East Bengal will look to continue its dominance over arch-rival Mohun Bagan Super Giant this season when the two sides lock horns in the final of the 125th edition of the IFA Shield at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday.
East Bengal enjoys a greater head-to-head advantage (21-7) while Bagan prides itself on being the first native Indian side to win the Shield, beating a British side — East Yorkshire Regiment — in 1911.
The Red-and-Gold Brigade — though never rising over the ninth spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) since joining it in 2020 — has assembled a strong side this season under the stewardship of its 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 securing a 2-1 victory in the Durand Cup quarterfinal.
On the other hand, Bagan – the reigning ISL champion – has retained the bulk of its squad from last season. However, considering the turmoil besieging Indian football and Bagan’s own fanbase, its squad lacks the motivation that made it a formidable side in the previous few seasons.
Bagan’s biggest problem is likely the backlash from a section of its supporters following its decision not to travel to Iran for its 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
Its coach, Jose Molina, appealed to the fans to “turn over a new page” and support the team. He said that the team management was forced to decide against travelling as many players declined to travel to Iran.
“I am upset too about the incident and also about the fact that the fans are angry about it. But I am trying to turn the page and looking to help my players win trophies again,” Molina said during the pre-match briefing on Friday.
“It is very unfortunate if we do not have the 100 per cent support of the fans, as it will be difficult for us to perform at our best. I would like to request our fans to forget the past for 90 minutes and support the team as we try to win the final,” Molina appealed.
Bagan has no fitness issues except for its winger, Manvir Singh, who has not been able to make a start this season. Molina said that the forward has started training with the team and hoped that he would be available for selection.
Meanwhile, East Bengal could introduce its new Japanese signing, Hiroshi Ibusuki, roped 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 quarterfinal win in the Durand Cup.
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
Ibusuki might thus have big boots to fill in his maiden stint in India, with East Bengal eyeing a record 30th IFA Shield title.
“The Kolkata Derby is like an emotion for both teams as we both want to win it.
We have no injury problems, and everybody in the team is eager and ready to fight. Our focus will be to execute the game plan to the best of our abilities,” East Bengal’s assistant coach, Bino George, said.
The last time the senior sides 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 ruled the roost with a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
Published on Oct 17, 2025
