‘Thank you Inter & Barca’ – the game nobody wanted to end
Ahmed Jahouh’s injury-time panenka penalty denied East Bengal their long-awaited coronation as champions. The faces in the stands, adorned with vibrant red and gold face paint, were now streaked with tears of disappointment. After enduring 12 years of setbacks and taunts from their rivals, East Bengal was just moments away from ending their trophy drought. However, their team once again faltered, losing their chance for glory against a 10-man Odisha FC. The script seemed all too familiar, reminiscent of last year’s Durand Cup final. East Bengal faced another 10-man opponent, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and fell victim to Dimi Petratos’ determination. But this time, Carles Cuadrat and Cleiton Silva refused to follow the same old narrative. They tore it up and rewrote history. It was fittingly the captain, Cleiton, who seized the decisive moment. Having appeared lost in the previous cup final, waiting for his opportunity, he showcased the transformation taking place within the club. Taking matters into his own hands, Cleiton charged at Odisha defender Narender Gahlot, won the ball, and skillfully slotted it into the net. A wave of joy washed over East Bengal as they celebrated their victory in the 111th minute at the Kalinga stadium. Among the many Brazilians who have worn the famous red-and-gold jersey for East Bengal, Cleiton’s contribution stands out dramatically. Single-handedly reversing the fortunes of one of India’s oldest clubs, the Brazilian striker displayed uncharacteristic humility after the match. He credited the team’s effort and even handed the armband to Souvik Chakrabarti, who played an instrumental man-marking role on Jahouh, as they lifted the Kalinga Super Cup trophy. The 2024 Kalinga Super Cup victory marks a significant departure from the East Bengal of the past twelve years. No longer plagued by infighting, selfish players, and hastily assembled squads, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation. Even Trevor Morgan, who led them to the Federation Cup in 2012, couldn’t reverse their fortunes when he was hired midway through their trophy drought. Carles Cuadrat, known for his unique style of winning football, brought an end to East Bengal’s wait for silverware. Immediately making his mark on the team, Cuadrat guided them to become masters of the 1-0 victory, relying on set-pieces and defensive solidity. However, the mental burden of the trophy drought was evident in the Durand Cup final and the Indian Super League season. Yet, this Super Cup triumph defied expectations and showcased a transformed East Bengal under Cuadrat’s leadership. The club needed more than their perfected 1-0 script to break free from their trophy-less spell. They began the Super Cup final with the confidence of an unbeaten side, dominating possession and neutralizing Odisha. Diego Mauricio’s goal demanded a response, leading to an attacking change with Naorem Mahesh Singh. Within 17 minutes, East Bengal turned the game around with Nandhakumar Sekar’s well-worked goal and Saul Crespo’s penalty, demonstrating clever and decisive football. East Bengal’s victory in the 2024 Kalinga Super Cup, ending their 12-year trophy drought, proves that they have shed their old identity. Under the guidance of Carles Cuadrat, they have transformed into a cohesive and formidable force, ready to take on new challenges and write a new chapter in the club’s history.