Bengaluru: Bengaluru Football Club, on Thursday, named Spanish tactician Gerard Zaragoza as the club’s new Head Coach on a deal until the end of the 2024-25 season. The announcement comes on the back of the club’s decision to part ways with Englishman Simon Grayson, who left the club by mutual consent following the side’s 4-0 defeat to Mumbai City FC last Friday.

Forty-one-year-old Zaragoza, who was part of Bengaluru’s ISL-winning squad of 2018-19 as Assistant Coach to Carles Cuadrat, is due to arrive in Bengaluru upon the completion of VISA formalities and travel documentation.

“I would like to welcome Gerard back to Bengaluru FC. Over the last five years, Gerard has had stints as Head Coach in top leagues across Asia. Through his time away, he has been in touch with us, and expressed a deep desire to return and give back to the club that gave him his first silverware in a coaching role. I am confident that he will bring back the brand of football that we have been used to in the past. He possesses good tactical nous, and has also been instrumental in improving young players. Bengaluru FC teams – from the youth academy through to the first team – will have a common identity in terms of style that Gerard and his team will work to implement. I wish him the best and am looking forward to the rest of this season,” said club owner and Director, Parth Jindal.

Zaragoza had stints at Greek side Panserraikos and, most recently, Emirati UAE Pro League side Khor Fakkan Club, where he was named Manager of the Week on two occasions. Argentinian Sebastian Vega, who was part of Zaragoza’s backroom staff at Khor Fakkan, Al-Ahli and Panserraikos, has been named Assistant Coach.

“This is a football club that I hold close to my heart, and the decision to return to this family has been the easiest one to make. I know the circumstances in which I am arriving at the club are extremely difficult, but also very challenging. I am sure that with the right direction, this club can get back to where it belongs. I can’t wait to arrive in India and begin work with the players and the staff. Most of all, I am looking forward to a reunion with the wonderful fans of this club. Together, we will make this right,” said Zaragoza, after putting pen to paper on the deal.

A former youth footballer himself, Zaragoza managed the Catalonia U14s and U16s and was also part of the Aspire Academy’s Qatari branch in 2010. In 2011, he was named Head Coach of RCD Espanyol’s Cadete squad. The Spaniard moved to Erovnuli Liga 2 side Locomotive Tbilisi in 2012, achieving promotion to Liga 1 the following year.

“Bringing Gerard back is a decision taken with a lot of thought and we believe he is the right fit for what this club needs to return to the very top. Gerard understands what Bengaluru FC is all about, is structured in his approach, and we are positive that his appointment is a step in the right direction,” said Blues’ Director of Football, Darren Caldeira.

Following multiple stints in Georgia and Qatar, Zaragoza was named Assistant Coach to Carles Cuadrat in Bengaluru FC’s title-winning squad of 2018-19. At the end of the season, he took the position of Head Coach at Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC’s U21s, eventually going on to manage the First Team. Zaragoza managed Al-Ahli to a quarterfinal finish in the AFC Champions League.

“Gerard is a coach with prior experience in Indian football, and understands the DNA of this football club. He was part of a very successful period in this club’s history, and we believe that having him back will bring a positive change in the dressing room. We look forward to working together and bringing this club back to the top,” said Blues’ Technical Consultant, Albert Roca

Chennaiyin FC beat Bengaluru FC by 2-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium to record a much-needed victory after a streak of three draws in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24.

Owen Coyle has a fond liking for Brazilian playmaker Rafael Crivellaro, and for a good reason. The 34-year-old is the architect of everything that the Marina Machans do right up front, from establishing offensive moves to chipping in with timely strikes.

Tonight, it was all Crivellaro as Chennaiyin FC completed a convincing victory against the Blues, who had parted ways with head coach Simon Grayson after their 4-0 loss at home last Friday. Former India international Renedy Singh was on the touchline as the interim at helm for the 2018-19 ISL champions, but a change at the top didn’t result in a change in the results, as the club would have hoped for after Grayson’s departure.

It started with Namgyl Bhutia handling the ball inside the 18-yard box in the sixth minute, and up stepped Crivellaro to take the spot-kick. The attacking midfielder hammered the ball to the top left corner, leaving Gurpreet Singh Sandhu little chance to keep the scores level.

However, Sandhu put up a show thereafter, making a host of saves including three important ones to deny the trio of Crivellaro, Jordan Murray, and Vincy Barretto any further strikes in the first half. In the 11th minute, the goalkeeper dived to thwart Crivellaro’s attempt, and he repeated those heroics in the 30th and 37th minutes respectively to take care of the shots taken by Murray and Barretto respectively.

