Punjab FC Aim To Break Mohun Bagan Jinx And Extend Unbeaten ISL Run In Kolkata

Punjab FC will look to carry their impressive start to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season forward when they take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a highly anticipated fourth-round encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday, October 31. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM.

The Shers have made an encouraging start to their campaign, collecting seven points from three matches to occupy second place in the standings. Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, are positioned fifth with six points from an identical number of outings, setting up an intriguing contest between two sides eager to strengthen their position in the league.

Punjab FC will travel to Kolkata riding high after securing a dramatic 3-2 victory over Churchill Brothers in Goa. Sanathoi Singh emerged as the hero, finding the back of the net in the 95th minute to seal all three points. Mohun Bagan also head into the fixture on the back of a narrow victory, having defeated Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at home courtesy of Manvir Singh's 85th-minute strike.

One of the biggest positives for Punjab FC this season has been their ability to deliver when it matters most. Head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis has effectively utilised his squad, with timely substitutions and tactical adjustments playing a crucial role in the team's performances during the closing stages.

Interestingly, all three of Punjab's league matches have witnessed decisive moments in the final minutes. Raphaël Messi Bouli scored a late winner against Odisha FC in their season opener, Gurkirat Singh rescued a point with an equaliser against Mumbai City FC, while Sanathoi's stoppage-time strike secured victory over Churchill Brothers. This late-game resilience will once again be an important weapon against a formidable Mohun Bagan outfit.

Speaking about the upcoming challenge, Punjab FC head coach Dermitzakis acknowledged the quality of their opponents but remained confident in his team's preparations.

"We know that tomorrow's game is a difficult and demanding one against a strong team and one of the biggest clubs in the country. We have prepared in the best way possible, and like all our games, we are going to compete for a positive result and continue our good start to the season."

The fixture will also bring two Greek coaches face-to-face, with Dermitzakis going up against Panos Dilimperis, who previously guided Punjab FC for two seasons before taking charge of Mohun Bagan. The encounter carries an added personal dimension, although the Punjab boss made it clear that professional responsibilities would take priority once the match begins.

"Panos is a coach who did great work over the last two seasons in Punjab, and I am sure he is going to do the same at Mohun Bagan. I am happy to face him tomorrow because he is a good friend of mine, but on the touchline, each coach will be looking out only for what is best for their own team."

The two clubs are no strangers to each other this season, having already met in the IFA Shield semi-finals. That contest remained goalless even after 120 minutes, with Mohun Bagan eventually progressing through a penalty shootout. The Kolkata giants also hold a commanding record in their ISL meetings against Punjab FC, having won every previous encounter between the sides.

For the visitors, Saturday's clash presents an opportunity to rewrite that history and register a significant result against one of the country's most established clubs.

Punjab FC captain Nikhil Prabhu also highlighted the importance of having a strong squad, emphasising that contributions from substitutes and younger players could prove decisive throughout the campaign.

"The coach has been very straightforward that everyone has their own responsibility. More than just the starting XI, the players coming off the bench are equally important for us. We have experienced players who speak constantly with the youngsters to help them grow and develop."

While Punjab FC have impressed with their attacking determination, defensive consistency remains an area requiring attention. The team have conceded four goals in their opening three league matches, something Dermitzakis admitted has been a concern for the coaching staff. However, the Greek coach insisted that his players are working hard to address those shortcomings on the training ground.

"The fact that we conceded goals in our previous games is certainly something that bothers us, but it is something we are actively working on in training. We don't play alone; the opponents play too, and they try to put us in trouble. That is how football works", he added.

Prabhu, who has returned to his natural centre-back position this season after previously featuring in defensive midfield, also addressed the team's defensive performances. The Punjab captain acknowledged his own mistakes in the previous outing but stressed that the coaching staff had worked with him to correct them ahead of the Kolkata challenge.

"There were some minor mistakes from my side in the last game but I have worked that out with the coaching staff and rectified the same. I started my career as a centre-back, and then my position was shifted to a defensive midfielder. I really enjoy playing in the midfield, but I am always ready to step up and help the team in whichever way I can. We've analyzed our recent mistakes, worked on them in training, and we are completely ready for this game."

With both teams enjoying positive momentum, the contest promises to be a significant test of Punjab FC's credentials this season. The reunion between Dermitzakis and his former Punjab FC colleague Dilimperis adds another compelling storyline to an already fascinating encounter.

However, the Shers will have little room for sentiment when they step onto the pitch. Having never beaten Mohun Bagan in the ISL, Punjab FC will be eager to end that unwanted record, protect their unbeaten start and demonstrate that their impressive early-season performances can translate into results against the league's biggest contenders. A victory in Kolkata would not only deliver a historic breakthrough but also send a strong message about their ambitions for the 2026-27 campaign.