The stage is set for a thrilling finale to the AIFF Super Cup 2025, as East Bengal FC prepare to face defending champions FC Goa in the title clash at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda (Kickoff: 7:30 PM).
With a coveted spot in the 2026–27 AFC competitions on the line, the winners of the last two editions—East Bengal FC in 2024 and FC Goa in 2025—are determined to reclaim the Super Cup crown and become the first Indian club this season to secure continental qualification.
Under Spanish head coach Óscar Bruzón, East Bengal have shown steady improvement as the tournament progressed. After a nervy 2–2 opening draw against Dempo SC, they bounced back emphatically with a commanding 4–0 victory over Chennaiyin FC. A composed 0–0 draw against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan SG, in a match they largely controlled, ensured the Red & Golds topped Group A and advanced to the semifinals.
In the first semifinal, East Bengal defeated Punjab FC 3–1 with goals from Mohammed Rashid, Kevin Sibille, and captain Saul Crespo, securing their place in the Super Cup final for the third time after appearances in 2018 and 2024.
Unbeaten so far, the Kolkata giants have scored nine goals—more than any other team in the competition. However, they will be without head coach Bruzón on the touchline for the final after he received two yellow cards and was sent off just before halftime in the semifinal.
Manolo Márquez’s FC Goa, meanwhile, are striving to become the first club to successfully defend the Super Cup and clinch their third title, having previously won in 2019 and 2025.
The Gaurs progressed from Group B with wins over Jamshedpur FC (2–0) and Inter Kashi (3–0), despite a setback against NorthEast United FC (1–2). They then edged Mumbai City FC 2–1 in the second semifinal, courtesy of quickfire first-half goals from Brison Fernandes and David Timor.
At the pre-match press conference, East Bengal assistant coach Bino George stated:
“East Bengal never enter a tournament just to participate. We always compete to win. FC Goa are the defending champions and we respect them, but we have prepared rigorously for this day and will give everything to bring the trophy back to Kolkata.”
Captain Saul Crespo added:
“Our preparations have been excellent and the team bonding is visible to everyone. We have one last hurdle ahead of us, and we will give our all to execute our game plan to perfection.”
The match will be streamed live on JioHotstar and broadcast on Star Sports Khel.