Mohun Bagan coach José Molina fielded a full arsenal of attacking players. Cummings, McLaren, Robson, and Petratos were all deployed to use their team’s full strength, yet they could not breach the resilient Indian side’s defense. Although Mohun Bagan controlled possession for most of the match, their players failed to create clear chances in the final third. After repeated crosses from the wings, Dempo’s defenders consistently blocked attempts inside the box.

Dempo’s goalkeeper and defenders fought with determination. Even when Mohun Bagan managed to create opportunities, players like Ashish Rai and Cummings failed to beat the goalkeeper. Had Monvir not missed a key chance, the result might have gone in Mohun Bagan’s favor. Robson and Dimirao also squandered some opportunities, which proved crucial in keeping the score level.

Dempo’s draw is not only surprising for Mohun Bagan but also for football fans in Kolkata. Nine years ago, Dempo had stepped away from the mainstream of Indian football. As a five-time champion of India’s top clubs, their comeback journey has been long and challenging. Since returning to the I-League, they have gradually strengthened their position. In this Super Cup match, by holding both Kolkata giants—Mohun Bagan and East Bengal—Dempo has reasserted their presence in Indian football.

On paper, Mohun Bagan dominated. In the game, they had the majority of possession, but dominance remained largely superficial. On the field, it was evident that a well-thought-out defense can be far more effective than mere dominance. Dempo’s steadfast defense, timely blocks, and quick countermeasures thwarted the green-and-maroon’s attacks.

This result adds more pressure on Mohun Bagan ahead of the derby. Critics believe that if this attacking team continues to fail to capitalize on chances in the final third, they could face a major challenge in the upcoming derby.

The points are shared at Fatorda.#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন #AIFFSuperCup #MBSGDSC pic.twitter.com/xnDNqRno02

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) October 28, 2025

As the home team, the Bagan brigade had already defeated Chennaiyin FC, led by Clifford Miranda, in their first group match. That win gave them three points and the top spot in the group. However, in the second match against Dempo SC, the team was not in an entirely comfortable position. In particular, coach Jose Molina’s tactical changes did not have the desired impact in the first half.

In the opening minutes, it was Dempo who showed attacking intent. Within 5 minutes, Vinay’s long-range shot indicated the team’s clear offensive plan. At the 8th minute, Mohun Bagan enjoyed their first set-piece, but Dempo’s defense coordinated well to deny them.

Although Mohun Bagan dominated possession for most of the half, Dempo’s compact defense prevented any clear chances. At the 16th minute, the team tried to attack in a 4-4-2 formation, yet Dempo remained solid and did not allow any clear opportunities.

By the 22nd minute, Dempo’s tactical awareness was evident. They were extremely cautious in handling Mohun Bagan’s pressure. In the 24th minute, Petratos’ long-range shot was blocked, and Cummings’ rebound attempt was also stopped by defenders.

At the 27th minute, Dipendu’s tough challenge created a controversial moment, but he was only cautioned. By the 30th minute, the situation became more complicated as East Bengal, in the same group, reached four points at the top. Mohun Bagan needed a win to reclaim the top spot.

At the 34th minute, Dimitri Petratos’ long-range shot missed the target, and at the 36th minute, Ashish Rai’s header went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. This was the best chance of the first half. At the 40th minute, a cross from the flank was easily cleared by Dempo’s defense. Towards the end of the half, Robson and Cummings earned a corner, but no goal came from it.

The first half showcased Dempo’s strategic solidity and attacking awareness, successfully frustrating Mohun Bagan’s aggression.

In the second half, Mohun Bagan players will need to employ new tactics and fast-paced attacks if they want to realize their dream of reaching the semifinals. Whether Dempo can maintain their confidence and defensive strength remains the big question now.

All square at the break.#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন #AIFFSuperCup #MBSGDSC pic.twitter.com/OZGZbTDiRd

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) October 28, 2025

In the group stage, Mohun Bagan defeated strong teams like Gokulam Kerala FC and United Sports Club to reach the final, where they faced arch-rivals East Bengal. After a goalless draw in regulation time, the match was decided by a thrilling penalty shoot-out — and it was Mohun Bagan who had the last laugh. That victory brought the IFA Shield back to the club after nearly 22 long years, sparking joy among fans.

Now, the Mariners are determined to carry that winning momentum into the Super Cup, with eyes firmly set on the trophy. In their first match, Jason Cummings and his teammates registered a crucial victory over Clifford Miranda’s Chennaiyin FC, earning three valuable points and taking the top spot in their group.

