Quarter-Final 4 Preview: Mohun Bagan SG vs. East Bengal FC

The curtain goes up on one of Indian football's most dramatic faceoff, the Mariners Mohun Bagan Super Giant up against the Red & Gold brigade East Bengal FC in the Durand Cup 2025 quarter final. This Kolkata Derby isn't just another game; it’s a cultural phenomenon, steeped in over a century of rivalry, and now comes with the added pressure of knockout football, where a win means a place in the semi finals and a major psychological boost going into the season. This Kolkata derby is more than a game; it's a tradition, built upon several decades of fixture history and laced with emotion and a sense of history.

 Mohun Bagan SG thumped through their previous matches, sweeping the group stage with a blistering 4-0 demolition of BSF, fueled by a Liston Colaco brace and clinical goals from Sahal Abdul Samad and Manvir Singh

Their attacking fluidity has been commendable, while creative mastermind Sahal Abdul Samad is also emerging as the tournament's most prolific assists provider and Liston Colaco being the highest goal scorer alongside Alaaeddine Ajaraie.

On the opposite side, East Bengal FC have been just as impressive, starting with an authoritative 5-0 victory over South United. They then saw a good 6-1 victory over Indian Air Force, with highlight moments coming from Hamid Ahadad, Saúl Crespo, Bipin Singh, Mohammad Bassim Rashid, Anwar Ali & David Lalhlansanga. New signing Hamid Ahadad's first strike against Namdhari wrapped up another winning draw. East Bengal FC’s new signings have impressed so far, like Bipin Singh, Hamid Ahadad and the superstar, Mohammad Bassim Rashid, who has been an absolute revelation.

Can Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh continue their deadly run and get the better of East Bengal's defense?

Will East Bengal FC's high press, flair based attack particularly from Hamid Ahadad, Bipin Singh and Mohammad Bassim Rashid break Mohun Bagan Super Giant's back?

Also, East Bengal FC are having many new signings and many of them will lineup for their first taste of the unforgiving Kolkata derby, can the derby debutants handle the pressure of a knockout Kolkata derby?

This tie is a strategic chess game in terms of style with Mohun Bagan Super Giant's sharp build up and lightning fast wingplay against East Bengal's hard press and quick transitions. There will be end to end drama, a charged atmosphere, and moments that can decide the season.