When ATK faced Chennaiyin FC in the final of last season of the Indian Super League (ISL), the Corona virus epidemic was knocked into the country, which later took a dangerous form across the country. The final was played in an empty stadium without spectators, which was the last sporting tournament in the country before life was completely affected.
Now eight months later, the ISL has once again become the country's first main tournament, which has returned to our country. The first match of the season will be played on Friday at GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolam between defending champions ATK Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters.
Once again this tournament will be played in an empty stadium without spectators. All the participating teams are already present in Goa, where they are placed in Bio Secure bubble.
The 2020-21 season of the ISL will be the biggest season so far as another team has joined it this time as East Bengal and the number of teams participating in the league has increased from 10 to 11. The number of matches this season also increased to 115, compared to 95 matches played last season.
The merger of East Bengal entry and defending champion Ateek into Mohun Bagan means that the two oldest clubs in Indian football are ready to face each other in the ISL for the first time. The first match between the two teams this season will be played on November 27 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco di Gama and the players and fans of both teams are already very excited about this match.
East Bengal player and former Norwick City star Anthony Pilkington said, "After the match schedule unfolded, we have been told about what a big club Derby is, so, I am really looking forward to the season starting. Can't and I'm sure it's going to be really exciting. "
This season, fans will be able to see many new stars on their TV screens. These include former striker Adam Le Fondre and former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor. In addition, last season's joint top scorer Nerijus Walsakis and India's Sandesh Jhingan. Valsakis is associated with Jamshedpur FC, while Jhingan is associated with ATK Mohun Bagan.
While Corona will have fans staying home due to Corona, the three stadiums hosting this season - Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, GMC Stadium in Bambolim and Tilak Maidan in Vasco - will not be vacant. Fan walls have been installed in the stadium, in which fans will be seen cheering their teams on home and away basis.
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