Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal, ISL 2024-25: 11th January Derby Gets Shifted From Kolkata To Guwahati

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Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal : Mohun Bagan Super Giant has confirmed a change in venue for the Kolkata Derby against East Bengal FC, initially set to take place in Kolkata on January 11.

The much-anticipated clash will now be held in Guwahati.

"Saturday blockbuster 'Boro Match' will now be played at Guwahati. See you, Mariners," the club announced in their statement.

Mohun Bagan is heading into the derby with remarkable momentum, having secured victories in eight of their last ten matches. They have also maintained an unbeaten streak against East Bengal in the Indian Super League (ISL) and will aim to preserve this record.

Meanwhile, East Bengal has shown significant improvement under head coach Oscar Bruzon, achieving four wins in the league since he took charge.

Jose Molina's team had emerged victorious in the season's earlier Kolkata Derby by 2-0 and will look to build on that success as they face their traditional rivals once again.

A few days earlier, the Bidhannagar Police authorities had stated that they would not be able to provide adequate security for the derby, leading to the match being shifted out of Kolkata. Typically, when such matches are held outside Kolkata, the two clubs prefer Jamshedpur or Bhubaneswar. However, in this case, the game will take place in Assam and not in Jharkhand or Odisha.

State Sports Minister Aroop Biswas had earlier informed at Nabanna (State Secretariat) that due to the Gangasagar Mela, police security could not be provided for the derby. Responsibility for the arrangements was handed over to the ISL organizers. The Gangasagar Mela will be held from January 8 to January 17, requiring a significant police deployment for the event and to manage the movement of pilgrims.

East Bengal had earlier alleged that despite the approaching date of the derby, Mohun Bagan, the organizers, had not provided any details about the venue, making it difficult for them to book flights or hotels. However, Mohun Bagan denied this claim, stating that East Bengal's investor group, Emami, had been informed about the venue well in advance. They also mentioned that hotel and flight bookings in Guwahati had already been made.