Durand Cup 2023: Mohun Bagan Beat East Bengal 1-0

In a historic showdown at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, football fans witnessed an electrifying battle between two giants of Indian football – Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal. In the end, it was Mohun Bagan SG who emerged victorious, clinching their 17th Durand Cup title with a 1-0 win.

The hero of the day was undoubtedly Dimitri Petratos, the Australian forward of Mohun Bagan SG. He etched his name in Durand Cup folklore by delivering a stunning performance that culminated in a sensational 71st-minute goal. This solitary strike was enough to seal the deal for Mohun Bagan and hand them the coveted trophy.

Also Read: List of Asian Games Medalists of India in Football

The game was not without its moments of drama and tension. Anirudh Thapa’s red card in the 62nd minute gave East Bengal an advantage, but they failed to capitalize on it. Despite playing with one man down, Mohun Bagan appeared more dangerous on the attack.

Throughout the match, Mohun Bagan SG showcased their prowess, dominating possession in the first half-hour. However, East Bengal, who had entered the final as the only unbeaten team, gradually settled into the game, creating several nail-biting moments for the spectators. The match picked up pace in the final minutes of the first half, with both teams launching daring counter-attacks.

Nandhakumar Sekar came close to breaking the deadlock for East Bengal, but his volley narrowly missed the target. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan SG was equally relentless in their pursuit of victory. In extra time of the first half, Dimitri Petratos unleashed a ferocious shot that sailed over East Bengal’s goalkeeper and captain Prabhsukhan Gill.

The first half ended in a goalless stalemate, but it wasn’t without complications for Mohun Bagan. The team accumulated three yellow cards shortly before the break. As the clock ticked away, the tension in the stadium reached a crescendo. East Bengal had their opportunities, with six shots on target, but a lack of precision in the final third proved costly for the Red and Yellow Brigade. Despite enjoying an additional ten minutes of extra time in the second half, they couldn’t find the back of the net.

This victory was particularly sweet for Mohun Bagan SG, as it marked their first Durand Cup title since 2000. In previous attempts in 2004, 2009, and 2019, they had fallen short in the finals, with a heartbreaking loss to East Bengal in 2004.

The rivalry between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal is legendary in Indian football. Their clash in the group stages of the Durand Cup 2023 had ended in a 1-0 victory for East Bengal, their first win over their rivals in four years. However, when it truly mattered, Mohun Bagan SG rose to the occasion and etched their name in history.

Durand Cup 2023, the 132nd edition of this prestigious tournament, featured 24 teams, an increase of four from the previous year. The competition was fierce, but Mohun Bagan SG’s triumph demonstrated their unwavering commitment to excellence.