East Bengal End 22-Year Wait with Commanding Derby Victory

Kolkata, August 23 — East Bengal produced a scintillating 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. The victory ended a 22-year wait for the trophy, with Edmund Lalrindika scoring a dream derby hat-trick.

East Bengal's 17th Durand Cup title drew them level with Mohun Bagan's record of 17 titles in Asia's oldest football competition. The club had last lifted the trophy in 2004.

Lalrindika's Hat-Trick Seals the Title

Lalrindika, playing as a lone forward in place of Jesin TK, was the star of the match. He opened his account in the 12th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, then added a second in the 22nd minute with a composed finish past goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. He completed his hat-trick in the 44th minute, tapping home from Jay Gupta's cross after captain Mohammed Rashid orchestrated the move.

Bipin Singh had given East Bengal an early lead in the 10th minute, finishing a through ball from Rashid. Mohun Bagan pulled one back through Manvir Singh in the 33rd minute, but East Bengal's defensive solidity and midfield control ensured there was no comeback.

East Bengal's Early Dominance

Mohun Bagan started the final with greater control of the tempo, with Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco looking to create openings for Manvir Singh and Jamie Maclaren. But East Bengal struck with devastating efficiency, scoring twice in the space of two minutes to take control. The Red and Gold Brigade scored all four of their goals in a breathtaking first half.

East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill made several key saves, including a notable stop from Liston Colaco's free-kick, to preserve the lead.

Coach Habas's Tactical Masterclass

Head coach Antonio Lopez Habas, who previously guided ATK to two ISL titles and had a stint with Mohun Bagan, saw his side produce a controlled and disciplined performance. Habas took charge of East Bengal after Oscar Bruzon's departure and had earlier masterminded a comeback against Kuwait's Al-Arabi SC in an AFC Champions League knockout fixture, overturning a 0-1 deficit in extra time.

At the pre-final media conference, Habas said his teams do not lay out excuses despite injury and player availability problems. His tactical setup allowed East Bengal to overrun Mohun Bagan in midfield and counter-attack with panache.

Record-Breaking Feats and Individual Awards

Lalrindika became the first player to score a hat-trick in a Durand Cup Kolkata Derby. The match was also the first time a team scored four goals in the first half in this rivalry. The final was the 13th Durand Cup meeting between the two clubs.

After the match, Vishal Kaith won the Golden Glove award, Alaaeddine Ajaraie took the Golden Boot, and Lalrindika was named Golden Ball winner. Each award winner received a Rs 3 lakh cheque, and Lalrindika also received the key to an SUV.

Officials Congratulate East Bengal

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was present at the stadium and presented the trophy, congratulated the team on X, praising their "relentless determination and impeccable teamwork" and calling it a display of the "true spirit of Indian football."

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey also congratulated East Bengal, highlighting the massive turnout of around 60,000 fans. "This has been a very successful tournament," Chaubey told ANI. "East Bengal's football team is playing in a very balanced way, and for their players and supporters, I have best wishes and encouragement." He also spoke about the upcoming India-Brazil football match, calling it a historic occasion for Indian football.

West Bengal Minister Tapas Roy praised the derby as an exciting match, while West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan hailed the final as a significant moment for Indian football, noting the packed Salt Lake Stadium.

A Season of Redemption

The Durand Cup triumph came months after East Bengal won the Indian Super League earlier in 2026, ending another 22-year wait. The victory also avenged a 0-1 defeat to Mohun Bagan in the 2023 Durand Cup final. With this result, East Bengal secured a berth in Asia, adding to a memorable year for the club.