East Bengal secured a semifinal spot in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 after holding Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a goalless draw at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao.
Both teams entered the Kolkata Derby with five points, but East Bengal held the edge on goal difference. Needing only a draw, the Red and Golds showed early intent with a shot on target in the first minute. Bagan, needing a win, responded slowly, registering their first attempt in the 40th minute.
Coach Oscar Bruzon’s 4-2-3-1 setup featured Mohamad Rakip as an inverted wing-back, linking up with Miguel Ferreira in midfield. Rakip and Miguel nearly scored early, but Bagan’s Alberto Rodriguez blocked the shot.
East Bengal dominated the first half, creating three chances in six minutes. Hamid Ahadad missed a header, Miguel rattled the woodwork, and Mahesh Singh Naorem fired wide. Bagan’s only first-half threat came from a counter-attack led by Liston Colaco and Apuia Ralte, but goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill made a clean save.
After halftime, Bagan pushed harder. Apuia and Colaco combined again, but Rakip intercepted the cross. Aldred’s header from a Colaco free-kick narrowly missed. East Bengal responded with Ahadad’s shot and Jay Gupta’s header, both saved by Vishal Kaith.
Bagan coach Jose Molina deployed all six foreign players in a final push. Jason Cummings, Robson Robinho, and Dimitrios Petratos joined the attack, but East Bengal’s defense held firm.
At full-time, East Bengal celebrated a hard-earned point and a place in the final four, avenging their recent IFA Shield penalty defeat.
