Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC | Durand Mega Derby Final Preview

MEGA DERBY GRAND FINALE OF DURAND CUP, 2026

It’s Super Sunday in Kolkata as the two titans of Indian football clash once again in the grand finale of the 135th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament.The mighty Mohun Bagan take on their arch-rivals and reigning ISL Cup champions, East Bengal, at the iconic VYBK in Salt Lake. After 42 matches in this tournament, we're back to where Durand Cup started and this match will decide it all!

~: Last 5 Results and H2H Stats:~

25 July 2026: Durand Cup : Mohun Bagan 1–0 East Bengal.[Sahal Abdul Samad]
17 May 2026 : ISL : Mohun Bagan 1–1 East Bengal.[Jason Cummings]
31 October 2025 : AIFF Super Cup : Mohun Bagan 0–0 East Bengal.
18 October 2025 : IFA Shield Final : Mohun Bagan 1–1 East Bengal — Mohun Bagan won 5–4 on penalties.[Anirudh Thapa]
17 August 2025 : Durand Cup QF:Mohun Bagan 1–2 East Bengal.[Apuia]
Overall: Mohun Bagan - 135 Wins ; EBFC - 144 Wins ; Draws - 130.

For the Mariners, this is more than just a final. It’s about carrying the legacy of one of India’s greatest football clubs. It’s about pride, passion and the relentless pursuit of glory. The Green-and-Maroon brigade stands ready, believing that today could be another glorious chapter in Mohun Bagan’s storied history.

It’s Kolkata’s biggest rivalry. A battle for supremacy will take place at football's Colosseum. When the dust settles, only one King of Kolkata shall remain to wear the crown!

~: Probable Lineups :~

All Mohun Bagan players are available and no players are facing card suspensions. For EBFC, Danish Farooq, Nacho and Vishnu PV are injured and they also missed recent training sessions.

Mohun Bagan SG (4-3-3) : Vishal Kaith(GK), Tekcham Abhishek Singh - Rahul Bheke - Alberto Rodriguez - Subhashish Bose (C), Apuia - Samir Zeljkovic - Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco - Jamie Maclaren - Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Coach : Panagiotis Dilmperis.

East Bengal FC (4-3-3) : Gill(GK), Hardik Bhatt - Sandip Mandi - Anwar Ali - Jay Gupta, Jeakson - Rashid - Dani Ramirez , Bipin Singh - Jesin TK - Chris Ikonomidis.
Coach : Antonio Lopez Habas.

The Big Battle awaits 💚❤️⚔️❤️💛

{ Joy Mohun Bagan, Kolkata Derby, MBFT } pic.twitter.com/PDfUlMfWiZ

— MBFT (@MBFT89) August 22, 2026

~: Tactical Analysis :~

The Mariners need to be very careful in this encounter. Their attack has looked a bit timid in the knockout stages. Plenty of touches and shots in the opponent's box but lacking that definitive touch.

East Bengal also possess a formidable attack which can also hurt Bagan on the counter. Coach Dilmperis has to make sure that our full backs don't overcommit that may lead to openings and empty spaces which East Bengal may exploit! Midfield superiority will also be an important factor which may decide the outcome of this match. Apuia, Samir, Miguel and Thapa need to be at their very best today to outperform the East Bengal midfield (led by Rashid and Dani) and control the tempo of the match.

EBFC already have an advantage of playing all their matches at home without travelling and had an extra day for rest and recovery in between. But Bagan have defeated them in the last two finals, the 2023 Durand Cup and the 2025 IFA shield.

Overall,the record Champions Mohun Bagan look better both on paper and on the field and are expected to leave no stones unturned for extending their winning record to the 18th title. Only time will tell who reigns supreme in this battle between Ilish and Chingri!

🟢⚔ 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘 ⚔🔴

🎯 Durand Cup 2026 Final
📣 Mohun Bagan SG
🆚 East Bengal FC
⏰ 23rd Aug’26; 05:00 PM IST
🏟 Saltlake Stadium, Kolkata
📺 Sony Sports Ten 2 & 2 HD
📡 SonyLiv App & Website

{ Joy Mohun Bagan, MBFT } pic.twitter.com/3j9A10b5Ei

— MBFT (@MBFT89) August 23, 2026

~: Players to Watch Out For :~

Sahal Abdul Samad : The current hearthrob of the Mohun Bagan faithful, the Mallu starboy has been sensational in this tournament. Struggling to find minutes in the previous season, the talented midfielder has found a new lease of life under the new head coach. Having alread scored 5 goals in this tournament including the match winning goal against East Bengal, he is our best hope for lifting the record 18th title.
Miguel Ferreira Damasceno aka 'Tublu': East Bengal's main man last season and the architect of their ISL triumph, the Brazillian magician recently switched camps and seems ready to shatter his former team's dream of winning the Durand Cup. A textbook playmaker with a knack of goals and that classical Brazilian flair! When this guy moves,the whole world watches in awe!

Bassim Rashid : A natural leader on the field, the East Bengal captain has been one of the centerpieces of their so called 'Remontada'. A towering figure in the heart of midfield, his defensive capabilities and ball recovery are indeed praiseworthy. He will surely pose a difficult challenge for the Mariners.
Bipin Singh : The pacey winger has been trouble for Mohun Bagan in previous encounters. His crossing and scoring ability needs to be dealt with caution.

When is the Match, Venue and Where to Watch

📆 August 23, 2026 (Sunday)
🕔 5:00 PM IST
🏟️ VYBK, Salt Lake
📺 Sony Sports Ten 2 and Ten 2 HD
📱 SonyLIV App.

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