New Delhi, Oct 31 : Two weeks after suffering a painful IFA Shield final defeat to arch rivals Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC will get a chance at redemption when the two Kolkata giants lock horns once again this time in the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Friday at 7:30 PM IST.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The final Group A encounter is effectively a knockout tie a win for either side guarantees a semi-final berth. A scored draw will see East Bengal advance, but a goalless draw could open the door for Dempo SC, depending on their earlier result against Chennaiyin FC.
If Dempo defeat Chennaiyin by five or more goals, they could leapfrog both Kolkata clubs. A 4–0 win for the Goan side, combined with a goalless draw in the derby, would even force a draw of lots to decide the semi-finalist.
Despite the complicated permutations, East Bengal hold a slight advantage. Yet, head coach Óscar Bruzón has made his team’s intent clear: “We’re not playing for a draw. Mohun Bagan can score at any time we’ll go out to win from the first minute.”
Bruzón’s side has found attacking rhythm in the tournament, netting six goals in two matches. The Red and Gold Brigade’s frontline, featuring Naorem Mahesh Singh, Bipin Singh, and striker Hamid Ahadad, has looked sharp, while Spanish midfielder Saúl Crespo has anchored play with control and creativity.
Crespo reflected the team’s optimism ahead of the derby: “We’re enjoying our football again. The win over Chennaiyin lifted the whole squad, and we know how much this match means to our fans.”
On the other hand, defending ISL champions Mohun Bagan SG, led by José Molina, remain unbeaten but have struggled in front of goal. Their goalless draw with Dempo SC exposed a lack of cutting edge in attack.
Captain Subhasish Bose has led a solid defensive unit, but the Mariners will need Australian forwards Jason Cummings and Jamie Maclaren to rediscover their scoring form. “This season has had its challenges,” Molina admitted. “But derbies bring out the best in us. We’ll fight for the supporters.”
Midfield dominance could decide the contest, with Apuia and Anirudh Thapa tasked to control tempo for Bagan, while Crespo and Lalchungnunga aim to disrupt their rhythm.
“Both teams know each other inside out,” Molina said. “In matches like this, it’s about seizing the moment when it comes.”
Mohun Bagan captain Subhasish Bose summed up the atmosphere perfectly: “Every derby feels like a final and this one truly is. We’ll give everything for the fans.”
The iconic rivalry, rich with history and emotion, promises another fiery chapter under the Goan floodlights.
The Kolkata Derby Super Cup 2025 clash will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel and streamed on JioHotstar.