The Kolkata Derby on Sunday will be the first Indian Super League meeting between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC this season, but not the first time the two clubs have faced each other in the 2025-26 campaign.
The most recent Kolkata Derby was in the AIFF Super Cup group stage on October 31, 2025 when Mohun Bagan and East Bengal played out a 0-0 draw. The result carried weight for East Bengal, which stayed alive in the tournament and later went on to reach the final.
In ISL terms, however, the wait has been longer. The last league derby came on January 11, 2025, when Mohun Bagan beat East Bengal 1-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium. That was during the previous ISL season, making Sunday’s match the first derby of the ongoing league campaign.
This time, the rivalry comes with the title race attached to it. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are level on 22 points from 11 matches, with East Bengal placed above its rival on goal difference. Both sides dropped points before the derby, with East Bengal held by Punjab FC and Mohun Bagan playing out a goalless draw against Inter Kashi.
With only two rounds left, the derby could shape the destination of the title. East Bengal will look to turn its strong season into a statement win, while Mohun Bagan will aim to recover from its recent stutter and take control of the race.
Published on May 17, 2026