraie scored the winner in NorthEast United FC’s opening victory, and these foreign players could play a significant role in this match.

What makes both Mohun Bagan SG and NorthEast United FC formidable attacking sides is the potential of the Indian talents in their ranks. For the Mariners, Liston Colaco has thrived under Molina and was crucial in their Durand Cup final run. He has scored eight times against NorthEast United FC, the highest tally by any player against them. His recent form has been outstanding, finding the net in four of their last six games against the Highlanders. 

For NorthEast United FC, Jithin MS stands out as their most influential Indian player in attack. He was named Best Player of the Durand Cup after recording four goals and three assists in the tournament. Although he is yet to score in the ISL, he has demonstrated his importance to the team, making seven touches in the opposition’s box against Mohammedan SC, the joint-most by any player for his side. 

In 2024, he has logged over five touches in the opposition box, with only Lallianzuala Chhangte (12) and Manvir Singh (8) doing so more frequently among Indian players this year.

Contrasting perspectives  

The replay of the Durand Cup final adds an intriguing layer to this fixture, as noted by NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali on the eve of the fixture. 

“When you're playing against Mohun Bagan SG, you don’t need any extra motivation. We're going up against them on their home ground again, and we know they’re waiting for us in the corner, they want revenge (for the Durand Cup final) and that’s a motivation,” he said. 

However, Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina played down the idea of revenge, stating that he is treating this match as just another game.

“I’m not thinking about revenge (for the Durand Cup final), but only thinking of winning the three points,” he said. 

Despite their differing approaches, both Benali and Molina will have developed improved strategies to counter each other after their encounter in the Durand Cup final. Ultimately, it’s the three points that both teams will be aiming for. A victory for Mohun Bagan SG on Monday would mark their first win of the season, while a win for NorthEast United FC would propel them into the top half of the league.

More than just Mohun Bagan SG seeking revenge or NorthEast United FC aiming to assert themselves against a strong rival, this fixture is rich with different narratives, making it a true blockbuster.

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NorthEast United FCMohun Bagan Super Giant2024-2025