East Bengal will look to continue their dominance over arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant this season when the two sides meet in the final of the 125th edition of the IFA Shield at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
East Bengal enjoy a bigger head-to-head advantage (21-7), while Bagan boast of being the first native Indian side to win the Shield, beating a British side – the East Yorkshire Regiment – in 1911.
The Red and Gold Brigade – despite never rising above ninth spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) since joining in 2020 – has assembled a strong squad this season under coach Oscar Bruzon.
The transformation has been remarkable so far as East Bengal won both derbies this season – a 3-2 win in the Calcutta Football League before recording a 2-1 win in the Durand Cup quarter-final.
On the other hand, Bagan – the reigning ISL champions – have retained most of their squad from last season. But given the turmoil plaguing Indian football and Bagan’s own fanbase, the squad lacks the motivation that has made it a formidable side in recent seasons.
Bagan’s biggest problem is probably the reaction of some of his supporters after the decision not to travel to Iran for the AFC Champions League 2 group stage match against Sepahan SC.
East Bengal could introduce its new Japanese signing Hiroshi Ibusuki. | Photo credit: special arrangement
East Bengal could introduce its new Japanese signing Hiroshi Ibusuki. | Photo credit: special arrangement
The coach, Jose Molina, called on fans to “turn a new page” and support the team. He said the team management was forced not to travel as many players refused to travel to Iran.
«I am also angry about the incident and also about the fact that the fans are angry about it. But I am trying to turn the page and want to help my players win trophies again,» Molina said during the pre-match briefing on Friday.
«It is a great pity if we do not have 100 percent support from the fans because it will be difficult for us to perform at our best. I would like to request our fans to forget the past 90 minutes and support the team as we try to win the final,» Molina said.
Bagan have no fitness problems, except for their winger Manvir Singh, who has not been able to make a start this season. Molina said the forward has started training with the team and hoped he would be available for selection.
Meanwhile, East Bengal could introduce their new Japanese signing, Hiroshi Ibusuki, who was brought in after Dimitrios Diamantakos mutually parted ways with the team a few days ago.
Diamantakos was the star in the previous Kolkata derby, scoring both goals in the Durand Cup quarter-final.
Dimitrios Diamantakos celebrates after scoring the first goal against Mohun Bagan Super Giant during the Durand Cup. | Photo credit: Debashish Bhaduri
Dimitrios Diamantakos celebrates after scoring the first goal against Mohun Bagan Super Giant during the Durand Cup. | Photo credit: Debashish Bhaduri
So Ibusuki could have big boots on his hands to fill his first spell in India, with East Bengal eyeing a record 30th IFA Shield title.
“The Kolkata Derby is an emotion for both teams as we both want to win it.
We have no injury problems and everyone in the team is excited and ready to fight. Our focus will be on executing the game plan to the best of our ability,” said East Bengal assistant coach Bino George.
The last time the seniors of the two Kolkata giants faced each other in the IFA Shield final was way back in 2003, when Mohun Bagan lifted the shield with a 5-3 win on penalties.
Later in 2018, when the two clubs fielded their junior sides, East Bengal reigned with a 4-2 win in the shootout.
Published on October 17, 2025
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