Kolkata, October 15: In a gripping IFA Shield 2025–26 group B final clash, Mohun Bagan SG beat United SC 2-0 in the kishore Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday, to secure their place in the grand finale. setting up a intense Kolkata Derby in the 125th edition of the historic tournament.
United began the game with flair and confidence, catching the eye with their crisp movement and attacking intent. In the 14th minute, Christopher found space inside the box and unleashed a shot, but it was comfortably gathered by the Mohun Bagan keeper. Soon after, in the 21st minute Lalremruata’s cross from the left nearly created danger, but the ball flew just over the bar deflecting of Mehtab Singh . United kept knocking, controlling the early tempo and forcing Mohun Bagan to stay alert.
However, as the game moves on, the Mariners started to find their rhythm. Just before halftime in the 45th minute, Dimitrios stepped on to take a setpiece, a long ball from midfield sent towards net but United keeper fisted out, but the rebound reached to Robson who hold and passed it to Jason Cummings. With a neat touch, Cummings placed a grounded pass to Petratos who finished it to break the deadlock 1–0 to Mohun Bagan.
Early in the second half, Mohun Bagan doubled their advantage. A quick build-up saw a powerful shot from inside the box saved by Subrata Santa, but the rebound deflect of Ankan Bhattacharjee and went into the net resulting in a same side goal. United tried to respond with a strong attempt in the 66th minute, but the Mariners’ keeper produced a brilliant save to Shreenath’s attempt to keep the clean sheet intact.
Maclaren almost added a third for Mohun Bagan in the 84th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. In stoppage time, at 90+1st minute Abhisekh’s low shot was heroically denied by Sheila Toure, ensuring United avoided further damage.
Mohun Bagan SG may not have matched the sparkle of their first game, but they showed control and maturity when it mattered, their overall play looked more urgent than fluent. United SC impressed early with a bold, eye-catching first half, but their intensity faded as Mohun Bagan tightened their grip on the tempo. In the end, the Mariners’ experience, structure, and clinical edge proved decisive in securing their place in the final.
And now, all roads lead to the grand stage, a Kolkata Derby final in the 125th IFA Shield. The two most successful teams in the tournament’s history will collide: East Bengal FC, with a record 39 titles, and Mohun Bagan SG, with 20 trophies, both reaching their 41st IFA Shield final. The final showdown will take place on 18 October at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, promising a classic chapter in Indian football history.
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