East Bengal FC and FC Goa Set for Thrilling AIFF Super Cup Final Showdown
Excitement Builds for the AIFF Super Cup Final
Fatorda (Goa) [India], December 6: The stage is set for an exhilarating final in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26, featuring two familiar rivals, East Bengal FC and FC Goa, at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, this Sunday.
Fans can enjoy free entry to the stadium, with designated sections for FC Goa supporters in the East Stand and East Bengal fans in the North Stand. Additionally, the finalists will compete for a ticket to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two 2026-27 Preliminary Stage, as announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
As East Bengal prepares for their second Super Cup final in three years, assistant coach Bino George and captain Saul Crespo expressed their enthusiasm during a pre-match press conference, especially after narrowly missing out on trophies in recent months.
“This is a proud moment for East Bengal Club, our players, and our supporters. After losing in the Durand Cup semi-final and the IFA Shield final, we are determined to compete for the cup,” Bino stated.
Crespo emphasized the significance of the match, saying, “We are in a good place. We understand the importance of this tournament for the club and ourselves as players. We are ready to give our all.”
East Bengal will be without head coach Oscar Bruzon, who was sent off during their semi-final victory over Punjab FC. However, Bino assured that the team is well-prepared. “Coach Oscar has laid out the plans. We will analyze FC Goa's strengths and weaknesses today,” he explained.
Historically, matches between East Bengal and Goa have been closely contested, with Goa currently on a six-match winning streak against East Bengal, often by a single goal. The last encounter outside the Indian Super League saw East Bengal triumph 1-0 in the 2018 Super Cup semi-finals.
“FC Goa is a formidable team, and we respect them. Our focus is on our preparations. We are not just here to participate; we aim to become champions,” Bino added.
East Bengal has yet to secure a victory against Goa in Fatorda, a challenge they must overcome to claim the Super Cup title. A significant number of East Bengal fans are expected to travel from Kolkata, promising a vibrant atmosphere alongside local FC Goa supporters.
“FC Goa has a strong home record, but we have our fans. We hope to see more supporters from Kolkata this time,” Bino remarked.
Midfielder Crespo, who scored a penalty in the previous final and netted a stunning goal in the semi-final, is eager to replicate his success. “We are fully prepared for this final. I joined the club to be part of a significant project, and we have worked hard for this moment,” he stated.
Crespo also noted his familiarity with FC Goa's midfielders, particularly Borja Herrera, who previously played for East Bengal. “I know their quality, but once the match starts, we are opponents,” he added.
For Borja, this final presents a unique opportunity to win a third Super Cup medal, having previously won with both East Bengal and FC Goa.
If FC Goa successfully defends their title, they will become the first club to achieve three Super Cup victories, following their wins in 2019 and 2025.
Head coach Manolo Marquez highlighted the excitement surrounding finals, stating, “The thrill is always present, regardless of how many times you play in one. Both teams will share the same excitement.”
Midfielder Brison Fernandes, known for scoring in crucial matches, expressed confidence in FC Goa's chances. “Playing at a higher level has boosted my confidence. I believe we are the favorites, and we will give our best,” he said.
FC Goa's recent competitive matches have put them in a strong rhythm, but Marquez cautioned that match fitness alone does not guarantee success. “While having more competitive games should theoretically help, we must maintain high concentration throughout the match,” he noted.
Despite their strong record against East Bengal, Marquez respects their opponents. “They have a solid squad this year, and their bench is equally strong. They can challenge any team,” he remarked.
FC Goa will again miss captain Sandesh Jhingan due to injury, but Marquez expressed confidence in his team's depth. “We have a strong squad, and I trust the players who will step in,” he concluded.