Pinki Biswas, BS News Agency, Fatorda, Goa: There will be no strangers in the final of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26. The winners of the past two editions, East Bengal FC and FC Goa, will meet in the summit clash at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 19:30 IST. The final will be streamed live on JioHotstar and broadcast on Star Sports Khel. The entry to the stadium is free for spectators in the East Stand (for FC Goa fans) and the North Stand (for East Bengal fans).
Pictures BS News Agency.
A ticket to the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 Preliminary Stage is also on the line for the finalists.
On the eve of East Bengal's second Super Cup final in the last three seasons, their assistant coach, Bino George, and captain, Saúl Crespo, shared the excitement in the camp during the pre-match press conference, especially after narrowly missing out on silverware in the past few months.
“First of all, it is a moment of pride for East Bengal Club, players and our supporters. A couple of months ago, we lost the Durand Cup semi-final and later the IFA Shield final. Now this is the time. We are here to compete and fight for the cup," said Bino.
Crespo added, "This is very important for us. We are in a good moment. Inside the dressing room, we know the importance of the tournament for the club and us as players. So we're going to try to give everything. We have been working very well in the last weeks, and I think we are ready to compete and try to get the trophy.”
East Bengal will have to make do without head coach Óscar Bruzón in the final after he was sent off during their 3-1 semi-final win over Punjab FC. But the plan remains intact, according to Bino.
“Coach Óscar has set all the plans. We are prepared to play against FC Goa. Today, we will have a video session, and we will show players the strong and weak points of Goa. They know the responsibility and the priority, and we will stick to the plan," said the assistant coach.
The recent meetings between East Bengal and Goa have all been close contests, but with only one winner — the Gaurs. They are on a six-match winning streak against the Red and Golds, five of them with a one-goal margin. However, the last time they met outside the Indian Super League, East Bengal ran out 1-0 winners in the 2018 Super Cup semi-finals.
“FC Goa are a good team, and we respect them. They are good with build-ups. We're focused on our preparations. We aren't just here to participate but to fight and become champions,” said Bino.
East Bengal have never won against Goa in Fatorda, so that's a piece of history Bino's side will need to script if they are to become Super Cup champions again. More East Bengal fans are expected to travel from Kolkata to Goa for the final, and including the local support for FC Goa, a vibrant atmosphere is anticipated on Sunday.