Home / Sports / Kolkata Derby: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan in IFA Shield Final!
Kolkata Derby: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan in IFA Shield Final!
8 Oct
Summary
- East Bengal and Mohun Bagan clash in the IFA Shield final on Thursday.
- This is their fifth meeting this year, with East Bengal winning the Durand Cup.
- Mohun Bagan aims to retain the Shield after winning the CFL title.
The stage is set for a thrilling Kolkata derby as East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan clash in the IFA Shield final on Thursday, October 8, at the Salt Lake Stadium. This highly anticipated match represents the fifth meeting between the two historic rivals this year.
East Bengal will be looking to avenge their loss in last year's IFA Shield final. Their most recent encounter saw East Bengal achieve a significant 4-1 victory over Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup final, marking one of their biggest derby wins recently.
Conversely, Mohun Bagan has recently ended an eight-year drought by securing the Calcutta Football League title. They aim to retain the IFA Shield, having narrowly defeated East Bengal via penalties in the 2025 final after a 1-1 draw. This final is also a battle for historical records, with East Bengal (29 titles) aiming for their 30th crown, while Mohun Bagan (21 titles) seeks their 22nd.
The rivalry has been closely contested this year. Their Indian Super League clash in May ended 1-1, followed by a 1-0 win for Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup opener in July. East Bengal's resounding 4-1 victory in the Durand Cup final and a 1-1 draw in the Calcutta Football League in September highlight the competitive nature of their clashes.
