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  • Super Cup 2025 Final Preview: Unbeaten East Bengal FC Eye Return to Glory Against Defending Champions FC Goa

    Super Cup 2025 Final Preview: Unbeaten East Bengal FC Eye Return to Glory Against Defending Champions FC Goa

    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.

  • East Bengal Storm Into Super Cup Final With Commanding 3–1 Win Over Punjab FC

    East Bengal Storm Into Super Cup Final With Commanding 3–1 Win Over Punjab FC

    East Bengal booked their place in the AIFF Super Cup final for the third time with a composed and clinical 3–1 victory over Punjab FC at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Thursday, December 4, 2025. The triumph also marks the club’s second major final of the season, following their narrow loss to Mohun Bagan SG in the IFA Shield.

    The Kolkata giants started brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute through Mohamad Bashim Rashid. A rehearsed short-corner routine saw Miguel Ferreira’s delivery only partially cleared, and the ball fell invitingly to Rashid at the edge of the area. The Maldivian midfielder controlled superbly before drilling a low shot that slipped under goalkeeper Muheet Shabir’s glove—his first goal for the club.

    Punjab FC responded with urgency and were rewarded in the 34th minute. A mishap in the East Bengal box saw Ricky Shabong’s clearing header rebound off Bipin Singh’s arm, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Daniel Ramirez converted confidently, sending Prabhsukhan Singh Gill the wrong way to level the score.

    But East Bengal regained control at a crucial moment, striking just before the interval. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Miguel Ferreira delivered another pinpoint corner, and defender Kevin Sibille rose highest to nod home a powerful header. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations, which also saw head coach Oscar Bruzon receive a second yellow card for overexuberance.

    After the break, East Bengal tightened their grip on the contest. Bipin Singh and Hiroshi Ibusuki both came close to extending the lead, but it was captain Saul Crespo who delivered the decisive blow in the 71st minute. Once again, Ferreira was the architect—slaloming past multiple defenders before laying the ball off for Crespo, who placed a tidy left-footed finish into the bottom corner.

    Punjab FC struggled to break down East Bengal’s disciplined defensive structure in the closing stages. Their best late opportunity came when Ramirez threaded a pass to Bede Amarachi Osuji, but the Nigerian forward’s effort was comfortably saved by Gill.

    East Bengal nearly added further gloss to the scoreline when Ferreira danced past defenders again, only to fire narrowly wide. Nevertheless, the Red and Gold brigade held firm until the final whistle, celebrating a well-earned spot in yet another major final.

    With momentum and confidence on their side, Oscar Bruzon’s men now turn their focus to lifting the coveted AIFF Super Cup trophy.

  • Super Cup 2025 : FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC Semi-Final Preview

    Super Cup 2025 : FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC Semi-Final Preview

    The race for a place in the AIFF Super Cup 2025 final reaches boiling point on Thursday, December 4, 2025, with a high-stakes double-header in Fatorda, Goa. East Bengal FC face Punjab FC in the first semi-final at 16:00 IST, followed by defending champions FC Goa taking on Mumbai City FC at 20:00 IST at the PJN Stadium. Both matches will be broadcast on Star Sports Khel and streamed live on JioHotstar.

    FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC (20:00 IST)

    The second semi-final brings together two teams with contrasting momentum but identical ambitions. Mumbai City FC arrive after a long training block without competitive fixtures, while FC Goa come into the game battle-hardened from their AFC Champions League Two campaign. Beyond a spot in the final, both teams are fighting for a route back to continental football.

    East Bengal, Punjab FC Set for Blockbuster Super Cup Semi Final

    Mumbai City FC: “Heart, Character, Commitment”

    Head coach Petr Kratky expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation:

    “I’m very happy with the work we’ve done over the last few weeks. Goa are a very good team and in full rhythm because of the ACL Two, but we’ve prepared as best as possible.”

    This is Mumbai City’s third consecutive Super Cup semi-final, and midfielder Brandon Fernandes is targeting his first-ever final with the club.

    “It’s a massive semi-final for us. We want to reach the final and return to AFC competition — that’s our motivation.”

    Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

    Kratky emphasized Mumbai City’s attacking identity:

    “We want to play aggressive, attacking football — the style Mumbai is known for. We are building an environment where every player is ready and important. What matters is heart, character, and commitment.”

    Facing his former team, Fernandes added:

    “The past is the past. Tomorrow is about the present. Goa is my former club, but my focus is on helping Mumbai win.”

    FC Goa: Battle-Hardened but Weary

    FC Goa head coach Manolo Márquez acknowledged that his squad is navigating a unique situation:

    East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal

    “We are training more and playing more because of the AFC Champions League Two, but the long gaps between matches make it mentally demanding. Still, strong matches are better preparation than training alone.”

    Defender Ronney Wilson Kharbudon, who made his debut against Al Nassr earlier this season, echoed his coach’s sentiments:

    “Playing such matches helps every player improve. Training has been good since we returned from Iraq. We’re focused and want to reach the final.”

    A Fixture Known for Goals

    Whenever FC Goa and Mumbai City FC meet, entertainment is guaranteed — 16 goals in their last five meetings. Mumbai City enjoyed a 10-game unbeaten run against Goa before the Gaurs ended it with a 3–1 win in Mumbai last February.

    Márquez expects another high-quality encounter:

    “Every competition is different. Mumbai City are one of the biggest teams in the ISL, with strong foreigners and national team players. Both teams like attacking, possession football. It should be a good match, but in football, you never know.”

  • East Bengal, Punjab FC Set for Blockbuster Super Cup Semi Final

    East Bengal, Punjab FC Set for Blockbuster Super Cup Semi Final

    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.

    Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

    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.”

  • Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

    Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

    Super Cup 2025 semifinal is just a night away. In Goa, East Bengal is set to face Panagiotis Dilmpers’ strong Punjab FC. Notably, last month Punjab secured their semifinal spot by defeating the mighty Bengaluru FC in their final group-stage match. In the tie-breaker, this ISL side got the better of Sunil Chhetri’s team. So Oscar Bruzón knew well in advance that this clash would be anything but easy. That is why, right after a short break, the East Bengal coach resumed training in full swing.

    Initially, Bino George supervised the training sessions, but soon after arriving in the city, the Spanish coach took full charge. After weeks of preparation in Kolkata, the Red and Gold brigade finally arrived in Goa. However, in the midst of all this, one of the team’s most reliable defenders, Joy Gupta, suffered an injury. This undoubtedly sparked concern within the camp. As a result, over the past few days, the Indian defender has mainly been working on his fitness from the sidelines. If he is unavailable for the upcoming semifinal, it could significantly impact the team’s performance.

    There is no need to state that again. Still, the management’s top priority was to get him fully fit before the match. According to the latest update, during the final training session on the eve of the semifinal, the national team defender was seen practicing with the main squad in high spirits. This clearly indicates that he is much fitter than before. However, whether Oscar will include him in the starting XI remains the big question, and everyone’s attention will be on that decision.

    On the other hand, Dilmpers’ Punjab FC is determined to beat East Bengal and secure their place in the final. After completing preparations in their home city, the opposition camp arrived in Goa a few days ago. The Greek coach has prepared the team keeping East Bengal’s strengths and weaknesses in mind.

  • East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal

    East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal

    East Bengal Football Club did not have a great start to this year’s Super Cup. In their very first group-stage match, they were held to a draw by a comparatively weaker Dempo Sports Club. Sameer Naik’s boys put up an exceptional fight against the Red and Golds, surprising everyone. Because of that early setback, the Kolkata giants fell slightly behind in the group standings. However, after defeating Clifford Miranda’s Chennaiyin FC by a big margin in the second match, the Torch Brigade revived their chances of qualifying for the knockouts. In the final group game, they had to face their arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

    Although that match ended in a draw after full time, East Bengal advanced to the semifinals thanks to goal difference. Naturally, supporters were quite pleased. After a long break, the semifinals are finally scheduled to be held tomorrow, where Oscar Bruzón’s side will face Panagiotis Dilmpeleris’ Punjab FC. Punjab had already stunned a strong team like Bengaluru FC earlier to secure their semifinal berth, so everyone knows this will be no easy contest.

