Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview: Durand Cup Quarter-Final Team News & Prediction

The most anticipated Kolkata Derby of the season is set to unfold as the Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview reveals a tantalizing quarter-final clash that will determine which Kolkata giant advances to the Durand Cup 2025 semi-finals. On August 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM IST, the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan will witness another chapter in Indian football’s greatest rivalry when Mohun Bagan Super Giant lock horns with East Bengal FC.

Perfect Group Stage Records Set Up Epic Showdown

Both teams enter this Kolkata Derby with impeccable credentials from the group stage. The Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview showcases two sides that dominated their respective groups with perfect winning records, scoring exactly 12 goals each while maintaining defensive solidity. This remarkable symmetry in their group stage performances adds an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a closely contested encounter.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defending Indian Super League champions, demonstrated their class by dismantling opponents with clinical efficiency. Their group stage campaign featured commanding victories, including a 3-1 win over Mohammedan SC, a 4-0 thrashing of Border Security Force FT, and a stunning 5-1 demolition of Diamond Harbour FC. The Mariners’ attacking prowess has been evident throughout, with their forwards finding the net consistently.

East Bengal FC, under Oscar Bruzon’s guidance, have been equally impressive in their group stage performances. The Red and Gold Brigade began with a dominant 5-0 victory over South United FC, followed by a crucial 1-0 win against Namdhari FC, and concluded with a comprehensive 6-1 triumph over Indian Air Force FT. Their defensive record has been marginally superior, conceding just one goal compared to Mohun Bagan’s two.

Team News and Injury Concerns

The Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview reveals significant team news that could influence the outcome. Mohun Bagan Super Giant are facing potential selection headaches with key players struggling with fitness issues. Manvir Singh and Kiyan Nassiri are both dealing with minor injuries that have raised concerns about their availability for the Kolkata Derby. Additionally, center-back Tom Aldred has been experiencing difficulties during training sessions, which could force Jose Molina to reconsider his defensive setup.

These injury concerns present a tactical challenge for Mohun Bagan, as they may need to rely on squad depth for such a crucial fixture. The absence of these key players could disrupt their established rhythm and force tactical adjustments that East Bengal could exploit.

In contrast, East Bengal FC appear to have a clean bill of health heading into this quarter-final clash. The availability of their full squad gives Oscar Bruzon the luxury of selecting his strongest eleven and maintaining the tactical consistency that has served them well throughout the group stage.

Historical Context and Rivalry Intensity

The Kolkata Derby represents more than just a football match; it embodies decades of passionate rivalry that has defined Indian football culture. This Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview must acknowledge the historical context that makes this fixture special. The two clubs have faced each other 404 times across all competitions, with East Bengal holding a slight edge having won 143 matches compared to Mohun Bagan’s 133 victories.

In Durand Cup history, both clubs boast remarkable achievements. Mohun Bagan Super Giant holds the record with 17 Durand Cup titles, while East Bengal FC follows closely with 16 championships. This statistical proximity adds extra significance to their quarter-final encounter, as both sides understand the prestige associated with Durand Cup success.

The last meeting between these teams in the Durand Cup came in 2023, when Mohun Bagan edged out East Bengal 1-0 in the final. This recent history provides additional motivation for East Bengal to seek revenge and level the recent head-to-head record in this prestigious competition.

Key Players and Tactical Battles

The Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview highlights several individual battles that could determine the match outcome. For Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Liston Colaco has emerged as the tournament’s standout performer. The Goan forward has been in exceptional form, serving as the competition’s leading scorer with his goal-scoring prowess in the group stage matches. His ability to create chances from wide positions while also getting into scoring positions in the box makes him a constant threat.

Colaco scored braces in the first two group stage games and added another goal against Diamond Harbour FC, demonstrating his consistency and hunger for goals. His pace, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing make him East Bengal’s primary defensive concern.

For East Bengal FC, Hamid Ahadad has been the revelation of their campaign. The Moroccan recruit made an immediate impact with a debut goal against Namdhari FC that secured their quarter-final qualification. With two goals in his first two appearances, Ahadad has quickly endeared himself to the East Bengal faithful and appears ready to shoulder the goalscoring responsibility alongside Dimitrios Diamantakos.

The midfield battle will be crucial, with both teams possessing technically gifted players capable of controlling the tempo. Mohun Bagan’s experience in high-pressure situations, gained through their ISL triumph, could prove valuable against East Bengal’s renewed confidence under Bruzon’s leadership.

Tactical Analysis and Predicted Lineups

The Kolkata Derby tactical setup promises to be fascinating, with both coaches bringing different philosophies to this encounter. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, under Jose Molina’s guidance, typically favor a possession-based approach that allows their technical players to dictate the game’s rhythm. However, the potential absence of key players may force tactical adaptations.

East Bengal FC under Oscar Bruzon have shown tactical flexibility throughout the group stage, adapting their approach based on opposition strengths and weaknesses. Their ability to maintain defensive solidity while creating scoring opportunities has been impressive.

Predicted Mohun Bagan Super Giant XI: Vishal Kaith (GK), Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Alberto Rodriguez, Ashish Rai, Deepak Tangri, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Pasang Dorjee Tamang, Liston Colaco, Suhail Bhat, Anirudh Thapa, with potential changes due to injury concerns.

Predicted East Bengal FC XI: Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (GK), Anwar Ali, Kevin Sibille, Mohamad Rakip, Jeakson Singh, Naorem Mahesh, Miguel Ferriera, Lalrindika, Mohamad Rashid, Bipin Singh, Hamid Ahadad.

Match Information Summary

Head-to-Head & Tournament Records

Where to Watch Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details

Football fans across India and beyond will have multiple options to catch this epic Kolkata Derby live. The Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview confirms that Sony Sports Network will provide comprehensive television coverage of the quarter-final clash, ensuring viewers don’t miss any of the action from the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

For digital streaming enthusiasts, SonyLIV will offer live streaming services, allowing fans to watch the match on their smartphones, tablets, or computers. This multi-platform approach ensures that supporters can follow their favorite team regardless of their location or preferred viewing device. The broadcast will begin with pre-match coverage ahead of the 7:00 PM IST kickoff, featuring expert analysis, team news updates, and historical context about this legendary rivalry.

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