In a dramatic finale befitting one of football's most storied rivalries, Mohun Bagan Super Giant clinched their 21st IFA Shield title by defeating East Bengal FC 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday. The victory marked Mohun Bagan Super Giant's first IFA Shield triumph since 2003, ending a 22 year wait that had seen them reach five finals without success.

East Bengal FC continued their dominant run in the IFA Shield with a convincing 2-0 victory over Namdhari FC in their final group stage match at the Kishore Bharati Stadium in Kolkata on October 14, 2025. Goals from Mohammed Rashid and P.V. Vishnu sealed the win as the Red and Gold Brigade cruised into yet another final appearance in the historic tournament.​