Murray was operating wonderfully in tandem with Crivellaro, with his shot that nearly doubled the lead being set up by the latter. The duo did hit back in the 50th minute though, and this time Gurpreet couldn’t be the saviour for the visitors given that Murray got a chance to add to his goal-scoring tally by striking from the 12-yard box.

Crivellaro eased his way through the centre of the Bengaluru FC penalty box, and displayed some crafty trickery with his feet to earn a foul committed by Harsh Patre. This time, he let Murray do the honours, who didn’t miss the opportunity and sealed the game and secured those crucial three points for Coyle’s side.

Key Performer of the Match

Rafael Crivellaro (Chennaiyin FC)

Crivellaro scored the opener, earned the penalty for the second one, and he capped off the game with a 74% passing accuracy, making two crosses, and creating a couple of goal-scoring chances. He symbolised everything that Coyle stands for, dropping back to pitch in defensively whenever required, in addition to making the most of the openings that came in the way of the home side to help them catch hold of a critical victory against a struggling Bengaluru FC unit.

What’s next for both teams?

Chennaiyin FC will square off against Punjab FC on December 18, whereas Bengaluru FC will take on Jamshedpur FC on December 16.

Brief Scores

Chennaiyin FC 2 (Rafael Crivellaro 6’, Jordan Murray 50’) – 0 Bengaluru FC

Stat Pack:

New Delhi, 13th December 2023 – The Indian Super League is set for an intriguing encounter as Kerala Blasters FC, one of the top teams this season, travel to the national capital to face Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This match, scheduled for Thursday, 14th December, pits two teams from opposite ends of the league table against each other in a game that promises to be full of excitement and strategic gameplay.

Punjab FC: Seeking a Turnaround

Punjab FC’s journey so far in their inaugural ISL season has been challenging, yet promising. They have equalled the record for the lowest points tally after nine games, a record shared with Hyderabad FC in the 2019-20 season. Despite this, their resilience is noteworthy, having drawn more matches than they have lost. Under the guidance of coach Staikos Vergetis, the team has shown a capability to stand toe-to-toe with more experienced sides. The lack of a decisive finishing touch has been their primary shortcoming, something they’ll be eager to overcome.

Defensively, Punjab FC needs to tighten up, having conceded 16 goals so far. Their style, characterized by agility and quick passes, has been effective in drawing fouls, leading the league in this statistic. The team will look to capitalize on set-pieces, utilizing their aerial strength. Key to their aspirations will be Luka Majcen, their Slovenian striker, who has been a consistent threat upfront.

Kerala Blasters FC: Maintaining Momentum

On the other side, Kerala Blasters FC comes off a narrow defeat to FC Goa and a high-scoring draw against Chennaiyin FC. Currently trailing the league leaders, the Blasters are focused on closing the gap and cannot afford to drop points. The team, known for its entertaining style of play, boasts of dynamic forwards like Dimitrios Diamantakos and Adrian Luna, alongside Indian stars such as Danish Farooq and Pritam Kotal.

The Blasters have been impressive in their start to matches, often scoring early and not conceding in the initial phases of the game. However, their inability to maintain clean sheets, especially in away games, remains a concern. This match provides another opportunity to address these issues and fortify their position in the league.

Key Players to Watch

• Luka Majcen (Punjab FC): With his ability to score both inside and outside the box, Majcen will be central to Punjab’s attacking strategy. His aerial prowess and playmaking abilities make him a multifaceted threat.
• Pritam Kotal (Kerala Blasters FC): A veteran in defense, Kotal’s interceptions, clearances, and overall game awareness will be critical in countering Punjab FC’s attacks. His leadership at the back will be key to Kerala’s defensive strategy.

Historical Context and Team Talk

This will be the first ISL meeting between Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC. Kerala Blasters have struggled against new teams in the past and will be keen to overturn this trend. Both teams have expressed a strong commitment to their game plans, with Punjab focusing on disciplined execution and Kerala aiming to play offensive, chance-creating football.

Conclusion

As Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC prepare for their clash, the stakes are high for both teams. While Punjab seeks their maiden ISL win, Kerala Blasters aims to keep up their chase for the top spot. The contrasting styles and objectives of the teams set the stage for a fascinating match in the heart of the Indian capital.

Goa, 12th December 2023: League leaders FC Goa held Mumbai City FC to a goalless draw at the Fatorda Stadium tonight as Petr Kratky secured a point for the visitors in his first ever game coaching in the Indian Super League (ISL).

