The Kolkata Derby, also known as the “Boro Match” or “Big Match,” is one of the most iconic football matches in India. It is a high-stakes encounter between two arch-rivals, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, and is considered the biggest derby in Indian football.
Football fans across India witnessed the Kolkata Derby between East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan on Saturday, which saw ATK Mohun Bagan clinch a 2-0 victory over their arch-rivals. The match was filled with plenty of excitement, from missed chances to brilliant saves, and some nail-biting moments for fans on both sides.
Here are the five key takeaways from the Kolkata Derby:
- Dominance from ATK Mohun Bagan
The match saw ATK Mohun Bagan control the game from the beginning, with several opportunities to score early in the game. They dominated possession, making several shots on target, and the pressure finally paid off in the 68th minute when Slavko Damjanovic scored from close range.
- East Bengal’s Struggles
East Bengal had a tough time creating opportunities throughout the match. Though they had a few good counter-attacks, they were unable to convert their chances into goals. The team finished the league in 10th place out of 11 teams with just 19 points in 20 games.
- Brilliant Goalkeeping
Both teams showcased brilliant goalkeeping skills, with both keepers making crucial saves throughout the game. ATK Mohun Bagan’s goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh made a crucial save in the 90th minute before Dimitri Petratos scored off the rebound. East Bengal’s keeper, Debjit Majumder, also made several important saves, keeping the scoreline from escalating.
- Impactful Substitutions
The game saw some impactful substitutions from both sides, with Liston Colaco replacing Manvir Singh for ATK Mohun Bagan and Mohamad Rakip and Sumeet Passi coming on for Sarthak Golui and Suhair Vadakkepeedika for East Bengal. While the substitutions didn’t change the outcome of the match, they certainly helped keep the tempo up and created some opportunities for both teams.
- The Rivalry Continues
The rivalry between East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan is one of the most intense rivalries in Indian football. The two teams have been competing against each other for decades, and their matches are always fiercely contested. The Kolkata Derby lived up to its reputation, with both teams giving their all on the field.
.@atkmohunbaganfc stretch their winning streak in the #KolkataDerby to six matches after handing @eastbengal_fc a 2️⃣-0️⃣ loss #ISL #EBFCATKMB https://t.co/aa52sq8HIn
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) February 25, 2023
The Kolkata Derby was a thrilling match that showcased the passion and intensity of Indian football. ATK Mohun Bagan dominated the game, while East Bengal struggled to create opportunities.
However, both teams displayed excellent skills and showcased the true spirit of the game. With the ISL season coming to an end, fans of both teams will be looking forward to the next season to see if East Bengal can finally break their jinx against their arch-rivals.
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