Third Time's The Charm: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Kolkata Derby To Decide IFA Shield

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 20:18 IST

Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face East Bengal in the IFA Shield final after a 2-0 win over United SC, marking the third Kolkata derby in three months at Salt Lake Stadium.

(Credit: MBSG Media)

Mohun Bagan Super Giant booked a highly anticipated IFA Shield final showdown with arch-rivals East Bengal, marking the third Kolkata derby in less than three months, after a 2-0 victory over United SC in a Group B clash on Wednesday at the Salt Lake Stadium.

The Mariners secured the win through a Dimitri Petratos strike in the 44th minute and an own goal in the 49th, producing a clinical performance that topped Group B and guaranteed their place in Saturday’s title clash.

“Petratos broke the deadlock just before half-time, converting a Jason Cummings cross," said Mohun Bagan insiders.

“The second goal came soon after the restart when a Robson free-kick caused chaos in the box. Cummings’ shot deflected off goalkeeper Sujal Munda and then United defender Ankan Bhattacharya before crossing the line."

Earlier in the day, East Bengal topped Group A with a 2-0 win over Namdhari FC, setting up another blockbuster meeting between the city giants.

Kolkata Derby Fever: Three Clashes in Three Months

This upcoming IFA Shield final marks the third Kolkata derby since late July:

July 26: East Bengal’s developmental squad edged Mohun Bagan 3-2 in the Calcutta Football League Premier Division.

August 18: East Bengal’s senior team won the Durand Cup quarterfinal 2-1, their first senior derby victory over Mohun Bagan in six matches since August 12, 2023.

Now, with the IFA Shield back after a three-year hiatus and celebrating its 125th edition, fans are eager to see which side will claim bragging rights in the city once more.

Tournament Context

The IFA Shield features six teams this year: two from the ISL, three from the I-League, and one from I-League 2.

Group A included East Bengal, Namdhari, and Sreenidi Deccan, while Group B was comprised of Mohun Bagan, Gokulam Kerala, and United SC. Mohun Bagan’s dominant showing ensured their path to the final, where they will once again face their city rivals.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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News sports Third Time's The Charm: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Kolkata Derby To Decide IFA Shield

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