KOLKATA, India (Interstat) — A fresh chapter in one of Indian football’s historic rivalries will be written Saturday when East Bengal hosts Dempo SC in a Super Cup group stage match.

The fixture at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium pits two clubs with rich pedigrees, though both enter the new competition with identical 0-0 records. The match marks the official start of their 2025 Super Cup campaigns.

Recent form, however, suggests an open and attacking contest. Dempo arrives following a thrilling 4-3 victory over Gokulam Kerala on April 6. East Bengal, meanwhile, is riding high from a 4-2 win against Bhawanipore on July 30, demonstrating potent offensive capabilities.

Despite the clubs’ blank slates in the Super Cup, their preseason scoring prowess indicates defensive vulnerabilities. According to the Interstat game simulator, these factors point toward a high-scoring draw, with a projected final score of 2-2.

The matchup promises to be a tactical battle between two sides looking to establish early dominance in the tournament. East Bengal will aim to leverage its home-field advantage in front of a passionate crowd, while Dempo will rely on the confidence from its recent goal-filled victory.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. local time.