News Mania Desk/ Sohom Chatterjee / 14th September 2024
Bengaluru FC are ready to lock horns with East Bengal FC in their opening match of Hero ISL 2024-25 season. The match will be conducted at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, September 14 scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 pm.
Historically, the Blues have been a stronger side in the ISL in their opening games with only one defeat that came in the 2023-24 season against Kerala Blasters with a 2-1 loss.
The Red and Yellow squad on the other hand has never won any of their openers and they are desperate to change this record.
In terms of head-to-head record, EBFC have scored in all of their encounters against the Bengaluru side and have secured victory in three out of their four matches.
Gerard Zaragoza, the head coach of the hosts, took charge of the side mid-season last term. Although they were able to produce some incredible moments, their final League standing was 10th. The Spaniard wants to improve their situation from the last season as he said in an ISL interview, “The players we wanted to sign are here. The sporting director and owners have done their job and now it’s our time to show. We had a really good pre-season in terms of training, fitness conditions and tactics. We also participated in the Durand Cup which gave us a glimpse of what we want to see in the ISL.”
Carles Cuadrat, the East Bengal boss who took charge of the club last season and his management has seen the Indian heritage club win the Super Cup and reach the final of Durand Cup. They also represented the country in Asia.
Their position at the points table was also disappointing as they finished 9th. Cuadrat said before the match, “We are building a squad and trying to improve from last season and we have brought in new players to help us be more competitive. Also, we have given opportunities to youngsters. Some of them already debuted last season and assisted or scored goals. This will be their second year, a year to show that they are ready for the competition.”
Madih Talal, the new signing from Punjab FC will be the star player for the Bengal side. Diamantakos, the new striker will also be another player to look forward to.
For the Blues, Sunil Chhetri will be star player and most crucial for them to win.