The Gaurs began impressively, chasing their first win against the Islanders in their last eight encounters. Carl McHugh, primarily tasked with shielding the FC Goa defence, was on the move forward tonight, unlocking their attackers with key passes near the final third.

A headed attempt at goal in the sixth minute was followed by McGugh placing a perfect pass on the path of Boris Singh. The winger took a shot at Phurba Lachenpa in the 12th minute, but the Mumbai City FC goalkeeper thwarted the threat for the time being.

The home team fell back on their creative attacking duo of Victor Rodriguez and Noah Sadaoui soon afterwards, with the two of them pushing the Mumbai City FC backline behind and carving open spaces to keep Lachenpa on his toes, all the time.

Abdenasser El Khayati, the former Chennaiyin FC star who netted the opener in the Islanders’ 4-0 triumph over Bengaluru FC last week, was eager to get going, with some enterprising moves near the opposition’s box.

However, efforts from neither of the two sides could culminate in a goal-scoring move, with Noah’s shot courtesy of a pass by Rodriguez flying over the posts at the brink of the half-time whistle.

Yoëll van Nieff, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Bipin Singh came on to enable the Islanders to take a more direct approach in the second essay of the game. Van Nieff drew fouls near the box whereas Bipin made some flashy runs on the left flank. Cutting in, he unleashed a shot in the 68th minute, but a disciplined FC Goa defence that has conceded only thrice so far this season, held right to ward off the winger’s effort.

Marquez unrolled the last roll of his dice by substituting Carlos Martinez on for Sadaoui, with a hope of putting numbers inside the box and banking on the Spaniard to make the most of whichever chances came his way. But, it was not the night for that, as Mumbai City FC weathered that and instead applied pressure back by amplifying their efforts to seek the winner.

Key Performer of the Match

Carl McHugh (FC Goa)

The midfielder was the engine for his side at the centre of the park, completing 77% of his passes, making several forward forays to crack open the Mumbai City FC backline and also emerging as an aerial threat inside the Islanders’ box. McHugh created one goal-scoring chance and made two tackles as well.

What’s next for both teams?

FC Goa will travel to face the Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on December 23, whereas Mumbai City FC will meet East Bengal FC at home on December 16.

Brief Scores

FC Goa 0 – 0 Mumbai City FC

Stat Pack:

Kolkata, 09 December, 2023: East Bengal FC held Punjab FC to a goalless draw at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight.

It was a back and forth contest right from the beginning, with the home side and Punjab FC taking formidable shots at goal in the opening 15 minutes.

Naorem Mahesh Singh was a constant presence in and around the Punjab FC backline, playing quick one-twos, trying to take on the defenders, and earning fouls with his close control over the ball.

Saul Crespo had spearheaded the midfield forward and attempted to finish a well constructed move from outside of the box in the seventh minute, only for the shot to lack enough power behind it eventually.

Cleiton Silva was handed a fine chance by Mahesh soon afterwards, but the Brazilian’s right footed shot was blocked as Punjab FC regathered their defensive line.

Mahesh intermittently shifted flanks, with his tearaway pace earning his side set-pieces on both wings. However, nearly all of those opportunities didn’t materialise in them creating any clear cut chances.

From open play, East Bengal FC tried to breakthrough the Punjab FC backline but their cohesion didn’t come together as the end of the first half saw the visitors holding the upper hand in the flow of play.

Krishnananda Singh and Tekcham Singh interlinked inside the East Bengal FC box, with the former shooting from close range, for the effort to be saved by Prabsukhan Singh Gill in the 40th minute.

In the 60th minute, Krishnananda encountered another opportunity to draw the first blood, this time courtesy of a cross by Juan Mera. That was preceded by Punjab FC putting pressure back on East Bengal FC, with Ashish Pradhan and Nikhil Prabhu trying their luck from outside the 18-yard box.

Carles Cuadrat rung in his substitutions, bringing in José Antonio Pardo and Vishnu Puthiya to discover newer, creative ways of getting past the Punjab FC backline.

Puthiya and Hijazi Maher got inside the box, against the momentum of the game, for Puthiya to take his shot at goal, but that move didn’t crack the code either. All of this was accompanied with Silva putting in a rather arduous effort, constantly getting into goal-scoring positions, but to no avail.

Key Performer of the Match

Hijazi Maher (East Bengal FC)

The defender recorded an impressive shift, completing 49 off his 55 passes, tackling thrice, making six clearances, one interception, in addition to often getting ahead with the ball to explore goal-scoring chances.

What’s next for both teams?

