East Bengal’s defeat to FC Goa in sudden death of the Super Cup final, on Sunday, will hurt the fans. But behind the pain, there is something new: belief, progress and a growing identity. After a long time, East Bengal look like a team that can compete with the best, not just participate.
This was their second straight runners-up finish in a major tournament, coming just six weeks after losing the IFA Shield final to Mohun Bagan SG on penalties. In that game too, they were arguably the better side but couldn’t finish the job. On Sunday, history repeated itself but this time the performance showed East Bengal are closing the gap at the top, not chasing from distance.
Against an FC Goa side defending the title and coming into the match with momentum from their AFC campaign (including matches vs Al Nassr, Al Zawraa and Istiklol FC), East Bengal stayed competitive, organised and confident. Goa were favourites as they were at home and had played more high-intensity games, yet East Bengal were never overwhelmed.
There were moments that could have changed everything. Miguel Ferreira’s early chance in the first half, and PV Vishnu’s 1v1 moment in the second either could have changed the tone of the match before penalties. But football is unforgiving. When those chances aren’t finished, the game goes a different direction.
In the shootout, Mohammed Rashid and PV Vishnu couldn’t convert, and Sahil Tavora scored the winner in sudden death.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey summed up the tone perfectly during the presentation ceremony: “East Bengal fought really well, but were unlucky in the shootout. Penalties are unpredictable.”
Even FC Goa coach Manolo Márquez admitted the result could have gone either way: “East Bengal made it very difficult for us. I don’t usually call penalties luck, but today it felt like a lottery.”
Not Just Results, A Shift in Identity
For East Bengal fans, the biggest takeaway is that the team finally looks stable and competitive. Yes, they won the Kalinga Super Cup in early 2024, but that run felt sudden and unexpected. This season feels more structured and intentional. There is game plan, balance and personality, things missing for years.
Since joining the ISL, East Bengal never finished inside the top six, and there were reasons. Their first season started late after investor uncertainty. Then, when the team was settling, ownership changed again when Emami took over. Plans restarted, and instability became constant.
The outcome: inconsistency, recruitment mistakes and a widening gap with Mohun Bagan.
This season, the tone has changed. East Bengal began pre-season earlier than anyone else despite confusion over the calendar. Recruitment was smarter and the team finally looks balanced. The midfield has identity, the defence is solid, and the game management is much improved.
Their rivalry with Mohun Bagan also reflects the shift. After years of imbalance, things feel competitive again. East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup quarter-final, lost to them on penalties in the IFA Shield final despite dominating, and later knocked them out of the Super Cup with a gritty group-stage draw. This helps not only the club, but the entire landscape of Indian football.
A Coach Who Fits the Club
Head coach Óscar Bruzón, forced to watch the final from the stands due to a semifinal suspension, has repeatedly spoken about “process” rather than instant trophies. His approach feels similar to what Goa gained from trusting Márquez: continuity.
Goa fell short in the ISL twice under him, yet stuck with their plans and now have back-to-back AFC qualification.
For years, East Bengal reacted quickly, especially with coaches. This time, the fanbase is patient. They see direction. They feel progress.
Looking Ahead
The trophy didn’t come home on Sunday but something important did: belief. East Bengal are not the finished article yet, but after years of struggle, they finally look like a team building step by step, not just surviving season to season. The change is visible on the pitch and among the supporters.
Heartbreak is familiar for East Bengal fans, but now there is hope as well. And this time, that hope feels real.
