East Bengal FC are determined to salvage their 2024-25 campaign by successfully defending their Kalinga Super Cup crown. The Red & Gold Brigade, reigning champions after a dramatic triumph in 2024, know that lifting the trophy again won’t just add silverware to their cabinet — it will also secure them a coveted spot in an AFC competition for the 2025-26 season. With a taste of continental football after reaching the AFC Challenge League quarterfinals this year, East Bengal are eager for another shot at making their mark on the Asian stage.
East Bengal FC Face a Tough Road in Their Bid to Defend the Kalinga Super Cup Title Winning the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 won’t be a straightforward task for East Bengal FC. Much like them, several other Indian Super League (ISL) clubs are eyeing the trophy, with the added incentive of securing a spot in Asian football for the upcoming season.
To retain their crown, Oscar Bruzon’s men will need to raise their game well beyond their ISL performances. Here’s a look at how East Bengal FC’s journey in this high-stakes tournament might unfold.
East Bengal FC Aim to Outplay Kerala Blasters FC in Crucial Super Cup Round of 16 Clash
East Bengal FC are set to take on Kerala Blasters FC in the Round of 16 clash of the 2025 Super Cup. The two sides have already crossed paths twice in the 2024-25 ISL season, with both encounters producing fairly balanced outcomes.
The Tuskers claimed an early-season victory over East Bengal at home, but the Kolkata club hit back later with a win at the Salt Lake Stadium. This upcoming knockout match will act as a virtual ‘tie-breaker,’ offering both teams a chance to settle the score in this campaign.
With the Super Cup permitting the use of additional foreign players, Kerala Blasters are expected to field their strongest lineup. Meanwhile, East Bengal FC will be counting on their overseas contingent — particularly former Blasters forwards Raphael Messi Bouli and Dimitrios Diamantakos — to tilt the game in their favour.
If East Bengal can maintain sharp attacking play and successfully implement Carles Cuadrat’s press-heavy, possession-oriented system, they’ll have a strong shot at breaching the Tuskers’ defence and securing a crucial victory.
East Bengal FC must secure another Kolkata derby victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
East Bengal FC is set to face their archrivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarterfinals of the Kalinga Super Cup, provided they overcome Kerala Blasters FC. The Red & Gold Brigade haven’t had much success against Mohun Bagan in the 2024-25 season, having lost both of their encounters in the ISL, unable to get the better of Jose Molina’s side on either occasion.
However, East Bengal could benefit from a weakened Mohun Bagan side in the quarterfinals, as the Mariners are likely to rest most of their foreign players and key Indian players. In contrast, East Bengal boasts a strong squad with their crucial first-team players, which could work in their favor. The Red & Golds had already defeated Mohun Bagan in the group stages of the 2024 Super Cup, securing a place in the knockout rounds.
Reaching the quarterfinals and securing a victory over Mohun Bagan could give a significant boost to East Bengal’s hopes of winning the 2025 Super Cup, while also providing the added joy of a derby win for their passionate fans.
The semifinal matchups of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 could pose a tough challenge for East Bengal FC.
If East Bengal FC manage to reach the Super Cup semi-finals, they will likely face a tough challenge against a top ISL side. They could be up against FC Goa or Odisha FC, both of whom would present equally difficult hurdles.
The Red & Gold Brigade had a poor record against FC Goa in the ISL, losing both their encounters. The same was true against Odisha FC, who also defeated East Bengal in both league matches.
For this reason, East Bengal might prefer a semi-final clash with Gokulam Kerala FC or Punjab FC, should they progress. Regardless of the opponent, the semi-final will be a tough battle for East Bengal, as no match at this stage of the tournament is ever easy.
Oscar Bruzon will need to ensure his team is well-organized and resilient to handle the pressure and secure a positive result. To have a strong chance of making it to the final, East Bengal must be sharp with set-pieces and counter-attacks, key elements for success at this stage.
Claiming Victory in the Final
East Bengal FC played a thrilling and intense final in the 2024 Super Cup against Odisha FC, securing a hard-fought win in extra time. The Red & Gold Brigade triumphed with a crucial 111th-minute goal from Cleiton Silva, avoiding a penalty shootout and claiming the title in dramatic fashion.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Super Cup final, if East Bengal FC makes it that far, they can expect another equally exhilarating encounter. Their opponent could be a formidable ISL team like Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United, Jamshedpur, or even Mumbai City. Coach Oscar Bruzon will need to instill deep self-belief in his squad to ensure they perform at their best in the final, should they reach that stage.
The team can count on strong support from their passionate fans, just as they did in the 2024 edition. However, the key to success will lie in the quality of their players, their defensive strength, and their clinical finishing in the attack. Only then will they be able to secure a decisive victory and lift the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 title.
