Historic Derby to be Held in Lucknow: Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) is scheduled to face their arch-rivals East Bengal FC (EBFC) in an exhibition match at the KD Singh Babu Stadium in Lucknow on Monday, September 2, 2024.

The match is set to begin at 6:30 PM IST and will be available for live streaming and telecast. This event marks a significant occasion as it is the first time East Bengal will play in Lucknow and the return of Mohun Bagan to the city after a 69-year hiatus.

The initiative to host this match in Lucknow is part of a broader effort by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to promote football within the state of Uttar Pradesh. Mohun Bagan, having won the IFA Shield earlier this year, and East Bengal, who reached the quarter-finals of the Durand Cup, will bring their long-standing rivalry to a new audience.

This encounter between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal is part of one of the fiercest rivalries in world football, with their historical matches taking place across various cities in India. Notably, Mohun Bagan’s last game in Lucknow was in 1955, where they drew against Lucknow FC.

In terms of competitive records, East Bengal has the slight edge with 140 wins out of 395 matches played between the two teams, while Mohun Bagan has won 129 times, and 126 matches have ended in draws.

The promotional match is organized in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh, and Krida Bharti, indicating a collective effort to elevate the sport in the state. The AIFF has also introduced plans to distribute 96,455 footballs across schools in Uttar Pradesh to foster grassroots development.

Coaches from both teams express their determination to approach the match with the intensity that typically accompanies a derby. Mohun Bagan’s coach, Deggie Cardoza, stated that although it is a promotional match, the players will compete seriously to emerge victorious. East Bengal’s coach, Bino George, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the emotional connection that fans and players share during their encounters.