East Bengal FC will take on FC Goa in the final of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Sunday. The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST. Fans can enter the stadium for free in specific stands. The East Stand is reserved for FC Goa supporters, while the North Stand is for East Bengal fans.

This final is very important for both teams. The winner will get a place in the AFC Champions League Two 2026–27 Preliminary Stage.

East Bengal Camp Filled With Motivation

Ahead of their second Super Cup final in the last three seasons, East Bengal’s assistant coach Bino George and captain Saúl Crespo spoke to the media. They shared strong confidence and a deep sense of motivation, especially after missing out on trophies recently.

Bino said, “First of all, it is a moment of pride for East Bengal Club, players and our supporters. A couple of months ago, we lost the Durand Cup semi-final and later the IFA Shield final. Now this is the time. We are here to compete and fight for the cup."

Crespo also showed belief in the team. He said, "This is very important for us. We are in a good moment. Inside the dressing room, we know the importance of the tournament for the club and us as players. So we're going to try to give everything. We have been working very well in the last weeks, and I think we are ready to compete and try to get the trophy.”

East Bengal To Play Without Their Head Coach

East Bengal will miss their head coach Óscar Bruzón in the final. He was sent off during the 3-1 semi-final win against Punjab FC. However, Bino made it clear that the plan will not change.

He said, “Coach Óscar has set all the plans. We are prepared to play against FC Goa. Today, we will have a video session, and we will show players the strong and weak points of Goa. They know the responsibility and the priority, and we will stick to the plan."

Goa’s Recent Dominance Over East Bengal

The recent matches between East Bengal and FC Goa have been very close. However, the results have mostly gone in Goa’s favour. The Gaurs have won their last six matches against the Red and Gold Brigade. Five of those wins were decided by only one goal.

Still, East Bengal has a positive memory against Goa in this competition. The last time they met outside the ISL, East Bengal won 1-0 in the 2018 Super Cup semi-final.

Bino showed respect for the opponent and said, “FC Goa are a good team, and we respect them. They are good with build-ups. We're focused on our preparations. We aren't just here to participate but to fight and become champions.”

Fatorda Challenge And Huge Fan Support

East Bengal has never beaten FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium. This is another barrier they will try to break. Many East Bengal fans are expected to travel from Kolkata to support the team. Along with local Goa fans, the stadium is expected to be full of energy on Sunday.

Bino added, "FC Goa have a strong record in this stadium, they have lost very few games here. But we also have our fans. In the semi-final, we had a few fans here from Kolkata, but I hope there will be more for the final. Even in Odisha (for the 2024 final), we had a lot of support,"

Crespo Ready For Another Big Final Performance

Saúl Crespo has played a key role in important matches. He scored a penalty in the previous final in Bhubaneswar. He also hit a long-range goal in the semi-final. Now, he is eager to step up again.

He said, "We are more than 100 per cent ready for this final. I signed because the club wanted to create a big project, and after two years, you can see the work we've put in. We have been training in the last few weeks with the same aim, and now we have one game left to win."

He also talked about facing former teammate Borja Herrera, "I know Goa's midfielders very well. I played with Borja (Herrera), for example. We know the quality, but we have our plans and ideas. I am happy to play against him in the final, but when the referee blows the whistle, he's not my friend," he added.

Borja Herrera’s Unique Chance

Borja Herrera has an unusual opportunity. He won the 2024 Super Cup with East Bengal and then moved to FC Goa, where he won the 2025 edition. Now, he can win a third Super Cup medal. Crespo also has a chance to win his third title, having won with Odisha FC in 2023 and East Bengal in 2024.

If FC Goa wins again, they will become the first club ever to win three Super Cup titles (after 2019 and 2025).

Goa Camp Confident But Cautious

During the press conference, FC Goa’s head coach Manolo Márquez shared his thoughts on the final.

He said, "The excitement is always there when you play a final. It doesn’t matter if it’s twice or seven times. It’s a final, and both teams will have the same excitement. In fact, we are the last two teams to win this trophy. I think it will be a good final.”

Midfielder Brison Fernandes has been in excellent form. He scored in the 2-1 semi-final win over Mumbai City and also netted a famous goal against Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League Two. Playing at home, he believes Goa has an advantage.

He said, "Playing at a higher level has helped me gain confidence, and it showed on the pitch. Of course, I think so (Goa will be the favourites). And if we are together, we will do just fine. I’m looking forward to enjoying this moment because it’s my second final in two seasons. We will give our best.”

Rhythm May Not Decide The Final

FC Goa has enjoyed good rhythm after playing six tough matches in the AFC Champions League Two. But Márquez believes that match fitness alone will not decide the final.

He explained, “It’s true that theoretically, it should be an advantage after playing more competitive games. But on the other side, for example, in the semi-final, we played a great first half, but in the second half, we were practically waiting for full-time because Mumbai City, without games and without many training sessions, played better than us. Football is crazy. We've seen that teams in the Durand Cup and Super Cup, without many training sessions, have done very well."

He also admitted, "I feel we were overconfident (in the semi-final). These things are dangerous in knockout matches. You need high concentration for 90, 95, 120 minutes, and even the penalty shootout," he added.

Respect For East Bengal Despite Strong Record

Even with an unbeaten run against East Bengal, Márquez showed respect for his opponent.

He said, "They have a strong squad this year. And it's not just the starters. If you saw the bench the other day, the team is very strong. They can beat all opponents in the competition.

"We will try to play a good game in our style. But it’s a final, and you have to control emotions, be strong, and avoid showing weaknesses. Sometimes it’s about the details. Yes, we play at home, and yes, East Bengal will have some fans, but obviously I prefer to play here than in Kolkata.”

Injuries And Suspensions Hit Goa

FC Goa will not have their captain Sandesh Jhingan, who is out with a calf injury. Striker Iker Guarrotxena will also miss the match due to a red card. Still, the coach believes in his squad.

Márquez said, "Everyone knows Sandesh is a very important player, but we were without him the day before yesterday. Everyone is important in the squad. I’m confident in Ronney (Kharbudon), Nim (Dorjee Tamang) and the players who can substitute him. I don’t think we’ll win or lose because one player is missing. If you lose 10 players, maybe yes. But not one,"