East Bengal FC will next travel to face Mumbai City FC on December 16, whereas Punjab FC will host Kerala Blasters FC on December 14.

Brief Scores

East Bengal FC 0 – 0 Punjab FC

Stat Pack:

Bengaluru, 8th December 2023: Mumbai City FC had a strong outing as they took the field for their first ISL match  after the departure of Des Buckingham, as they defeated Bengaluru FC by 4-0 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight. Some shake-ups in the playing XI coupled with being firm with their playing style that has reaped them rich rewards lately resulted in the Islanders making a happy return to domestic action after over a month.

Abdenasser El Khayati was roped into the starting side and he made an impact straightaway, converting an accurate delivery by Greg Stewart, who reached 40 goal contributions in 47 ISL appearances, becoming the third fastest player to do so in ISL history.

Mumbai maintained their dominance in the proceedings, with their fleet footed forwards earning fouls from promising positions in and around the box. Akash Mishra’s goal that doubled their lead was a consequence of one such set-piece, but Mishra, who admitted before the season that he wants to display the offensive side of his game in a greater capacity, was brave to take a shot from outside the box to hammer the ball into the centre of the net in the 30th minute.

Javi Hernandez had a chance to draw scores level just before that, with his close range effort being pushed away by Phurba Lachenpa. Similarly, Sunil Chhetri had nearly two great chances to get his 10th goal against Mumbai City FC, but the visitors rode their luck to head into the half-time break holding their two-goal lead tight.

The Islanders then sealed off the proceedings within a brief passage of play in the second half, when they earned two spot kicks in quick succession. Aleksandar Jovanovic, who had conceded an own goal against NorthEast United FC, made an erratic move leading to Jorge Pereyra Diaz scoring from 12 yards out. That was followed with Lallianzuala Chhangte stepping up for penalty kick duties and doing the needful in the 61st minute, following a foul by the 19-year-old Shivaldo Singh. Chhangte was undeterred from the spot, and perhaps it was this penalty that he needed to bring up his first goal of the night, which Mumbai City FC would hope to be the first of many for this season.

Mumbai City FC maintained their pressure thereafter, with youngsters such as Gurkirat Singh taking formidable shots at target. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu did not concede any more goals, but the scoreline will already pose several questions to Simon Grayson and team.

Key Performer of the Match

Abdenasser El Khayati (Mumbai City FC)

Khayati played a proactive role in build-up, completing 75% of his attempted passes, in addition to making a tackle and scoring the all-important opener that paved the way for Mumbai City FC’s dominance in this game.

What’s next for both teams?

Mumbai City FC will host FC Goa on December 12, whereas Bengaluru FC will travel to take on Chennaiyin FC the following day.

Brief Scores

Bengaluru FC 0 – 4 Mumbai City FC (Abdenasser El Khayati 11’, Akash Mishra 30’, Jorge Pereyra Diaz 57’, Lallianzuala Chhangte 61’)

Kolkata, December 08: Clash of Titans in the ISL – Punjab FC Eyes Maiden Win Against East Bengal FC

As the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season progresses, the football fraternity turns its attention to a thrilling encounter set for December 9, Saturday, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. Punjab FC, still in pursuit of their first win this season, faces a formidable challenge against East Bengal FC, a team riding high on their recent record-breaking victory against NorthEast United FC.

East Bengal FC: A Force Rejuvenated

Under the guidance of Carles Cuadrat, East Bengal FC has shown remarkable improvement, not just in the domestic players’ performances but also in their exhilarating style of play. Their journey to the Durand Cup final, and a bright start to the ISL season, highlights a team moving in the right direction. The team’s morale is soaring after their dominant 5-0 win over NorthEast United FC, a performance that not only showcased their prowess but also rallied the passionate Kolkata fans behind them.

Punjab FC: The Bold Debutants

On the other side, Punjab FC, the ISL debutants, have displayed commendable tenacity. Their recent match against Bengaluru FC was a testament to their attacking prowess, with the team netting three goals in the first half. However, Punjab FC’s challenge lies in their defensive strategy and managing the game’s tempo, crucial factors that could determine their fate in the upcoming match.

What’s at Stake?

East Bengal FC aims to build on their spectacular victory and consolidate their position in the league. They have started the ISL season with a positive goal difference (+3) and the highest points tally at this stage in their ISL history. With a technical improvement evident in their gameplay, they look forward to maximizing their home advantage against Punjab FC.

Punjab FC, still acclimatizing to the ISL’s intensity, can draw confidence from their performance against Bengaluru FC. Their aggressive approach and fearless gameplay could be key against East Bengal FC, as they seek their inaugural ISL victory.

