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East Bengal Seek Revenge Against Mohun Bagan in IFA Shield Final
East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are two rival football teams from Kolkata.
They will play each other in the IFA Shield final on Thursday.
Last year, Mohun Bagan won the final after the game ended in a tie and went to penalties.
East Bengal wants to win this time and claim its 30th Shield title.
Mohun Bagan wants to keep the trophy and win it for the 22nd time.
East Bengal reached the final by scoring seven goals in its semi-final.
Mohun Bagan reached the final by winning a penalty shootout.
Both teams have played many matches recently, and Mohun Bagan is checking whether its returning national-team players are rested enough.
Their coaches say they will prepare for the derby despite the busy schedule.
East Bengal and Mohun Bagan meet Thursday at Salt Lake Stadium in the IFA Shield final.
East Bengal are seeking revenge for last year's final loss and a record 30th Shield title; Mohun Bagan are aiming for a 22nd.
Mohun Bagan won the 2025 final 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, and are defending the trophy.
East Bengal reached the final with a 7-2 semi-final win over NorthEast United; Mohun Bagan advanced after a 4-3 shootout win over Punjab FC.
Both coaches cited a crowded schedule; Mohun Bagan are assessing returning internationals, while East Bengal say they are ready despite multiple competitions.
- Who
- East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan.
- What
- The teams will play the IFA Shield final, with East Bengal seeking its 30th title and Mohun Bagan pursuing its 22nd.
- Where
- Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.
- When
- Thursday; the article does not specify the date.
- Why
- They are competing for the IFA Shield, with East Bengal seeking to avenge last year's final defeat and Mohun Bagan seeking to retain the trophy.
East Bengal's case
Mohun Bagan's case
Final and title ambitions
East Bengal's case
East Bengal want to avenge last year's final loss and win a record 30th Shield title.
Mohun Bagan's case
Mohun Bagan are defending their title and pursuing a 22nd Shield triumph.
Readiness and workload
East Bengal's case
Coach Antonio Habas said East Bengal were fully ready despite managing the AFC campaign, Shield and upcoming ISL.
Mohun Bagan's case
Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis said the schedule was demanding and staff would assess returning players' freshness before deciding their involvement.
Key facts
- Match
- IFA Shield final: East Bengal FC vs Mohun Bagan
- Venue
- Salt Lake Stadium
- Previous final
- In 2025, the teams drew 1-1 before Mohun Bagan won 5-4 on penalties.
- East Bengal titles
- East Bengal are record 29-time champions and are targeting a 30th title.
- Mohun Bagan titles
- Mohun Bagan have won the Shield 21 times and are targeting a 22nd crown.
- East Bengal semi-final
- Beat NorthEast United 7-2.
- Mohun Bagan semi-final
- Beat Punjab FC 4-3 in a shootout after a goalless 120 minutes.
- Schedule concern
- Mohun Bagan have players returning from national duty after India friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay.
Quotes
Panagiotis Dilmperis
Mohun Bagan coach
“Since last night, I and my assistants, especially the assistant coach, have been working on measuring the load of the footballers. They have played a lot of minutes in the Kolkata League, IFA Shield and for the national team.”
rediff.com
“We are 100 per cent ready. It is difficult to play different tournaments simultaneously, AFC, Shield and ISL, which is about to begin, but the players are professionals and 100 per cent ready.”
rediff.com
Sources
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