Kolkata (West Bengal),India, July 31, 2025: According to the Indian Super League (ISL) website, Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) will begin their Durand Cup 2025 campaign on Thursday against Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) in the fiery Kolkata Derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata (West Bengal), India. While this will be MBSG's first appearance in the 2025 edition, Mohammedan SC come into the clash under pressure after a 2-1 defeat to Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC) in their opener. After taking the lead, Mohammedan SC conceded in the final minute, resulting in a devastating defeat. Another loss could all but end their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage, a fate they suffered last season.
In contrast, the Mariners (MBSG) will want to improve on their 2024 second-place finish. They were leading 2-0 in the championship game the previous year, but North-East United FC (NEUFC) staged a dramatic comeback and won on penalties. They came so close to winning the trophy that year. The Mariners, who won both games in the ISL 2024–25 season, are confident going into the tournament. Additionally, they defeated Mohammedan SC twice during the ISL season. MBSG will be hoping to make another deep run in the Durand Cup with a strong squad and momentum. However, for head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Mohammedan SC, this is a must-win. The club, which made it to the Durand Cup final in 2021 and the semi-finals a year later, is desperate to avoid another early exit, but they will have to overcome odds against a MBSG team that is much more experienced. Jamie Maclaren, a forward for Mohun Bagan Super Giants, previously acknowledged that the Mariners' unwavering support throughout the season was crucial to the team's first-ever Indian Super League double victory. Maclaren joined the Kolkata giants ahead of the 2024-25 season, and the expectations were high from the blockbuster signing. The Australian international, despite battling against an injury in the earlier games, scored 12 goals in his debut ISL season and was the top scorer for the Mariners.