Key Players to Watch

Nandhakumar Sekar (East Bengal FC) has been a revelation this season, with his superb form evident in the last match where he scored twice and provided an assist. His coordination with fellow players, like Mahesh Singh, has been instrumental in strengthening East Bengal FC’s attack.

Juan Mera (Punjab FC) has emerged as a creative force, excelling in both offensive and defensive roles. His impressive dribbling skills and ability to create scoring opportunities will be crucial for Punjab FC’s aspirations.

Head-to-Head and Trivia

This match marks the first ISL encounter between these two teams. An interesting stat is Punjab FC’s Khaiminthang Lhungdim ranking third in the league for most tackles won this season.

Team Talk

Carles Cuadrat of East Bengal FC acknowledges the need for consistent performance, while Staikos Vergetis of Punjab FC emphasizes learning from past mistakes for future matches.

Where to Watch

The match promises to be a spectacle for football fans, available in multiple languages across various channels, including Sports18 Khel, Sports18 1 SD & HD, Sports18 3 SD, VH1 SD & HD, Surya Movies, and DD Bangla. Additionally, the match will be streamed and highlighted on OneFootball, reaching audiences in over 190 countries.

This encounter is more than just a game; it’s a narrative of aspiration, determination, and the relentless pursuit of glory in the world of Indian football.

Mumbai, 30 November, 2023: Certain coaches become synonymous with leagues on the rise by securing an iconic status with everlasting legacies in their respective competitions. Sergio Lobera is scripting his own story in the Indian Super League (ISL), with the Spaniard now heading his third team in the top-tier (Odisha FC) after previous stints with FC Goa and Mumbai City FC. Lobera is a proven stalwart, and that reflects in his illustrious cabinet containing the ISL League Winners Shield, the ISL Trophy, and also the Super Cup.

However, it is the free-flowing, entertaining style of football bringing spectators to the edge of their seats that he brought in India that has made him a favourite amongst fans.

After leading Mumbai City FC to the iconic league double in 2020-21, Lobera departed from India to manage Chinese outfit Sichuan Jiuniu F.C. However, the 46-year-old returned to take over the reins Odisha FC and he says that the love and warmth he receives from the fans in India played a massive role in his comeback to the ISL.

“I think you come back to the place where you feel happy. If you didn’t work well, didn’t like the environment, the organisation, the ISL competition, you wouldn’t want to come back, would you? The reason to come back here is that when I worked before here, I was happy. It means a lot. Foreign players have options from other countries, maybe with more money, but I especially wanted to come back here because I was happy. It is a very good place to work in,” Lobera said in an interaction with the league.

In addition to the footballing culture, Lobera is touched with the love showered on him by the people in India. His family is staying with him in Bhubaneswar and Lobera believes that there is a lot to learn from Indians in all walks of life.

“My daughter is five years old and she has lived more in India than in Spain. We love this country, we love these people. They receive us in this country with a very warm welcome. We are living very happily in Bhubaneswar in Odisha. My daughter has started school now,” Lobera said.

He added, “It’s not just about football, it’s about life. Respecting all the people, different customs in different countries, for me as a father and husband, I want my wife to live this experience in India because we can learn a lot from Indian people. When you win their heart, they are very happy.”

The beginning of Lobera’s stint at Odisha has panned out similarly as before, with the tactician roping in his former players like Mourtada Fall, Ahmed Jahouh, Cy Goddard, and Amey Ranawade. He says that having familiar faces around is essential for him to quickly impart his ideas within the team. Further, he stressed that he is focusing on building a family within the club and that takes the efforts and contributions of the entire squad.

“A lot of people ask me why I sign players who have worked with me before. It’s because I know these players both as professionals as well as persons. It’s very important to build a good connection between the Indian players and the foreign players. They need to understand and help to improve the level of Indian players during training sessions as well as both on and off the pitch. They are heroes for some of the Indian players. It’s very helpful for me as coach to have players who have worked with me before, because I need to implement my ideas, philosophies, and style of play,” Lobera said.

“We are building a family, because I am sure we are going to live good moments and bad moments, and for me the winning team is the one that manages the bad moments better,” he signed off.

Lobera’s squad play hosts Jamshedpur in their upcoming encounter tomorrow.

In a pulsating fixture under the lights of Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kerala Blasters FC and Chennaiyin FC shared the spoils in a high-octane 3-3 draw that had fans on the edge of their seats in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season.

