Super Cup 2025: East Bengal's road to final

East Bengal have qualified for their third consecutive AIFF Super Cup final.

Defending champions FC Goa will face East Bengal in a high-voltage Super Cup 2025 final at the JLN Stadium in Fatorda on December 7th.

East Bengal are into the final of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 after a comprehensive 3-1 victory against Punjab FC in the semifinal. This will be East Bengal’s third appearance in the Super Cup final.

Previously, in 2018, they ended up being the runners-up. In 2023-2024, under the leadership of Carles Cuadrat, they won the trophy, their first national trophy since 2012. This time in 2025, the Red and Gold Brigade is one step away from clinching the title.

Oscar Bruzon and his side will definitely try to bring joy to the faces of their fans again by winning the trophy and securing a continental spot by beating an unstoppable FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium. Here’s the road to the final of East Bengal.

A shaky start against Dempo SC — The match ended in a 2-2 draw

East Bengal began their campaign on October 25 with a dramatic 2-2 draw against the I-League side Dempo SC, at Bambolim. Naorem Mahesh Singh (46′) and Miguel Ferreira (57′) gave East Bengal the lead twice, but Laximanrao Rane (89′) gave Dempo a late equaliser.

A start that was not expected from the Oscar Bruzon side, as they missed a lot of easy chances, but a point kept them alive in the tournament.

A spectacular turnaround against the Chennaiyin FC — East Bengal won the match 4-0

On 28th October, East Bengal bounced back strongly and defeated the Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC 4-0 at GMC Stadium, Bambolim. 

A decisive victory was provided by goals from Kevin Sibille (35′), Thounaojam Bipin Singh (39′, 45+1′), and Hiroshi Ibusuki (penalty in 90+4′).

That emphatic win not only boosted East Bengal’s confidence and goal difference, but it was also a strong message to all the other contenders that the Red and Gold Brigade are here to fight back. 

A resolute draw against Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby — The Match ended in a goalless draw

Red and Gold Brigade played their last group game on 31st October against their arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan, which ended in a goalless draw. A draw was enough for East Bengal to qualify for the semis from Group A as they were ahead by a (+2) goal difference than the Mariners. 

Bagan’s attempts were consistently thwarted by Anwar Ali and Kevin Sibille’s strong back line, which demonstrated defensive discipline.

Thus, East Bengal were through to the semifinals as Group A winners.

A dominant display against Punjab FC in the semifinal: East Bengal won the match 3-1

On December 4, East Bengal handed Punjab FC a 3-1 defeat and qualified for the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 final at JLN Stadium, Fatorda, Goa. Goals by Mohamad Bashim Rashid (12′), Kevin Sibille (just before half-time), and skipper Saul Crespo (71′) sealed the deal.

Punjab had equalised via a penalty (Daniel Ramirez 34′), but East Bengal reasserted control and closed out the match with authority.

But, following Sibille’s equaliser just before halftime in the semi-final victory over Punjab FC, head coach Oscar Bruzón was given a second yellow card for being overly enthusiastic. East Bengal will be without their head coach on the bench in the mega final, with Bino George taking over the coaching duties in Oscar Bruzon’s absence.

This dominating win against the Punjab FC confirmed EBFC’s place in the 2025-26 Super Cup final. East Bengal have shown great defensive and attacking strength throughout the tournament so far, ahead of the grand finale.

There is no major injury concern in the East Bengal team. No red card for the players, and EBFC’s starting lineup appears to be intact and ready for the championship game.

Hamid Ahadad, the Moroccan centre-forward, has a slight niggle. He was not featured in the semifinal against Punjab FC. Hopefully, he will play the final match. The form of Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki will be a concern for the Red and Gold Brigade team management. 

East Bengal’s Super Cup journey was filled with Resilience, Depth, & Timing

East Bengal’s 2025-26 Super Cup journey highlights a classic cup campaign that was like a Fairytale, which has its own ups and downs.

From a shaky draw (2-2) against the Dempo SC in their first match to an emphatic win against Chennaiyin FC (4-0), which was followed by a resolute goalless draw (0-0), against their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Kolkata Derby, to a clinical semi-final win against the Punjab FC; the Red and Gold Brigade have shown a lot of character, and versatility.

For East Bengal, a win in the final means silverware and a chance to play in the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two qualifiers and make their way to the preliminary round, a continental spot.

But it will be a tough task for Red and Gold Brigade to beat defending champions FC Goa at their home ground, in front of a huge crowd, and on familiar turf.

As East Bengal prepare to play FC Goa in the final, it’s not just about form; it’s also about courage, patience and seizing the opportunities when they arise. East Bengal’s task will be to strike a balance between staying defensively compact (as against Mohun Bagan) and attacking quickly and clinically (as seen against Chennaiyin and Punjab).

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