Bengaluru FC (BFC) will be looking to start the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season with a clean slate when they face East Bengal at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. Last season was a disaster for BFC, marking their worst-ever ISL performance with a paltry 22 points from 22 matches. A lack of goals plagued them throughout the season, and they failed to win a single away fixture. Head Coach Gerard Zaragoza will be hoping that the six new signings can turn the tide. The additions include Spanish attacker Edgar Mendez, who has extensive La Liga experience, Rahul Bheke, Lalthuammawia Ralte, midfielder Alberto Noguera, Argentine striker Jorge Pereyra Diaz, and former Punjab FC left-back Mohamed Salah.
Meanwhile, East Bengal will be missing Anwar Ali, who is suspended by the AIFF’s Players’ Status Committee for wrongful contract termination with Mohun Bagan. However, they’ll be looking to bounce back from their own underwhelming ISL performance. The Red and Gold have brought in some exciting new players, including last season’s top scorer Dimitrios Diamantakos (from Kerala Blasters), top assist provider Madih Talal (from Punjab FC), and defensive midfielder Jeakson Singh, who also joined from Kerala Blasters.
Adding to the intrigue, East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat returns to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, a venue he knows well from his five-year coaching stint with BFC. This clash promises to be a fascinating encounter, with both teams eager to make a positive statement right from the start of the season.
Here are the match details:
*
Date:
September 14, Saturday*
Time:
7:30 PM IST*
Venue:
Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru*
TV Broadcast:
Sports18 Network*
