| East Bengal vs Dempo Sc | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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East Bengal vs Dempo Sc
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COMPETITION :
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Super Cup
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| DATE: |
25-10-2025
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TIME:
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04.30 PM IST
05.00 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim
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East Bengal FC to Face All-Indian Dempo SC in Super Cup Opener
East Bengal FC are set to kick off their Super Cup campaign against I-League side Dempo SC, rekindling one of Indian football’s classic rivalries. The Red and Gold Brigade head into the clash on the back of two strong pre-season performances, reaching the semi-finals of the Durand Cup and the finals of the IFA Shield, where they narrowly lost to city rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Head coach Óscar Bruzón expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation and mentality heading into the tournament.
“I believe that our players are up to the challenge and can compete with the best Indian clubs this year,” said Bruzón.
Set to face the historic Golden Eagles of Goa, Bruzón acknowledged Dempo’s rich legacy in Indian football, while emphasizing the importance of focusing on his own team’s strengths.
“We know what this club was before, and probably they too want to come back and put their mark on this tournament. We have prepared for the games based on our rivals’ strengths and weaknesses, but this time it’s better to focus on ourselves.”
Midfielder Souvik Chakrabarti echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the team’s unity and growing chemistry as their key weapon.
Dempo SC Revive Golden Memories
Dempo SC enter the competition after replacing Real Kashmir FC, who withdrew due to visa issues for their foreign players. Despite limited preparation time, head coach Samir Naik sounded upbeat about his squad’s readiness.
“It is definitely a challenge to prepare the team in a short span of time, but the boys have done quite well. We have worked on certain things, and we are ready,” Naik said.
Playing with an all-Indian lineup, Dempo SC aim to prove that quality isn’t defined by foreign signings.
“It’s challenging to face the Calcutta clubs without any foreigners, but we are well prepared. It’s not about who has foreigners or not—it’s about how much you trust your players. My players are as good as foreigners,” Naik added.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant Take on All-Indian Chennaiyin FC
Fresh from their IFA Shield triumph, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have arrived in Goa with full strength, chasing yet another title under coach José Molina.
“For me, it is important that we strike a balance between defence and attack and prepare the team for all possibilities. We have the same conviction in scoring as we do in not conceding,” Molina said ahead of their clash with Chennaiyin FC.
Former Chennaiyin FC star Anirudh Thapa, now a key part of the Mariners’ midfield, will team up with Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) to control the tempo of the game.
“We both have a similar style of play, so the understanding is good,” Thapa said. “We like to keep the ball, and that’s one of the reasons we’ve done well. Hopefully, we can continue to grow as a duo.”
Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC, led by Clifford Miranda, have opted for an all-Indian squad as well, offering domestic talent the chance to shine on a big stage.
“We have a very talented group of Indian players who can rise to the occasion when called upon,” Miranda said.
With both Kolkata giants facing all-Indian lineups in their opening fixtures, the Super Cup 2025 promises an exciting blend of tradition, competition, and homegrown talent.