In Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, the atmosphere was too hot when East Bengal defeated Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-1 and entered the semi-final of the Durand Cup. It was a senior derby win after over one and a half years, ending a sequence of disappointments. The victory wasn’t just about moving forward, but also about exhibiting revival, which many fans had been impatiently expecting for so long.
Match Key Points
- In the 18th minute, injured striker Hamid Ahadad had to be substituted out, so the coach brought forward Dimitrios Diamantakos of Greece onto the field a bit ahead of time.
- At minute 38, Bipin Singh was fouled inside the box by Asish Rai. Diamantakos was on the spot and scored with a cool finish, putting the score 1-0.
- Just before half-time, in 52 minute, Diamantakos scored again. Naorem Mahesh Singh’s clever pass, one turn, and his shot received a deflection and sailed goal.
- Mohun Bagan attempted a comeback. In the 68th minute, Anirudh Thapa fired from afar, a thunder strike to bring the margin down to 2-1.
- At the end, Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad both pushed hard, but East Bengal defence held firm to shut out an equaliser.
When the referee blew the final whistle, the stadium erupted. Red-and-gold crowd was cheering at the top of their lungs, because the derby drought was finally over with a win that was so full of emotion.
Diamond Harbour FC Surprise Big
Earlier today, new side Diamond Harbour FC caused a major upset by defeating Jamshedpur FC 2-0 in the other quarter-final. The new team, not thought to go far, displayed discipline and incisive finishing to eliminate a good Indian Super League side. Their win takes them into the semi-final as well, making one of the most surprising tales of this Durand Cup.
Semi-Finals Next
The victory brings East Bengal and Diamond Harbour into a clash in the semi-final on 20 August 2025. For East Bengal, the derby win means far more than winning the qualification; it instils confidence, demonstrating the attack line working and shattering the fear of Mohun Bagan. For Diamond Harbour, it is making history in their maiden campaign by defeating stronger sides.
Meaning of the Results
The derby once again showed its drama, but the fate was on East Bengal’s side. The two-goal hero for Diamantakos turned him into a hero, and defenders kept the line when put under pressure. Mohun Bagan battled not small, but could not achieve an equal. Meanwhile, Diamond Harbour came out of the blue, demonstrating how unpredictable the Durand Cup remains. Now both clubs head into the semi-final with huge momentum, stage for a battle of pride and ambition.