    That is why players like Miguel Figuera and Anwar Ali had begun intense training weeks in advance. But just a few days before the semifinal, worrying news emerged—reliable defender Joy Gupta picked up an injury during practice. He was seen mostly on the sidelines afterward. Oscar is fully aware of how much Joy’s absence in such a crucial match could benefit the opposition, so he had already begun preparing alternative plans.

    According to various reports, if Joy Gupta is unable to play this match, Oscar Bruzón may turn to another Indian defender, Lalchungnunga, as his replacement. Additionally, Bengali footballer Prabhat Lakra is also being considered as an option. However, in Wednesday’s training session ahead of the semifinal, Joy Gupta looked quite lively. If everything goes well, East Bengal’s head coach might go ahead with his original plan and include him in the starting lineup.

  • Kerala Blasters Crash Out as Mumbai City Reach Super Cup 2025 Semifinals

    Kerala Blasters Crash Out as Mumbai City Reach Super Cup 2025 Semifinals

    Kerala Blasters FC Super Cup 2025 journey came to an unfortunate end following a narrow 0–1 defeat to Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday. A late own goal in the 88th minute proved costly as the Blasters, who played a large part of the match with ten men, fell just short of reaching the semifinals.

    Head coach David Català made one change to the starting lineup, bringing in Tiago Alves for Nihal Sudeesh. For the first time in the tournament, Kerala fielded all six of their foreign players. The match began at a lively pace, with both sides creating early chances. Jorge Ortiz fired over for Mumbai in the opening minutes, while Adrián Luna’s clever through ball nearly set up Tiago Alves for the Blasters.

    Kerala looked threatening down the flanks through Noah Sadaoui and Thingujam Korou Singh, with Koldo Obieta also testing Mumbai goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa from a tight angle. However, momentum began to shift toward Mumbai as the first half progressed. Just before halftime, Kerala suffered a major blow when Sandeep Singh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

    Down to ten men, the Blasters reorganized defensively after the break, with Aibanbha Dohling replacing Noah Sadaoui to strengthen the backline. Goalkeeper Nora Fernandes produced a brilliant save to deny Lallianzuala Chhangte in the 54th minute. Kerala remained dangerous from set pieces, as Juan Rodríguez’s header from Aiban’s long throw forced another fine stop from Lachenpa.

    Català introduced Freddy Lallawmawma, Huidrom Naorem Naorem, and later Nihal Sudeesh to maintain intensity as Kerala focused on protecting the draw that would have seen them through. But heartbreak struck in the 88th minute when a deflected clearance from Muhammed Saheef found its way into his own net, giving Mumbai City the decisive lead.

    Despite a late surge, Kerala Blasters couldn’t find an equalizer. The result left them with six points from their group matches, narrowly missing out on a semifinal spot. Mumbai City FC, meanwhile, advanced to the last four of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26.

  • Steven Dias Reflects on Jamshedpur FC Super Cup Campaign Finale

    Steven Dias Reflects on Jamshedpur FC Super Cup Campaign Finale

    Jamshedpur FC concluded their Super Cup campaign on a high note with a convincing victory over Inter Kashi, showcasing the team’s growth and resilience throughout the tournament.

    In a post-match interview, Head Coach Steven Dias shared his thoughts on his first win at the helm of Jamshedpur FC, reflecting on the team’s journey and the lessons learned. According to Dias, the win highlighted the team’s progress, with players delivering increasingly strong performances in each match.

    “We’ve been improving game by game, and that showed in our final match,” Dias said. “The boys played high-intensity football, and I’m very pleased with their efforts.”

    Dias also praised the squad’s unity and cohesion, which he said were key to their success. “I saw excellent teamwork in both defense and attack. Our plan worked, and the boys gave everything on the pitch,” he added.

    The Super Cup provided valuable learning experiences for the team. Dias noted, “I’ve personally learned a lot from this tournament. Now we have a clear understanding of our strengths and areas we need to improve, and we can work on them.”

    Looking ahead, Dias emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency and building on this performance. “We need to keep performing at this level in every match,” he said, underlining the value of team unity.

    He concluded with a message to the fans: “We’re all working extremely hard and giving our all. Keep faith in us and continue supporting the team, as you always have.”