On Tuesday evening, they face Dempo SC in their second group-stage encounter. During their recent training session in Goa, the mood in the Bagan camp appeared upbeat and confident.

However, head coach Jose Molina wasn’t entirely pleased with the training facilities. Speaking to the media, he said:

“The weather is not in our control, but the condition of the training ground is terrible. It’s hard to practice here. Still, I don’t want to make excuses — the boys will give their best.”

Indeed, concerns over the condition of the grounds and surrounding infrastructure have been a recurring issue since the start of the Super Cup. Any moment of negligence could lead to serious injuries, which has naturally frustrated players and coaches alike.

Despite the challenges and the absence of a few key stars due to injuries and rotation, the Mariners are ready for the battle against Dempo.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s Playing XI (Super Cup 2025):

Lined up and ready for #MBSGDSC at Fatorda #MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন #AIFFSuperCup pic.twitter.com/7b8GHblOGf

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) October 28, 2025

Mohun Bagan Eyes Smooth Sail After Early-Season Turbulence

Indian Super League (ISL) champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant began the new season under pressure after a rocky few months. The Mariners were knocked out by East Bengal in the Durand Cup and later withdrew from the AFC Champions League 2 — decisions that led to widespread protests from their fan base. However, the storm seems to have settled. Under Spanish coach Jose Molina, Bagan rediscovered form, lifting the IFA Shield in October and opening its Super Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC.

Now, the Mariners face Dempo SC in their next Group A fixture at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Tuesday. A win will all but secure their place in the semifinals — provided East Bengal or Chennaiyin drop points in the earlier match at Bambolim.

Bagan’s squad depth remains one of its biggest strengths. Australian forwards Jason Cummings and Jamie Maclaren, both World Cup participants, have already made their mark, with Cummings netting both goals against Chennaiyin. Molina, however, faces a tactical dilemma — whether to continue with both strikers or deploy Brazilian playmaker Robson Robinho in a creative midfield role behind a lone forward. With Indian wingers Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco offering pace and width, the Mariners will look to maintain their attacking rhythm against a disciplined Dempo side.

Dempo Aims to Keep Rising After I-League Return

Dempo SC, a three-time national champion, stunned defending Super Cup champion East Bengal with a 2-2 draw in its tournament opener. Once a powerhouse in Indian football, Dempo had faded from the top flight after withdrawing from the I-League in 2016. Their recent promotion back to the league has revived hopes among Goan fans of a return to glory.

Under club legend and head coach Samir Naik, the Golden Eagles are determined to show they can still compete with India’s elite. The last meeting between senior sides of Bagan and Dempo in Goa ended 1-1 — a result that eventually brought an end to Arthur Papas’s tenure as Dempo coach. This time, Naik’s men will aim for a more memorable outcome, one that could keep their semifinal dreams alive and further shake up Group A.

East Bengal Seeks Redemption and Consistency

For East Bengal, the Super Cup campaign has been a story of promise marred by inconsistency. Under Oscar Bruzon, the Red-and-Gold Brigade reached the semifinals of the Durand Cup and the final of the IFA Shield, but both campaigns ended in heartbreak — a loss to lower-division side Diamond Harbour in the Durand semis and a penalty defeat to Bagan in the Shield final.

Conceding late goals has been a recurring problem. Dempo’s 89th-minute equalizer in the Super Cup opener once again exposed the team’s defensive frailty and mental lapses. To make matters worse, internal unrest has surfaced, with goalkeeping coach Sandip Nandy resigning after the IFA Shield defeat, reportedly due to dressing-room tensions.

Bruzon, however, remains optimistic. His first away victory as East Bengal coach in the ISL came against Chennaiyin — the same opponent his team will face next. A win will keep East Bengal’s semifinal hopes alive and set up a high-voltage derby where both sides could be battling for survival.

Chennaiyin Looks to Rekindle Spirit Under Clifford Miranda

Chennaiyin FC, fielding an all-Indian squad this season, has struggled for cohesion but remains eager to prove its mettle under coach Clifford Miranda. The former Odisha FC boss guided his side to its first-ever Super Cup title two years ago and will hope to recreate that success on Goan soil.

As Group A tightens, every point matters. For Bagan, a win against Dempo could mean smooth passage to the semifinals; for East Bengal, it’s about survival and revival before the grand Kolkata Derby. The next few days promise high drama, tactical battles, and the kind of passion that defines Indian football’s fiercest rivalry.