East Bengal Edge Past Mohun Bagan in Durand Cup Thriller

Bengaluru: The iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata turned into a cauldron of noise and passion on Sunday night as East Bengal defeated arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2–1 to secure a place in the semifinals of the prestigious Durand Cup.

This clash, widely regarded as Indian football’s greatest rivalry, marked the first meeting of the season between the century-old rivals at full strength, with the added weight of a knockout contest intensifying the stakes.

A Rivalry Rekindled Under Lights

The Durand Cup, the world’s third-oldest football tournament, once again provided the perfect stage for the “Kolkata Derby,” a fixture steeped in tradition and emotion. Fans packed the stands to witness the encounter that promised high drama—and the players delivered.

From the first whistle, the match was played at a furious pace, with East Bengal showing greater intent in midfield. Mohun Bagan, defending champions of the Indian Super League, struggled to match their rivals’ intensity in key phases of the game.

The Decisive Moments

East Bengal struck twice to establish their dominance, while Mohun Bagan could only pull one goal back despite a late surge. The final whistle sparked celebrations among the East Bengal faithful, who roared in unison as their team marched into the semifinals.

“This victory means everything to us. Beating Mohun Bagan in such a crucial match is special, and the players showed tremendous character,” said an East Bengal supporter outside the stadium, waving the club’s red-and-gold flag.

Bengaluru Fans Celebrate from Afar

The rivalry was not confined to Kolkata alone. In Bengaluru, expatriate East Bengal fans organized a live screening of the match at Tipsy Bull, Bellandur. Families and supporters gathered in large numbers, turning the venue into a mini-stadium atmosphere with chants, traditional food, and cheers echoing throughout the evening.

“It felt like being back in Kolkata. Watching East Bengal win with fellow supporters here in Bengaluru was an unforgettable experience,” said one fan who attended the screening.

Significance Beyond the Scoreline

For East Bengal, the win not only ensured a semifinal berth but also injected confidence into a team looking to reclaim its old glory. For Mohun Bagan, the defeat served as a reminder that reputations count for little when it comes to derby day.

The Kolkata Derby, more than just a football match, once again proved its ability to unite communities across cities, generations, and even borders—reinforcing why it remains the most enduring rivalry in Indian sport.