The Durand Cup 2025 saw the Kolkata Derby light up the Salt Lake Stadium with drama, passion, and football brilliance, as East Bengal FC faced Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a quarterfinal clash that kept fans on the edge until the last whistle. In a battle that has defined Indian football for decades, these teams met, unbeaten, looking to add another glorious chapter to their storied rivalry.
Durand Cup 2025 – A Stage Set for a Classic
The Durand Cup, the world’s third oldest football tournament, has never been short of magical moments and upsets. The 134th edition (July 23 – August 23, 2025) promised fireworks, especially with the Kolkata derby set for a knockout clash.
Hype & High Stakes – The Importance of This Kolkata Derby
- Both sides entered unbeaten through the group stages.
- Mohun Bagan, chasing an 18th title, was eager to prove their dominance.
- East Bengal looked to match their rivals and break recent trends.
This season’s first Kolkata derby in the Durand Cup had more than just a semi-final berth at stake; it was about legacy, pride, and the right to call Kolkata their own.
The 7 Key Moments That Defined This Durand Cup 2025 Quarterfinal
Red & Golds Draw First Blood (38’)
Greek forward Dimitrios Diamantakos, called off the bench after an early injury to Hamid Ahadad, stepped up to the penalty spot and blasted East Bengal into the lead. A cool, low finish left the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper with no chance, lighting up the stands with a sea of red and gold.
A Costly Setback for East Bengal
Early in the game, East Bengal’s star Moroccan striker Hamid Ahadad was forced off with an injury in the 18th minute. Diamantakos replaced him, changing the attacking dynamic – and ultimately becoming the hero.
Drama on the Flanks
The left and right flanks were battlegrounds all match, with Bipin Singh and Naorem Mahesh Singh constantly testing Mohun Bagan’s defense. One persistent run led to the penalty that changed the game.
Mohun Bagan’s First Real Threat (45+4’)
Just before halftime, the Mariners almost leveled as midfielder Apuia unleashed a strike from range that narrowly sailed past the post. The moment sparked belief among the Mohun Bagan faithful but also underscored their struggle to break down East Bengal’s discipline.
Offside Controversies & Close Calls
Diamantakos found the net twice in the first half, but the assistant raised the flag for offside on one occasion, keeping the Red and Golds in check but piling pressure on Mohun Bagan’s rearguard.
Yellow Cards Fly – Crespo & Ferreira Walk a Tightrope
East Bengal’s tenacious approach drew multiple fouls, with referee Venkatesh booking Saul Crespo and Miguel Ferreira for hard tackles and gamesmanship. This underlined the fierce intensity both teams brought to the pitch.
Tactics, Substitutions, and Second-Half Showdown
With everything on the line after halftime, both coaches tried tactical tweaks. Mohun Bagan’s new boss Bastob Roy faced the challenge of breaking East Bengal’s hard press. Meanwhile, East Bengal’s midfield anchored by Saul Crespo and Anwar Ali proved crucial in holding the lead.
East Bengal’s Strategy and Standout Stars
Despite a setback with Ahadad’s injury, East Bengal maintained their attacking edge. The Red and Gold outfit’s pressing, energy, and smart transitional play – regularly orchestrated by Crespo and Mahesh – epitomized modern Indian football. Goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill delivered a couple of huge saves to keep their nose in front.
Mohun Bagan’s Missed Chances and Fightback
Mohun Bagan, arguably the favourites at kick-off, found it difficult to break the East Bengal defense. Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, and company pressed for an equaliser, but the decisive moment in the first half left them chasing the game. The introduction of offensive substitutes after the break signalled intent, but the East Bengal wall stood firm.
What This Means for the Durand Cup 2025
With this victory, East Bengal move a step closer to their 17th Durand Cup title, while Mohun Bagan’s hunt for an 18th is put on ice. The win adds a glorious chapter to a fabled rivalry and puts more eyes than ever on the 2025 edition, with Indian football’s prestige at stake.
For fans, this match reaffirmed why the Kolkata derby, especially in the Durand Cup, remains one of the sport’s most anticipated events.
Durand Cup 2025: Looking Ahead, Schedule, and Fixtures
- Tournament Dates: July 23 – August 23, 2025.
- Venues: Salt Lake Stadium (Kolkata), JRD Tata Sports Complex (Jamshedpur), SAI Stadium (Kokrajhar), among others.
- Watch all matches live on SonyLIV and follow for instant updates and match highlights
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