East Bengal’s Must-Win Test Against Al-Seeb, Habas Warns of Costly Defensive Lapses
East Bengal FC head coach Antonio López Habas has underlined the importance of Tuesday's AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 clash against Oman’s Al-Seeb, admitting that the upcoming encounter could prove decisive in the Indian club’s bid to keep their continental campaign alive.
Xtratime Webdesk: East Bengal FC head coach Antonio López Habas has underlined the importance of Tuesday's AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 clash against Oman’s Al-Seeb, admitting that the upcoming encounter could prove decisive in the Indian club’s bid to keep their continental campaign alive.
East Bengal are still searching for their first victory in the competition, making the away fixture against Al-Seeb a crucial one. Habas believes both sides will enter the contest with the same objective of securing three points while stressing the need for his players to respect their opponents.
“This match is more decisive,” Habas said, pointing towards the importance of the Al-Seeb game and the return fixture in Kolkata.
The Spanish coach feels East Bengal have shown enough quality in their previous outings to suggest that results have not reflected their performances. However, he identified defensive lapses and a lack of concentration as areas that must improve if the team are to convert their chances into points.
East Bengal’s ability to score is not the major concern for Habas. Instead, the coach wants greater balance across the pitch, particularly after the 2-3 defeat to Al-Shorta SC offering a clear example. East Bengal led 2-1 at half-time but conceded twice within two minutes after the break, with Hussein Al Saedi equalising in the 51st minute before Kingsley Kuku put the Iraqi side ahead in the 53rd. For Habas, such lapses underline the difference between domestic and continental football, where even brief losses of concentration can prove costly.
For Dani Ramírez, the Al-Seeb encounter represents an opportunity to turn East Bengal’s performances into tangible results. The Spanish midfielder echoed his coach’s concerns over defensive concentration but remained confident in the team’s attacking ability.
“We have to be focused (in) this 90 minutes,” Ramírez said, emphasising the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the match.
With East Bengal still looking for their first three points, Tuesday's clash carries added significance. A victory would not only revive their hopes of progressing from the group but could also provide a major boost to the team’s confidence ahead of the return fixture in Kolkata.