The match was a spectacle from the onset, with the home crowd creating a vibrant atmosphere that was matched by the intensity on the pitch. Chennaiyin FC’s Rahim Ali and Jordan Murray, who were doubtful due to injury concerns, made an emphatic statement with Rahim scoring the sixth fastest goal in ISL history just 54 seconds into the game, setting the tone for what was to come.

Despite Chennaiyin FC’s strong start with Murray converting a penalty and adding a third, Kerala Blasters FC showed resilience. Their captain, Adrian Luna, from nearly 30 yards out, initiated a comeback with a strike that ricocheted off Kwame Peprah into the net. Dimitrios Diamantakos was the man of the moment for the Blasters, netting twice, including a stunning equalizer that had the whole stadium roaring in approval.

The match statistics revealed Kerala Blasters’ dominance in ball possession and touches, suggesting their control over the game’s tempo despite the equal scoreline. Chennaiyin FC, on the other hand, boasted a slight edge in passing accuracy and had fewer fouls, reflecting a disciplined approach.

Diamantakos, named the Key Performer of the Match, was instrumental in Kerala Blasters’ comeback. Having created multiple scoring chances and netting two critical goals, his performance was particularly noteworthy given his return from suspension.

Looking ahead, Kerala Blasters FC will face FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium, while Chennaiyin FC will meet Jamshedpur FC away. Both teams will be eager to build on the momentum from this thrilling encounter.

The final scoreline stood at Kerala Blasters FC 3, with goals from Dimitrios Diamantakos (11’, 59’) and Kwame Peprah (38’), drawing with Chennaiyin FC 3, with Rahim Ali (1’) and Jordan Murray (13’, 24’) as their scorers. Both teams displayed immense spirit and skill, ensuring the ISL continues to be a showcase of enthralling football.

Chennai, November 25, 2023: Ninthoinganba Meetei netted an equaliser late into the second half as Chennaiyin FC played out a 1-1 draw with East Bengal FC in the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.

East Bengal took the lead in the first half against the run of play through an own goal by midfielder Ayush Adhikari in the 29th minute. Meetei scored the only goal for the home side in the 86th minute of an exciting contest. 

The Marina Machans found their feet in the game early on as a long-range attempt of Adhikari from outside the box was saved by the away team in the seventh minute. Jordan Murray soon found himself in the mix of the action and hit a right-footed shot from the centre of the box that went high over the bar.

In the 29th minute, East Bengal orchestrated a decisive play that bore fruit when Vishnu Valappill’s precise cross was inadvertently directed into the net by Adhikari, resulting in an own goal. However, the Owen Coyle men kept their attacking game intact in search of a goal.

Murray came close to scoring the equaliser before goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill saved his left-footed volley from the left side of the post.

The second half also saw Chennaiyin pushing for their first goal and they almost scored when Meetei took a shot from outside the box in the 59th minute. East Bengal’s resolute defence blocked the shot and then neutralised an attempt by Ankit Mukherjee from the left side of the six-yard box.

Goalkeeper Debjit Majumder kept the home team in the match with a fine save in the 72nd minute on the shot of India international Mandar Rao Dessai. Chennaiyin netted the equaliser when Rafael Crivellaro found Meetei on the right flank in the 86th minute and the youngster made no mistake in putting the ball into the back of the net. 

Irfan Yadwad missed a chance in stoppage time after Crivellaro’s perfect pass from the left flank found him in the centre of the box. 

Chennaiyin FC will now face Kerala Blasters on Wednesday, 29 November while East Bengal FC will take on NorthEast United FC on Monday, 4 December.

Chennai, November 24, 2023: Coming after an international break, Chennaiyin FC will look to get back to winning ways in the 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) when they take on East Bengal FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.

The Marina Machans registered thrilling victories against Hyderabad FC and Punjab FC before losing to FC Goa in their last match and head coach Owen Coyle acknowledged that a break has helped the players to re-energise and prepare well for another game in front of the home crowd.

“Everybody likes to get into a break on a winning result. That never happened but it was important for our lads to spend time with their families, especially after a particular run of games and it allowed some of our players to go home as well. We worked hard after coming from the break to prepare for another match at home and we are really looking forward to it,” commented Coyle during the pre-match press conference on Friday.

He added, “It’s always exciting to play against a big club like East Bengal. We have a fantastic fan base and our fans have been outstanding, so, we want to reward our fans and to do that the team needs to play well and hopefully put a smile on their face.”

East Bengal are coming into the match after three defeats in a row and although the Scotsman admitted that Chennaiyin have a home advantage, playing and scoring goals against Carles Cuadrat’s men would not be an easy task for his team.

