look news india
Bengaluru, September 14 (HS). Bengaluru FC will play its first match in the 2024-25 season of the Indian Super League (ISL) against East Bengal FC on Saturday evening. This match will be played at the Sri Kanteerava Stadium here.
Bengaluru have a strong opening match record, as the team has lost their first match only once so far. Their defeat came last season when they lost 1-2 to Kerala Blasters FC.
East Bengal FC, on the other hand, have been scoring goals against the Blues, scoring in each of their last four encounters and winning three. But it is also a fact that the Red and Gold brigade do not start well. They have never won their first ISL match and would like to change that.
Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza took charge of the team midway through last season and under his supervision the Blues kept four clean sheets but finished 10th last season. So the Blues need to improve in some areas.
The coach said, “The players we wanted have been signed. The sports director and the owners have done their job and now it is our turn. Our pre-season was good in terms of training, fitness and strategy.”
Carles Cuadrat joined East Bengal FC last season and under his tutelage, the Red and Gold brigade reached the final of the Durand Cup and won the Super Cup, earning a chance to represent India in Asia. However, the team's position in the ISL has not changed from the season 2022-23, as they finished ninth despite keeping seven clean-sheets.
Carles said, “We are building a team and have added new players to improve on last season and make us more competitive. Also, we have given opportunities to youngsters. Some of them have assisted or scored goals in their debut season. This time they are more prepared for the league.”