New Delhi, Aug. 13 -- The group stage of the Durand Cup 2025 has lived up to expectations, serving up high-scoring encounters, surprise upsets, and a reminder of why it remains one of India's most prestigious football tournaments, as per the official website of ISL.

Six Indian Super League (ISL) sides entered the competition, and as the dust settles, four of them, East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Jamshedpur FC, and NorthEast United FC, have secured their places in the knockout stage. All four progressed as group winners, underlining the gulf in quality between them and most of their rivals.

East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the two Kolkata giants, have maintained perfect records so far, sweeping aside opponents with ru...