-Rahul Giri in Goa
As the stage is set for another high-voltage Kolkata derby, this time far from home at Goa’s Fatorda Stadium, Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwart Tom Aldred has his eyes fixed on one goal: victory. The Mariners find themselves in a must-win situation after being held to a goalless draw by Dempo SC in their second group-stage game of the 2025–26 AIFF Super Cup.
Having started their campaign with a comfortable 2–0 win over Chennaiyin FC, Mohun Bagan’s unexpected stumble against the spirited I-League side has left them needing all three points against East Bengal to qualify for the semi-finals. For Aldred, though, the equation is simple — derbies are meant to be won, regardless of the circumstances.
“Yeah, obviously it’s a massive game, as all derbies are,” Aldred said. “We know we need to win, but we always need to win a derby. Regardless of what’s at stake, winning a derby is always the aim, and we’re ready.”
In the build-up to the high-stakes encounter, Aldred acknowledged how quickly the group dynamics have changed. Two days ago, Mohun Bagan were in control. Now, East Bengal lead the group on goal difference. But the Aldred believes pressure brings the best out of the Mariners.
“Even if we only needed a draw, we’d still go for a win,” he said. “We always want to win derbies. The situation doesn’t change our approach, we’re ready, and we’re looking forward to the game.”
Reflecting on the Dempo draw, Aldred admitted it was a frustrating night but urged his teammates to move forward.
“Sometimes in football, you face teams that sit deep, and it becomes tough to break them down. I’ve seen it happen many times, even in England, in FA Cups, where lower-league teams defend with everything. We didn’t get the goal that night, but that’s in the past. Now we know what we need to do.”
Asked about East Bengal’s form, especially after their 4–0 win over Chennaiyin, Aldred was quick to acknowledge their improvement but remained confident in his side’s quality.
“They’ve made some good signings and definitely improved compared to last year,” he said. “But our focus is on ourselves. We know what we can do, we are the champions of India, and we’ll concentrate on our own performance.”
The 33-year-old centre-back also expressed disappointment about the lack of crowd atmosphere in Goa, noting how the derby’s emotion feels incomplete without the fans.
“It’s almost sad to see such a big game without fans. The Salt Lake crowd gives this fixture its soul. Of course, we’ll miss our supporters, but we know they’ll be watching, and we want to make them proud.”
For Aldred and his teammates, this match isn’t just about advancing to the semi-finals, it’s also about continuing Mohun Bagan’s winning legacy.
“We’ve won three trophies in the past few months, the ISL League, the ISL Cup, and the Durand Cup,” he said. “Now, the Super Cup is one we want to add. But first things first, we need to win this derby. That’s our next step.”
As the rain clouds hover over Goa, Aldred had the final word with a smile: “This weather? It’s beautiful, English weather.”
On Friday, when Mohun Bagan take the pitch against East Bengal, there will be no packed galleries or thunderous roars. But in the heart of Aldred, the fire to win the derby burns just as fiercely.
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