“I think in the ISL, it is always going to be very difficult to play against East Bengal. It’s never easy to score goals and that’s the hardest part of football. I hold Carles in high regard as his football ability is fantastic and I am looking forward to seeing him but he knows as I do for the duration of the game, we’ll be doing everything in our power to win the game. He’s an outstanding man and I know how hard he works, so we know it’s going to be a difficult game,” stated Coyle.

Striker Jordan Murray also accompanied the coach and emphasised on the importance of playing as a team to win games in the ISL.

“I picked up a slight injury at the start of the season which was a bit of a setback but my job is to come and make an impact when the opportunity arises. I’ve been working hard and the boys have been great as well, working with the gaffer. For me, it is about putting my head down and working as hard as I can and doing everything for the team whether I am starting or not.  I’ve just been happy to have the opportunity to play football,” Murray concluded.

In head-to-head records, Chennaiyin FC are unbeaten against East Bengal in ISL and have won two out of six matches, while four matches have ended in draws.

The match will begin at 5:30 pm IST as the fans can watch the action live on Viacom18 and JioCinema.

Head-to-head:
Matches: 6, CFC: 2, EBFC: 0, Draw: 4

Mumbai, 08 October 2021:  Indian Super League champions Mumbai City have announced that Sergio Lobera will be stepping down as Head Coach to continue his coaching journey with City Football Group (CFG). The Club’s new Head Coach will be Des Buckingham, who joins from CFG-owned A-League Champions Melbourne City FC. Des joins the Islanders ahead of the 2021-22 season on a two-year contract.

Sergio Lobera joined the Club in October 2020 and oversaw the Club’s most successful campaign ever, when the Islanders became the first team in ISL history to secure both the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Trophy, completing a double in the 2020-21 season.

After a highly decorated spell in India, Sergio will now be leaving the country to join CFG to work on a fresh challenge.

Englishman Des Buckingham, joins from Melbourne City FC, where he was Assistant Coach to Patrick Kisnorbo, helping the Club towards winning the A-League Premiership and Championship double. He made a significant contribution both on and off the pitch, taking charge of the team on three occasions during the 2020/21 season in the absence of Kisnorbo, in which he had a perfect winning record.

Prior to joining Melbourne City, Des became the youngest coach in A-League history when he took charge of Wellington Phoenix at the age of 31, before a spell with Stoke City’s U-23 team. Des was also the Head Coach of New Zealand’s U-20 and U-23 teams as well the Assistant Coach to the All Whites’ First Team for a brief period. Highly acclaimed for his work with the New Zealand age group sides, Des led the New Zealand U-20s to the Round of 16 in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup before bowing out to Colombia in a penalty shootout. In light of his notable work in the country, Des was named Men’s Coach of the Year at the 2020 New Zealand Football Awards.

Kandarp Chandra, CEO of Mumbai City FC, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Des to Mumbai City. He is an exciting young coach who already has years of experience under his belt. He is incredibly highly thought of within the game and his background at City Football Group ensures continuity for our squad as we head into pre-season. We are very confident that Des is the right choice for Mumbai and we can’t wait to work with him.

“Similarly we are very sad to say goodbye to Sergio. Sergio was a huge part of the most successful season in the Club’s history and has helped to give us great foundations to build on this year. He is hugely admired and respected by everyone at the Club and will always be a very welcome guest in Mumbai. We wish him and his lovely family every success for a bright and happy future in his new endeavours.”

Brian Marwood, Managing Director of Global Football at City Football Group, added:

“Des is an extremely impressive coach who has done an excellent job supporting Patrick Kisnorbo in Melbourne. He is particularly strong dealing with young and emerging players and the Head Coach role at Mumbai City is a step he is ready for. He is well versed in the style of football that the team plays and will continue the fantastic work which Sergio has done.

“Whilst Sergio’s time in India has come to an end, I am delighted that he has chose to continue with City Football Group in a fresh challenge and we are very pleased that we will be able to keep working together”.

New Mumbai City Head Coach, Des Buckingham added:

“I am thrilled to be joining Mumbai City at such a successful period in the Club’s history. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Australia, but the opportunity to take control of the defending ISL Champions was impossible to turn down. I’m looking forward to arriving in India and learning as much as I can about the Club, the players and the culture and continuing to work with colleagues at CFG to develop our young players and drive the team forward on and off the pitch.”

Des will arrive in India shortly and will undergo the stipulated quarantine before joining the Mumbai City bubble in Goa to commence pre-season preparations ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

Mumbai, 24 September 2021: Mumbai City FC have secured the signing of forward Ygor Catatau on a season-long loan from Brazilian side Madureira Esporte Clube. 