  • Punjab FC cruise past Mohammedan SC with 3–0 win in Super Cup 2025

    Punjab FC cruise past Mohammedan SC with 3–0 win in Super Cup 2025

    Score: Mohammedan SC – 0 | Punjab FC – 3 (Ninthoi 27’, Zeljkovic 43’, M. Kipgen 73’)

    Punjab FC registered a commanding 3–0 victory over Mohammedan SC in their Group C encounter of the AIFF Indian Super Cup 2025 at the GMC Athletic Stadium. This was Punjab’s second consecutive win, taking them to six points from two matches and moving them a step closer to the semifinals. The goals came from Ninthoinganba Meetei, Samir Zeljkovic, and Manglenthang Kipgen.

    Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made just one change to Punjab’s starting lineup, bringing in Spanish midfielder Dani Ramirez in place of Princeton Rebello, who had scored in the previous game. Mohammedan SC’s coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo fielded an unchanged eleven from their last outing, where they lost to Bengaluru FC.

    The first major chance fell to Mohammedan’s Bijoy Varghese, whose header from a corner went narrowly wide. Soon after, goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee produced a fine save to deny Ninthoi.

    Sudip–Shakir’s brilliance takes Bengal to 336, yet worries remain!

    Punjab’s attacking quartet of Dani Ramirez, Kipgen, Ninthoi, and Muhammad Suhail constantly troubled the Mohammedan defence. Their fluid combination play led to the opener in the 27th minute — Kipgen’s precise through ball found Ninthoi making a clever run, and the winger calmly slotted past the advancing goalkeeper.

    The pressure continued, and Punjab doubled their lead just before halftime. Right-back Khaiminthang Lhungdim delivered a deep cross that Ninthoi headed back across goal, where new signing Samir Zeljkovic was waiting unmarked. His left-footed shot may not have been perfectly struck, but it had enough power to find the bottom corner.

    Punjab controlled the tempo after the break, dominating possession and creating chances. Mohammedan, meanwhile, struggled to threaten, with Yash Chickro’s long-range effort being their closest attempt.

    In the 72nd minute, substitute Leon Augustine set up Kipgen inside the box, and the forward calmly finished to make it 3–0. Punjab continued to press for more, with new signing Nsungusi Effiong creating opportunities but failing to convert. Mohammedan managed their first shot on target only in stoppage time, which goalkeeper Muheet Shabir dealt with comfortably.

    With this convincing win, Punjab FC recorded their second straight victory. They will face Bengaluru FC in their final group game on November 5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda — a match likely to decide the Group C winners.

  • Kerala Blasters FC Ready to Face Sporting Delhi in Super Cup 2025

    Kerala Blasters FC Ready to Face Sporting Delhi in Super Cup 2025

    Kerala Blasters FC will continue their Super Cup 2025 campaign with their second Group D clash against Sporting Delhi at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 PM.

    The Blasters began their campaign with a gritty 1–0 victory over Rajasthan United, showing both resilience and composure after a long break from competitive action. They now turn their focus to Sporting Club Delhi, who will be eager to bounce back following a 4–1 loss to Mumbai City in their opening fixture.

    Head Coach David Català on the team’s preparation: “The win against Rajasthan was important, but it’s just the start. We’ve made a good beginning, and now it’s about keeping that same energy and focus. Our players are motivated and have a strong mindset to win this match. Sporting Club Delhi are a young, energetic side with talented players. They’ll be hungry to respond after their first result, so we must stay concentrated, respect their strengths, and impose our style of play from the beginning.”

    Sporting Club Delhi, formerly Hyderabad FC, are adjusting to their new identity and management under head coach Tomasz Tchórz. Despite their opening-day defeat to Mumbai City, they showed glimpses of attacking potential, highlighted by a penalty goal from Andrei Alba.

    Kerala Blasters’ victory over Rajasthan United came through a well-taken goal by Koldo Obieta, assisted perfectly by Juan Rodríguez. The new striker’s goal in his debut match was an encouraging sign, boosting the team’s attacking confidence.

    With momentum on their side, focus renewed, and ambitions high, Kerala Blasters are determined to deliver another strong performance and make a statement against Sporting Club Delhi at Bambolim.