East Bengal FC produced a dominant performance to defeat arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday, lifting the prestigious trophy for a record-equalling 17th time.
The triumph saw East Bengal draw level with Mohun Bagan at the top of the all-time Durand Cup winners’ list, with both clubs now having 17 titles.
Mohun Bagan began the final with greater possession and looked to control the tempo through Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco. However, East Bengal struck twice in the space of two minutes to seize control of the contest.
East Bengal captain Mohamad Basim Rashid released Bipin Singh with a superb through ball in the 10th minute. Bipin raced down the left before calmly finishing towards the far post to give East Bengal the lead.
Just two minutes later, Edmund Lalrindika doubled the advantage with a spectacular strike from outside the box that flew beyond the reach of Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
The Mariners tried to respond, with Colaco providing a constant threat. His free-kick from outside the box appeared to be heading towards goal, but East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill produced an excellent save to keep his side’s two-goal advantage intact.
East Bengal added a third in the 22nd minute following another flowing attacking move. Edmund began the move in midfield before the ball was worked towards Hardik Bhatt on the left. Bhatt’s delivery found Daniel Ramírez, who played the ball into the centre. Edmund continued his run, beat Kaith and a defender with impressive skill and calmly finished into the near post.
Mohun Bagan finally pulled one back in the 33rd minute. Lalengmawia released Manvir Singh with a superb through ball, and the forward cut inside from the right before producing a fine finish into the far corner to make it 3-1.
The Mariners continued to press, but East Bengal’s defence remained composed. Gill also impressed with his confidence off his line, making an important clearance in the 39th minute.
East Bengal then restored their three-goal cushion just before the break. Basim Rashid’s free-kick from the right was redirected across goal by Jay Gupta, allowing Edmund to finish from close range in the 44th minute.
The goal completed Edmund’s hat-trick and sent East Bengal into half-time with a commanding 4-1 lead.
Mohun Bagan made changes after the interval and continued to dominate possession, but East Bengal’s organised defence repeatedly frustrated their opponents. Subhasish Bose’s cross was cleared early in the second half, while Anwar Ali made an important interception to deny a promising attack involving Miguel Ferreira and Manvir.
Colaco came close again in the 58th minute with a powerful free-kick from the left edge of the box, but Gill once again produced an excellent save.
East Bengal remained dangerous on the counter-attack. Bipin tested Kaith in the 65th minute, while Jay Gupta made a strong clearance to stop another threatening run from Manvir moments later.
Mohun Bagan continued to search for a route back into the match through substitutes Lallianzuala Chhangte, Miguel Ferreira and Sahal Abdul Samad. East Bengal, however, remained disciplined, with Sandip Mandi, Anwar Ali and Hardik Bhatt dealing effectively with the pressure.
Substitute Jesin T.K. Thonikkara saw an effort blocked by Kaith in the 71st minute, while Kiyan Nassiri Giri came close in the 86th minute but could not generate enough power on his shot to trouble Gill.
The Mariners continued to push until the final whistle, but East Bengal held firm. Gill comfortably collected Jamie Maclaren’s effort in stoppage time as the Red and Gold Brigade completed a memorable 4-1 victory.
The result secured East Bengal’s 17th Durand Cup title and added another historic chapter to one of Indian football’s fiercest rivalries.
Individual Awards:
Golden Glove: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)
Golden Boot: Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)
Golden Ball: Edmund Lalrindika (East Bengal FC)
All three award winners received a ₹3 lakh cash prize, while Golden Ball winner Edmund Lalrindika was also presented with the key to an SUV.
