Both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) fans were once again united on Saturday, before the scheduled Kolkata 'derby' in the ISL at the Salt Lake Stadium. They made a 'human-bonding' on the Eastern Bypass, joining the ongoing protest against the RG Kar hospital victim that has been continuing for the last two months. 

However, after the scheduled 90 minutes of the season’s first ‘Kolkata derby’ in the ongoing ISL, the spirit might have been taken a break as MBSG again outclassed their traditional rival with a convincing victory of 2-0 to reach the second spot of the League table with 13 points from five outings. 

The winless East Bengal in their consecutive last five matches in the ISL this season, are languishing at the last position (13th spot) in the League table. 

Oscar Bruzon’s third innings in Indian football with the red-and-gold brigade after Sporting Clube De Goa and Mumbai City FC (assistant coach) started with sourness. Although the 47-year-old Spanish coach sounded affirmed, seems to have taken the challenge of reviving the depleted red-and-gold brigade.

While speaking to Jio TV after the match, Oscar explained, “The midfield-organization has to be repaired. Mohun Bagan players looked fitter than us. Simultaneously, we failed to make proper markings during their counter-attacks." 

Oscar’s observation from the dug-out on his first day in Kolkata-derby amidst the roaring 65 thousand spectators was almost correct. 

Jamie MacLaren drew first blood in the 41st minute from a Manvir Singh grounder from the right, capitalizing on East Bengal’s feeble marking. Especially Anwar Ali was seen watching Maclaren go past him and jab home. East Bengal Club seems paying the price of Anwar Ali! 

Dimitri Petratos doubled the lead from the spot-kick in the 89th minute, earning it from a brilliant forward through from Greg Stewart.