East Bengal Secure AIFF Super Cup 2025 semifinal berth after a gritty 0-0 draw against archrivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Friday. The Red-and-Gold brigade needed just a point to qualify, and they achieved it with a composed performance under pressure. The Kolkata Derby lived up to its hype, with both sides showcasing tactical discipline and defensive solidity.
East Bengal Secure AIFF Super Cup 2025 Semifinal Berth with Tactical Brilliance
From the opening whistle, East Bengal Secure AIFF Super Cup 2025 momentum by showing greater intent and aggression. With both sides level on points, East Bengal held the edge due to a better goal difference, meaning a draw would send them through. Mohun Bagan, however, needed a win to stay alive in the tournament.
East Bengal wasted no time making their intentions clear. Within the first minute, they fired a shot on target, setting the tone for the match. Coach Oscar Bruzon’s decision to use Mohamad Rakip as an inverted wing-back paid dividends, as he frequently combined with Miguel Ferreira to dominate the midfield. Their early partnership nearly resulted in a goal when Rakip’s clever pass found Miguel, whose powerful shot was blocked by Alberto Rodriguez.
East Bengal Secure AIFF Super Cup 2025 advantage could have been strengthened in the 24th minute when Hamid Ahadad’s header hit the woodwork. That was the closest either side came to scoring in the first half.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant created their first real opportunity in the 40th minute through Liston Colaco, who set up Apuia. However, Apuia’s shot was comfortably gathered by East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill, ensuring the scores remained level at halftime.
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Defensive Discipline Helps East Bengal Secure AIFF Super Cup 2025 Progression
After the break, Mohun Bagan came out stronger, determined to change the narrative. Colaco and Apuia combined once again in the 46th minute, but their cross into the box was cleared by East Bengal’s backline. Moments later, Tom Aldred headed Colaco’s curling free-kick just over the bar. Despite their growing dominance, the Mariners couldn’t find a way past East Bengal’s well-organized defense.
East Bengal Secure AIFF Super Cup 2025 hopes remained intact as their defense held firm. Goalkeeper Gill stayed sharp, pulling off key saves including a strong stop to deny Ahadad’s long-range effort and another save from Jay Gupta’s header.
Sensing the urgency, Mohun Bagan coach Jose Molina made an aggressive tactical change in the final 15 minutes, introducing all six of his foreign players. Yet, East Bengal Secure AIFF Super Cup 2025 resilience shone through, as every defender tightly marked their man and maintained structure under immense pressure. Bruzon’s men refused to panic and executed their game plan perfectly to frustrate Bagan’s attack.
Even as Bagan pushed bodies forward, East Bengal Secure AIFF Super Cup 2025 qualification by keeping their composure and discipline intact. The goalless result was enough for the Red-and-Gold brigade to advance, showcasing their maturity and defensive excellence under Bruzon’s guidance.
Elsewhere: Dempo and Chennaiyin Exit After 1-1 Draw
Earlier in the day, at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Dempo Sports Club and Chennaiyin FC were both eliminated after a 1-1 draw. Shubham Rawat put Dempo ahead in the 25th minute with a precise finish, but Chennaiyin’s Shamik Mitra equalized four minutes later. Neither side managed to find a winner, resulting in both teams bowing out of the competition.
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source: The Hindu
