‘Underdogs’ East Bengal look to defy odds against Turkmenistan challengers

East Bengal FC faced Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr FC in an AFC Champions League preliminary play-off at the Salt Lake Stadium. Coach Carles Cuadrat emphasized the challenge, noting the team’s inexperience and recent return to Asian football. East Bengal aimed to prove their mettle despite being underdogs and hoped to leverage the home crowd’s support.