Defending Indian Super League champion East Bengal FC faces a tough continental test when it meets Kuwaiti league runner-up Al Arabi SC in an AFC Champions League Two preliminary-stage knockout match at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.

East Bengal returns to the competition after featuring in the AFC Challenge League in the 2024-25 season. It lost the ACL Two qualifying tie to Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr after qualifying as the Super Cup winner.

This time, the Kolkata giant has earned its place after winning India’s top league, and will be eager to make the opportunity count.

The victor of this match will advance to the ACL Two group league stage.

East Bengal began the new season under experienced Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas, who has replaced compatriot Oscar Bruzon, the man who guided the club to its first top-flight league title in 22 years.

The club has also revamped its foreign contingent while retaining Palestinian playmaker Basim Rashid. Spanish midfielder Dani Ramirez and Australian midfielder Chris Ikonomidis are available for selection.

However, East Bengal faces defensive concerns. Spanish centre-back Nacho Monsalve is out with a knee injury, while the other experienced defender Lalchungnunga is suspended following his red card against FC Arkadag in last year’s AFC Challenge League quarterfinal.

Habas could therefore be forced to field an all-Indian defence led by Anwar Ali.

Al Arabi, which spent over a month preparing in Turkiye, possesses significant attacking quality, with Palestinian Zaid Qunbar, Brazilian Lucas Shallon and Nigerian Anayo Iwuala among their key threats.