The Brazilian striker started his professional career with Madureira before making the jump to the first team in 2015 and was loaned out to clubs like Barra da Tijuca and Boa Esporte in his initial years. Catatau then signed on a one-season loan deal with CR Vasco da Gama, where he featured in the Brasileiro Série A and Copa do Brasil during the 2020/21 season.  
 
Earlier in March 2021, the 26-year-old player was loaned to Série B side EC Vitoria, where he made 27 appearances for the club and scored three goals, including one assist to his name. Catatau’s move to Mumbai City FC will be his first experience playing outside of his native Brazil. 
 
Ygor Catatau said: 
 
“Joining Mumbai City and coming to the ISL is a new challenge for me in my career and I’m extremely excited about it. For all of us at the club, we want to deliver in what I’m aware is going to be an important season for us. I’m ready to give my very best to our fans and I hope we can enjoy great moments together.” 

The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) today announced a landmark partnership with London-based Terra Virtua Limited to launch its exclusive non-fungible tokens (NFTs) as digital collectibles ahead of the 2021-22 season.

The agreement sees ISL, the top division in Indian football, become the country’s first sports property to launch a digital collectibles series, leading the Indian sports industry in the fast-growing NFT market.

Terra Virtua is the world’s first fully immersive social, digital collectibles platform and is one of the world’s leading creators and marketplaces using blockchain technology. It currently offers themed digital collectibles across a range of popular movies, television shows and comic books. This partnership with the ISL is Terra Virtua’s first foray into the dynamic sports ecosystem.

Changing the face of fan engagement

Under the licensed partnership, Terra Virtua will create unique digital collectibles featuring the Indian Super League and all its 11 clubs. Since the ISL’s launch in 2014, the league’s many memorable moments, player cards, in-match highlights and more will be made available for fans to purchase and trade as interactive memorabilia through Terra Virtua’s unique marketplace.

Says Hoshedar Gundevia, ISL’s Head of Digital: “Digital collectibles have been one of the most talked about fan engagement avenues in 2021, and ISL being a young league would like to keep pace with the demands of India’s millennial and Gen Z audience segments.

“We are extremely excited to be working with Terra Virtua to remain at the forefront of the next wave of innovation around fan engagement. Digital collectibles offer innovative opportunities for the league and its clubs to connect with the growing Indian football market and attract newer audiences.”

Terra Virtua CEO and co-founder, Gary Bracey commented: “This is a big day for the future of Indian and international sport. The partnership signals a fundamental shift in the way sports fans will be able to engage with their favourite sports teams going forward, allowing them to collect and trade Interactive player merchandise and dynamic digital memorabilia with fellow fans.”

“The partnership also demonstrates strong, continued growth in the NFT market, reinforcing that digital collectibles are the future of fan merchandise and digital art.

Going green

The announcement comes fresh off the news that Terra Virtua recently switched its platform from the Ethereum blockchain to Polygon in a drive to be more sustainable. By making the change, the NFT pioneer has reduced its energy usage in minting NFTs by over 99%.

Sandeep Nailwal, COO & Co-founder at Polygon commented ‘We are really excited to be involved with Terra Virtua as they embark on their deal with the first mainstream Indian sports brand releasing NFTs. As an India-based company, we are huge fans of the ISL and look forward to seeing how Terra Virtua empower and immerse soccer fans with their digital collectibles.”

Information on the collectibles available will be announced ahead of the ISL tournament 2021, starting on 19th November 2021.

Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) today announced fixtures for the first 11 rounds of the Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 season.

Bringing back four months of power packed live Indian football action to the millennials, the season once again returns to Goa’s three iconic stadiums this winter, featuring 115 games starting this 19^th November. The first instalment of the schedule announced today runs until January 9, 2022.

The league, this season will introduce a late 9:30 pm kick off for its Saturday double headers. The regular weekday schedule remains unchanged with matches kicking off at 7:30 pm.

Having missed a record title run by a whisker, last season’s finalist ATK Mohun Bagan will square-off with Kerala Blasters FC on the opening game night to commence another intense campaign. SC East Bengal gets to start their run into the competition on November 21 against Jamshedpur FC.

Title-holders Mumbai City FC would test a renewed FC Goa resilience as early as November 22, in one of the most high-octane rivalries emerging in the league.

The first instalment of India’s premier derby SC East Bengal vs ATK Mohun Bagan will be played out as early as in the second round of the season on November 27.

Remainder of the Hero ISL 2020-21 fixtures will be announced in December 2021.