East Bengal defeated Mohun Bagan 4-1 in the 135th Durand Cup final, with Edmund Lalrindika scoring a hat-trick as the Red and Gold Brigade lifted the historic trophy for a record-equalling 17th time in Kolkata.
East Bengal FC produced a sensational display of attacking football to defeat arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday. The emphatic victory saw East Bengal lift the prestigious trophy for the 17th time, drawing level with Mohun Bagan’s record tally of Durand Cup titles.
The standout performer of the final was Edmund Lalrindika, who scored a brilliant hat-trick to inspire East Bengal to a memorable victory. Bipin Singh also found the net as the Red and Gold Brigade capitalised on their opportunities with remarkable efficiency. Mohun Bagan’s only goal came through Manvir Singh.
Mohun Bagan began the contest with greater possession and attempted to dictate the tempo through Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco, who looked to create opportunities for Manvir Singh and Jamie Maclaren. However, East Bengal stunned their rivals by scoring twice within two minutes.
In the 10th minute, East Bengal captain Mohamad Basim Rashid played an excellent through ball to release Bipin Singh on the left. Bipin showed composure inside the attacking area and produced a superb finish towards the far post to give East Bengal the lead.
Two minutes later, East Bengal doubled their advantage. Edmund Lalrindika collected the ball outside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful strike that flew beyond the reach of Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Mohun Bagan attempted to respond immediately. Liston Colaco saw one of his crosses cleared by the East Bengal defence before earning a free-kick after being fouled outside the box. Colaco’s delivery looked dangerous, but East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill made an excellent save to deny the Mariners.
East Bengal remained disciplined defensively while continuing to threaten on the counter. Their third goal arrived in the 22nd minute following another superb team move.
Edmund initiated the attack through the centre before the ball was moved towards Hardik Bhatt on the left. The right-back delivered the ball towards Daniel Ramírez, who played it into the centre. Edmund continued his run, collected the ball and displayed excellent skill to beat both the goalkeeper and defender before calmly finishing into the near post.
Three goals down, Mohun Bagan continued their attacking efforts. In the 30th minute, Anirudh Thapa found Jamie Maclaren with a promising pass, but the Australian striker’s effort from distance went wide.
The Mariners finally reduced the deficit in the 33rd minute. Lalengmawia delivered a well-weighted through ball to Manvir Singh on the right. Manvir raced into the penalty area, cut inside and produced a superb finish towards the far post to make it 3-1.
Mohun Bagan continued searching for another goal, with Manvir remaining a constant threat. However, East Bengal goalkeeper Gill demonstrated confidence with another timely clearance in the 39th minute.
East Bengal then delivered another blow just before half-time. In the 44th minute, Basim Rashid sent a free-kick from the right towards the far post. Jay Gupta redirected the ball across the face of goal, allowing Edmund to finish from close range.
The goal completed Edmund Lalrindika’s hat-trick and restored East Bengal’s three-goal advantage. The Red and Gold Brigade went into the interval leading 4-1.
Mohun Bagan made changes after the break and continued to push forward in search of a comeback. However, East Bengal’s defence remained organised and disciplined. The champions successfully absorbed the pressure and prevented the Mariners from reducing the deficit.
The final whistle confirmed a commanding 4-1 victory for East Bengal FC and secured their 17th Durand Cup title. The triumph also brought them level with Mohun Bagan’s record of 17 championships, adding another historic chapter to one of Indian football’s most celebrated rivalries.
| Also Read: FIH Hockey World Cup: Argentina defeat India 3-5 in second |
Edmund Lalrindika was rewarded for his outstanding performance by being named the Golden Ball winner. Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith received the Golden Glove, while NorthEast United FC’s Alaaeddine Ajaraie won the Golden Boot.
All the award winners received a cheque of ₹3 lakh. In addition, Golden Ball winner Edmund Lalrindika was presented with the key to an SUV following his outstanding contribution to East Bengal’s title-winning campaign.
