Margao: After the first five rounds in the I-League, Goan clubs Churchill Brothers FC and Dempo SC were flying high, occupying the top two spots.
But a lot changed since the first Goan derby this season, where Churchill secured a 2-0 win. While Churchill still occupy the top spot and are now gunning for their third I-League title with just four rounds left to be played, Dempo are in the bottom half, struggling to stay afloat. The five-time former champions can breathe easier, should they cause a major upset when the teams meet at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.
Churchill’s fate is in their own hands. They are on 34 points, same as second-placed Inter Kashi FC. Real Kashmir FC missed the chance to close the gap after losing 2-3 against SC Bengaluru on Tuesday. They are third with 32 points after 19 games.
Churchill coach Dimitris Dimitriou is only focussing on one game at a time.
“It’s another final for us, another difficult game, probably the most difficult game because we are talking about the local derby,” Dimitris told TOI during the pre-match media interaction on Tuesday.
Churchill come into the fixture after a 6-1 win against Shillong Lajong FC in an ill-tempered tie that saw the visitors receive three red cards. Thankfully, Churchill have a fit squad after a 12-day break. Sebastian Gutierrez also hit top form with a hat-trick.
“For us, that we won 6-1 is nothing and that is in the past. We must be humble. We know what football is. It is hard work. Boys will be at the maximum and give all their effort to achieve the win.
“Dempo is a very good team. They got a big score in the last game. It’s going to be a very, very difficult game. In order to maintain the winning streak, it’s only on us. We must concentrate on the game. We want the title this season and we are so close,” said Dimitris.
Dempo, the five-time national champions, are ninth in the standings with 22 points. A 8-1 hammering of SC Bengaluru has done a lot of good to their confidence. Three points separate Dempo from Aizawl FC, who are in 10th place and have played a game more. Bengaluru and Delhi FC are the two bottom-placed teams that are staring at relegation.
But Dempo are certainly a different team now than the first leg. They have six foreigners compared to the three they started the season with. Striker Marcus Joseph has been unstoppable with seven goals in five games.
Juan Mera, who switched from Churchill to Dempo in January, is also proving his worth.
“I don’t have to show Churchill anything. It’s my fifth season in India and everyone knows how I play. I want to be ready and give 100 percent to help my teammates and my team,” said Juan.
Although it is Dempo’s home venue, Churchill are likely to enjoy good support from the stands.
“I feel we are ready for the challenges. It is also a crucial game for us. It is crucial for both the clubs,” said Dempo head coach Samir Naik.
The kick-off is 4.30pm.
