Tactical Stalemate Sends East Bengal FC into Super Cup Semifinals, Eliminating Mohun Bagan SG

Final Score: East Bengal FC 0 – 0 Mohun Bagan Super Giant

The high-stakes Kolkata Derby, effectively a virtual quarter-final in the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26, ended in a tense goalless draw at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. While the match lacked the attacking fireworks typically associated with this iconic rivalry, it was a tactical triumph for East Bengal FC, who advanced to the semifinals by finishing top of Group A.

The result spelled heartbreak for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who needed an outright win to progress but were eliminated due to East Bengal’s superior goal difference.

First Half: East Bengal’s Calculated Approach and Near Misses

Aware that a draw would be enough to secure qualification following the earlier 1–1 draw between Dempo SC and Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal began with calm assurance and structure. Their high pressing unsettled the Mariners’ rhythm, forcing misplaced passes and early turnovers.

Early Chance: In the 24th minute, East Bengal nearly struck the opener when Bipin Singh met a perfect cross from Miguel Figueira with a glancing header that beat the keeper but ricocheted off the post before being cleared.

Midfield Battle: The half was defined by intense duels in the middle of the park. East Bengal defenders tirelessly closed down Mohun Bagan’s creative outlets, frustrating their attempts to supply the Australian duo of Dimitrios Petratos and Jason Cummings.

The Mariners’ only notable attempt came late in the half when Apuia’s speculative long-range effort was comfortably gathered by East Bengal custodian Prabhsukhan Gill. The first period ended 0–0, leaving the group outcome delicately poised and Mohun Bagan needing a decisive push after the break.

Second Half: Bagan’s Pressure Meets the Red-and-Gold Wall

Mohun Bagan returned from halftime with renewed urgency. Just a minute after the restart, Liston Colaco rose to meet a teasing cross, sending a looping header that grazed the roof of the net — a warning sign of their attacking intent.

Goalkeeping Brilliance: The game’s standout moment arrived around the hour mark when East Bengal forward Hamid Ahadad found himself one-on-one inside the box. However, Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith produced a stunning reflex save to keep the contest alive, denying what looked a certain goal.

Resolute Defense: East Bengal’s backline, expertly led by Kevin Sibille and Anwar Ali, remained unflappable even as Mohun Bagan threw on their heavyweights — Jason Cummings, Dimitrios Petratos, and Liston Colaco — in search of a breakthrough. The Red and Golds stayed compact, disciplined, and organized, expertly managing the game’s tempo and running down the clock.

Despite relentless late pressure, the final whistle confirmed a 0–0 stalemate — enough for East Bengal to progress and enough to end Mohun Bagan’s Super Cup journey.

Group A Standings and Outcome

The draw left both sides level on six points from three matches (one win and two draws each). However, East Bengal FC, under the guidance of Óscar Bruzón, topped Group A courtesy of their superior goal difference (+4 compared to Mohun Bagan’s +2), thanks largely to their emphatic 4–0 win over Chennaiyin FC in the previous round.

For Mohun Bagan, the earlier stalemate against Dempo SC proved costly, as their inability to convert dominance into wins led to a premature and disappointing exit.

Verdict

The Kolkata Derby may not have produced goals, but it offered a masterclass in tactical discipline and defensive organization. East Bengal’s structured play, strategic restraint, and composure under pressure earned them a well-deserved semifinal berth — while for Mohun Bagan, it was another bitter lesson in fine margins at the elite level.