Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 23 : East Bengal FC produced a sensational 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 historic trophy for the 17th time. The victory also saw East Bengal draw level with Mohun Bagan on 17 Durand Cup titles.
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 of the contest, according to a release.
In the 10th minute, East Bengal captain Mohamad Basim Rashid produced a wonderful through ball to release Bipin Singh on the left. Bipin made no mistake, finishing brilliantly towards the far post to put the Red and Gold Brigade ahead.
Two minutes later, East Bengal doubled their advantage. Edmund Lalrindika picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a superb strike that flew beyond the reach of Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to make it 2-0.
Mohun Bagan tried to respond, with Liston Colaco seeing his cross cleared by the East Bengal defence before a foul on him outside the box presented another opportunity. Colaco's free-kick appeared destined for the target, but East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill produced an excellent save to parry it away.
East Bengal were defending deep but remained dangerous whenever they won possession, and their third goal arrived in the 22nd minute.
It was another outstanding team move. Edmund started the move in the centre before the ball was worked towards the left and into the path of Hardik Bhatt. The right-back delivered towards Daniel Ramirez, who then played it into the centre. Edmund continued his run, collected the ball and showed brilliant skill to get past the goalkeeper and defender before calmly finishing into the near post.
Mohun Bagan were suddenly 3-0 down, but they continued to push forward. Anirudh Thapa found Jamie Maclaren with a good ball in the 30th minute, although the Australian's effort from distance went wide.
The Mariners finally pulled one back in the 33rd minute. Lalengmawia played a wonderful through ball from midfield to Manvir Singh on the right. Manvir raced into the box before cutting inside and producing a superb finish towards the far post to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
Manvir remained a threat, making another dangerous run down the left in the 37th minute before laying the ball off for Maclaren, but the forward could not find the finish.
East Bengal continued to absorb pressure, with Gill showing his confidence as a sweeper-keeper with another timely clearance in the 39th minute.
Just when Mohun Bagan appeared to be gaining momentum, East Bengal struck again before half-time.
In the 44th minute, Basim Rashid delivered a free-kick from the right towards the far post. Jay Gupta tapped it to redirect it across the face of goal, and Edmund was perfectly placed to finish from close range. The goal completed his hat-trick and restored East Bengal's three-goal advantage.
At half-time, East Bengal led 4-1.
Mohun Bagan made changes and continued to attack after the restart, but East Bengal's defence remained organised. Subhasish Bose's cross was cleared by Lalchungnunga in the 48th minute, while Anwar Ali produced an important interception three minutes later to stop the combination between substitute Miguel Ferreira and Manvir.
The Mariners came close again in the 58th minute when Liston Colaco curled a powerful free-kick from the left edge of the box towards goal. Once again, Gill was equal to the challenge, producing another excellent save to keep East Bengal comfortably ahead.
East Bengal had opportunities of their own. Bipin Singh tested Kaith in the 65th minute, while Manvir's run two minutes later was halted by a powerful clearance from Jay Gupta.
Mohun Bagan continued to enjoy possession and attempted to find a way back into the contest, but East Bengal's backline of Sandip Mandi, Anwar Ali and Hardik Bhatt dealt effectively with the pressure.
The Red and Gold Brigade increasingly relied on the counter, while Mohun Bagan circulated the ball in search of gaps. Substitute Jesin T.K. Thonikkara had an opportunity in the 71st minute after a good run from the left, but his effort was blocked by Kaith.
The Mariners continued to push through substitutes Lallianzuala Chhangte, Miguel Ferreira and Sahal Abdul Samad. But East Bengal remained disciplined and continued to clear the danger whenever Mohun Bagan threatened to enter the box, while Jeakson Singh worked hard in midfield.
Kiyan Nassiri Giri came close in the 86th minute after a good turn inside the area, but his shot lacked the power and direction to trouble Gill.
Mohun Bagan continued to search for another goal until the final whistle, but Maclaren's effort in the second minute of stoppage time was comfortably collected by Gill.
The final whistle confirmed a memorable 4-1 victory for East Bengal FC, who were crowned champions of the 135th Durand Cup.
The triumph brings East Bengal level with Mohun Bagan at the top of the all-time Durand Cup honours list with 17 titles each, adding another chapter to one of Indian football's most enduring rivalries.
Individual Awards:
Golden Glove: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
Golden Boot: Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)
Golden Ball: Edmund Lalrindika (East Bengal FC)
All the award winners were also presented with a Rs three lakh cheque, while th Golden Ball winner also received an SUV key.