Antonio Lopez Habas backs the defending champions East Bengal to start strong against ISL newcomers Churchill Brothers despite a demanding schedule and a quick turnaround from continental football.

Kolkata, October 17: The wait is over, and the road to another Indian Super League title begins in Goa. East Bengal, the defending champions, will open their 2026–27 campaign against Churchill Brothers on Sunday, October 18, facing a side that is stepping into the ISL for the first time but has every reason to make its presence felt.

For East Bengal, the opening fixture comes with a familiar demand, start strong. But this is a different season, with the league returning to a regular home-and-away format, bringing more matches, longer travels and a fresh set of challenges. The margin for error will be tested over the coming months, and collecting points from the very beginning could prove important.

The Red and Gold Brigade will have little time to settle into domestic competition after their recent AFC Champions League Two encounter against Al Shorta. The turnaround from continental football to an away league fixture in Goa is far from ideal, but East Bengal have spent months preparing for a season that will demand their attention on multiple fronts.

Antonio Lopez Habas, however, is confident that his squad is ready to handle the schedule. With preparations spanning the pre-season, Durand Cup, IFA Shield and continental commitments, the East Bengal coach believes his players are equipped to begin their ISL journey.

“I trust in my team. My team is prepared for this match,” Habas said, making it clear that the demanding schedule will not change his side’s objective.

Yet, Churchill Brothers are not an opponent East Bengal can afford to take lightly. Their arrival in the ISL gives Sunday’s contest an added edge. A new entrant will be eager to make an immediate impression, particularly on home soil, and Habas knows the danger of facing a team with that motivation.

The Spanish coach is familiar with Churchill Brothers from his time in the I-League and expects a difficult contest. For the Goan side, this is an opportunity to announce themselves in a new competition; for East Bengal, it is the first examination of their title credentials.

“Their ambition is to perform well and make a good impression in their first matches in the ISL,” Habas observed, warning that Churchill Brothers could make the fixture dangerous for the defending champions.

Another storyline to follow will be East Bengal’s defensive combination. The partnership between Anwar Ali and Diego is still developing, with the latter continuing to adapt to Indian football. Anwar admitted that small mistakes remain part of the process but believes regular game time together will help the pair find greater understanding. Their coordination could be particularly important in an away fixture where Churchill Brothers will be keen to test the champions.

East Bengal will also expect their attacking players to find their rhythm early. Habas has backed Chris and Diego, expressing complete confidence in their ability as they continue adapting to the team and Indian football. With the season only beginning, the focus will be on translating that confidence into performances on the pitch.

There is, of course, a difference between defending a title and chasing one. East Bengal begin this campaign with expectations already attached to their name, while Churchill Brothers have the freedom and motivation of a debut season. Sunday’s encounter will offer the first indication of how both sides intend to approach that contrast.

Habas has won in Goa before and has also experienced defeats there. He knows that past results count for little once the match begins. His target for the opening game remains clear: respect Churchill Brothers, raise East Bengal’s level and fight for all three points.

The champions’ journey starts away from home, against an opponent with something to prove. For East Bengal, the first task is to make sure the new season begins on the right note.