Mohun Bagan SG continued their winning run against East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) as they edged past their arch-rivals by a 3-1 scoreline in the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday but face another massive game in the race for the League Shield when they take on fellow contenders Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi on Wednesday. 

A win for the Mariners would virtually end the Blasters' challenge and significantly boost their chances of winning the Sheild for the first time. Antonio Habas' men warmed up for the task in perfect fashion with a 3-1 win over rivals East Bengal FC in the Kolkata derby.

After the match, Dimitri Petratos and Liston Colaco shared their thoughts on the derby win and also looked ahead to the crucial clash against Kerala Blasters FC in an exclusive interview with indiansuperleague.com.

With his goal and assist in the reverse fixture of the Kolkata Derby, Dimitri Petratos now has the joint-highest goal contribution (5) in this high-voltage match. The Aussie forward led his team’s offensive line, dictating the match with his sheer quality and great understanding of the game. Petratos played a pivotal role during the game, having significant engagement in all three goals.

“I have just gone out on the pitch and given my best for my club, my teammates, and our supporters, and this was the main objective to get the three points. We played as a team, we worked hard as a team, and we won the game, which is the main positive thing for us,” Petratos told indiansuperleague.com after their win in the Kolkata Derby.

Petratos acknowledged that East Bengal FC put them under pressure in the second half, but also opined that his team could have increased their lead in the second half by using their chances in the second half.

“The game changed a little bit in the second half. East Bengal FC came out and pressed us,” he said.

“They just held a deep block. We worked hard throughout the game. Throughout the second half, they pressed us. They brought everybody up. We were a little bit unlucky in the second half for not converting our chances in the second half. But we won; this is the main thing,” he added.

The versatile forward has his eyes fixed on clinching the ISL League Shield for the first time in the club’s history as he urges his players to stay focused for their next game against Kerala Blasters FC.

“We have to take one game at a time. We should focus on our next game (against Kerala Blasters FC),” he shared.

“This game against East Bengal FC is done now. Hope, the fans have enjoyed it. Now we have to recover and focus on the next game. The crowd was amazing today; thank you very much for coming out,” he signed off.

Our aim is to win the ISL League Shield: Liston Colaco

Liston Colaco dedicated his Kolkata Derby goal to his family and their passionate supporters. Despite scoring the goal, the skilful winger had created continuous pressure through the right flank, helping his side keep possession of the ball in their favour.

“I want to dedicate my Derby goal to my girlfriend, my family, and obviously to our supporters,” he asserted.

Speaking about their primary objective this season, Colaco shared,

“Obviously, we are fighting for first place, and our first aim is to win the ISL League Shield now.”