Kolkata is bracing for a high-stakes Kolkata Derby as Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC prepare to clash in the final of the 125th IFA Shield on October 18, 2025. This will be the third Kolkata Derby in three months. The match, set to take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), marks the culmination of a tournament that has seen the two giants of Kolkata football navigate their respective groups to reach the final.
Mohun Bagan secured their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over United SC at the Kishore Bharati Stadium on October 15. Captain Dimitri Petratos opened the scoring just before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive error after his initial free-kick was saved. An own goal early in the second half, following a Robson free-kick, sealed the win for the Mariners. The win highlighted Mohun Bagan's tactical flexibility and resilience.
East Bengal, the record holders of the IFA Shield with 29 titles, also progressed to the final after topping their group. This edition marks the return of the IFA Shield after it was last held in 2021. The tournament follows a single round-robin format, with the top team from each group advancing to the final.
The IFA Shield, first held in 1893, is considered the fourth-oldest football competition in the world, behind only the FA Cup, Scottish Cup, and Durand Cup. Mohun Bagan has won the IFA Shield 20 times. Real Kashmir FC, who won the tournament in 2021, opted out of this year's edition.
This year's tournament features six teams divided into two groups. Group A consisted of East Bengal, Namdhari FC, and Sreenidi Deccan, while Group B included Mohun Bagan, Gokulam Kerala, and United SC. Matches were held across three venues in West Bengal: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), Kishore Bharati Krirangan, and Kalyani Stadium.
The upcoming derby final is not just a fight for the IFA Shield trophy but also a clash of legacies and pride. The encounter is expected to draw a massive crowd to the Salt Lake Stadium, with fans eager to witness another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two clubs.
