Indian Super League (ISL) sides Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC will lock horns in the final Group A clash of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26, which carries permutations as intricate as the rivalry itself. If either East Bengal FC or Mohun Bagan Super Giant win the derby, the winners will march straight into the semi-finals. If the teams play out a scored draw, East Bengal FC will advance.

But the equation twists dramatically if the match ends goalless. The result of the earlier match between Dempo SC and Chennaiyin FC at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa, will come into play. If Dempo SC defeat Chennaiyin FC by five or more goals, they will leapfrog both Kolkata clubs to qualify. If they win by fewer than a four-goal margin, East Bengal FC will progress.

However, if Dempo FC win exactly 4-0, it will all come down to a draw of lots between the Golden Eagles and the Red and Gold Brigade, provided the derby ends goalless. There’s one more wrinkle yet. If Dempo SC win by a four-goal margin despite having conceded against Chennaiyin, and the derby ends goalless, then the Goan club will qualify.

In essence, East Bengal FC hold the upper hand, but MBSG’s fate is still in their own hands: win, and they are through. With such fine margins and enormous stakes, the third Kolkata Derby of the 2025–26 season promises nothing less than a thriller under the Goan floodlights.

The arithmetic adds tension to an already combustible fixture, but East Bengal FC head coach Óscar Bruzón has repeatedly warned his players against complacency. “We’re not thinking about a draw,” he insisted. “Mohun Bagan Super Giant can score at any moment. So we will go out to win. Our mentality will be the same from the first minute to the last.”

Bruzón's words reflect a squad rediscovering its rhythm. Recent East Bengal FC performances in the derby proved that they could match the ISL double winners MBSG stride for stride.

In the ongoing AIFF Super Cup, the Red and Gold Brigade have scored six goals in two games, their attacking fluidity built around Naorem Mahesh Singh’s creativity, Bipin Singh’s directness, and Hamid Ahadad’s presence up front.

Spanish midfielder Saúl Crespo described the team’s buoyant mood. “The players are enjoying every moment. It’s like a breath of fresh air after the win over Chennaiyin FC. We know what this derby means. We can feel that energy,” Crespo said.

For MBSG, the AIFF Super Cup campaign has been steady but not spectacular. José Molina’s men remain unbeaten yet short of their trademark cutting edge, as the goalless draw with Dempo SC showed.

The Mariners’ defensive organisation, marshalled by captain Subhasish Bose, has been immaculate, but goals have been scarce. Now, with everything on the line, Australian forwards Jason Cummings and Jamie Maclaren must rediscover their spark.

“This season hasn’t been easy,” Molina admitted. “But we’ve been here before. We will fight for the supporters and try to make them happy.”

Molina also believes that midfield control will be decisive in the derby. Apuia and Anirudh Thapa will look to dictate tempo for the Mariners, threading passes for their forwards, while Bruzón's Crespo and Lalchungnunga aim to choke supply lines in what promises to be a bruising tactical contest. “At this point, there aren’t many surprises left. Both teams know each other very well,” Molina said. “It’ll come down to who takes their chances.”

Chennaiyin FC play for pride against Dempo SC

ISL outfit Chennaiyin FC will take the field earlier on Friday when they meet a resolute Dempo SC side at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim.

The Marina Machans suffered defeats against both the Kolkata giants and now stand no chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. However, they will be keen to take all three points, finish the campaign on a winning note, and put an end to Dempo SC’s dream start. The I-League outfit has produced remarkable performances in their opening two fixtures, earning a point each against EBFC and MBSG, and still have a slight chance of qualification.

“We did well in the first 30 minutes in both the matches, both in attack & in defence. They did whatever I asked of them. We couldn’t compete because of a lack of physical conditioning; it’s understandable. The attitude from the players was very positive,” Miranda said ahead of the match.

Chennaiyin FC also face some fitness concerns ahead of their final game, which they hope won’t affect them.

“Jiteshwor (Singh), along with Farukh (Choudhary), are doubtful for the match. Irfan (Yadwad) could play,” Miranda confirmed, after all three were forced off against East Bengal FC.

Match Details

Match 13: Dempo SC vs Chennaiyin FC
Venue: GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim
Date: October 31, 2025
Kick-Off Time: 4:30 PM
Live Streaming: Indian Football YouTube Channel

Match 14: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal FC
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda
Date: October 31, 2025
Kick-Off Time: 7:30 PM
Live Telecast: Star Sports Khel
Live Streaming: JioHotstar



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Mohun Bagan Super GiantEast Bengal FC2025-26Chennaiyin FC AIFF Super Cup