Fatorda (Goa), Dec 6 (NationPress) After numerous encounters in recent years, East Bengal and FC Goa are well acquainted with each other's strategies and players as they prepare to face off in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 final. The two-time winners, East Bengal FC and FC Goa, are set to clash at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Sunday.

The match holds significant implications, including a coveted spot in the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 Preliminary Stage for the eventual champions.

As East Bengal gears up for their second Super Cup final in three seasons, assistant coach Bino George and captain Saúl Crespo expressed their enthusiasm during the pre-match press conference, especially following their near misses for silverware in recent months.

“This is a proud moment for East Bengal Club, our players, and supporters. After falling short in the Durand Cup semifinal and the IFA Shield final, we are determined to compete for the cup now,” stated Bino.

Crespo added, “This is crucial for us. We feel good at this moment. In the dressing room, we understand the tournament's significance for the club and ourselves as players. We’re ready to give our all. Our preparations have been solid, and we’re eager to compete for the trophy.”

East Bengal will be without their head coach, Óscar Bruzon, for the final due to his dismissal during their 3-1 semifinal victory against Punjab FC. However, Bino assured that their strategy remains unaffected.

“Coach Óscar has prepared everything. We are set to face FC Goa. We will conduct a video session today to analyze Goa's strengths and weaknesses. The players know the stakes, and we’ll adhere to the game plan,” Bino affirmed.

Recent matches between East Bengal and Goa have been tightly contested, but the Gaurs have emerged victorious in the last six encounters, with five decided by just one goal. Notably, the last time they met outside the Indian Super League, East Bengal secured a 1-0 victory in the 2018 Super Cup semi-finals.

“FC Goa is a formidable team, and we hold them in high regard. They excel in build-ups. Our focus is on our preparations. We are not here just to participate; we aim to become champions,” Bino emphasized.

East Bengal has yet to triumph against Goa in Fatorda, making this match an opportunity to rewrite history and reclaim the Super Cup title. A larger contingent of East Bengal supporters is expected to travel from Kolkata to Goa for the final, promising a lively atmosphere alongside the local fans supporting FC Goa.

Bino remarked, “FC Goa boasts an impressive record at this stadium, having lost very few matches here. However, we have our supporters. In the semifinal, we had a handful of fans from Kolkata, but I anticipate more for the final. We had significant backing even in Odisha for the 2024 final.”

Midfielder Crespo, who converted a penalty in the final in Bhubaneswar and scored a remarkable long-range goal in Thursday's semifinal, hopes to replicate those feats to lead his team to another Super Cup.

“We are more than ready for this final. I joined because the club aimed to build a significant project, and after two years, you can see our progress. We’ve been training hard in recent weeks with a singular focus, and now there’s just one game left to win,” Crespo stated.

“I am well-acquainted with Goa's midfielders, having played with Borja Herrera, for instance. We recognize their quality, but we have our strategies in place. I’m excited to face him in the final, but once the whistle blows, he’s an opponent,” Crespo added.

This final is particularly special for Borja Herrera, who won the 2024 Super Cup with East Bengal before moving to FC Goa and winning the 2025 edition. Both Borja and Crespo have the chance to secure an unprecedented third Super Cup winners' medal.

If FC Goa defends their title, they will become the first club to earn three Super Cup titles (after 2019 and 2025)—a remarkable achievement in this competition's history.

During the pre-match press conference, head coach Manolo Márquez expressed that every final brings its own excitement. “The thrill of a final is constant, regardless of whether it's the second or seventh. It’s a final, and both teams will share the same excitement. We are the last two teams to have won this trophy. I believe it will be a thrilling final,” he stated.

Midfielder Brison Fernandes has been pivotal for FC Goa, netting crucial goals, including in the 2-1 semifinal win over Mumbai City and a memorable strike against Al Nassr in the AFC Champions League Two earlier this season. Playing at home, he believes the Gaurs are favored in Sunday’s final.

“Playing at a higher level has bolstered my confidence, which is evident on the pitch. I believe we are the favorites. If we stick together, we will perform well. I’m eager to savor this moment as it's my second final in two seasons. We will give our utmost,” he said.

In contrast, FC Goa arrives in the final with better momentum, having played six high-stakes matches in the ACL Two against Al Zawra'a, Al Nassr, Istiklol, and Al Seeb this season. However, Márquez noted that rhythm and match fitness alone wouldn’t guarantee an advantage in the final.

“Theoretically, having played more competitive games should be an edge. Yet, in the semifinal, we performed excellently in the first half, but in the second half, we were essentially running down the clock while Mumbai City, without many games or training, outperformed us. Football can be unpredictable. Teams in the Durand Cup and Super Cup, despite limited training, have done remarkably well,” Márquez reflected.

“We may have been overly confident in the semifinal. Such overconfidence can be perilous in knockout matches. Maintaining high concentration for 90, 95, 120 minutes, or even through penalty shootouts, is essential,” he added.

Despite FC Goa's flawless record against East Bengal in their last six encounters, Márquez spoke highly of their opponents. “They possess a strong squad this year, not just among the starters. If you observed their bench recently, the team is formidable. They can challenge any opponent in the league,” he noted.

“We will strive to play well in our style. But it’s a final, and controlling emotions, being resilient, and avoiding weaknesses is crucial. Often, it comes down to the finer details. While we have home advantage, it’s clear that East Bengal will bring some fans; nonetheless, I prefer playing here than in Kolkata,” he commented.

Like in the semifinals, FC Goa will miss captain Sandesh Jhingan due to a calf injury. However, Márquez expressed confidence in his team's depth. Striker Iker Guarrotxena, who received a red card before the semifinal, will also be unavailable for the final.

“Everyone understands Sandesh is a crucial player, but we managed without him the other day. Every player is important in the squad. I trust Ronney Kharbudon, Nim Dorjee Tamang, and those who can step in. One player’s absence shouldn't determine victory or defeat; losing ten would be a different story,” Márquez concluded.