The race to reach the AIFF Super Cup 2025 final intensifies on Thursday, December 4, 2025, as four heavyweights East Bengal FC, Punjab FC, FC Goa and Mumbai City FC gear up for a high-stakes double-header semi-final at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, Goa.
The action begins at 16:00 IST with a clash between 2024 champions East Bengal FC and first-time semi-finalists Punjab FC. Later, at 20:00 IST, defending champions FC Goa face Mumbai City FC. Both matches will be broadcast on Star Sports Khel and streamed on JioHotstar.
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Semi-final 1: East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC (16:00 IST)
Both teams arrive with momentum after navigating two of the competition’s toughest groups.
East Bengal sealed their spot with a gritty 0–0 draw against rivals Mohun Bagan SG, while Punjab FC advanced after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Bengaluru FC, having produced an identical defensive record with no goals conceded in the group stage.
Bruzon: “We trust our identity and game model.”
East Bengal head coach Óscar Bruzón highlighted the long-term preparation behind his team’s campaign:
“Our preparation has been ongoing for months. We started training in July, played pre-season tournaments, and integrated new players. This helped us build automatisms and collective understanding. We feel mature in what we do, and tomorrow we must bring that onto the pitch.”
Full-back Jay Gupta also emphasised the team’s motivation:
“This tournament offers a spot in Asia, something our fans truly deserve. We’re fully prepared and excited to get on the pitch.”
East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal
Respect for Punjab’s defence
Punjab FC’s defensive solidity has been one of the stories of the tournament. When asked about possible weaknesses, Bruzón maintained a respectful but cautious tone:
“We have huge respect for Punjab. They haven’t conceded once. They’re aggressive, compact, and strong in transitions. We expect changes from them — new players, substitutions, maybe even a different system.”
On handling pressure and expectations from East Bengal’s massive fan base, Bruzón added:
“At East Bengal, if you don’t understand what it means to be part of this club, the job becomes difficult. We play with hunger and commitment. Thinking about the final or Asia now would distract us.”
Punjab FC: Calm, confident, and ready
Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation:
“After qualifying, the players got a deserved break. Then we had three and a half weeks of full training and friendlies to fine-tune the team.”
Midfielder Leon Augustine echoed the positive mood:
“We’ve worked hard and had a good run in the group stage. The long training period helped. There’s no pressure on us — East Bengal are a good team, but we’re ready.”
Dilmperis on East Bengal and knockout football
Despite East Bengal defeating Punjab twice last ISL season — including a 4–2 comeback victory in Kolkata — Dilmperis remained measured:
“East Bengal are strong in every department. We respect them.”
On Punjab’s defensive focus, he added:
“A clean sheet is crucial in knockout football — it helps in extra time or penalties. We’d love to have possession, but we’re ready for any scenario.”