135th Durand Cup Final: Mohun Bagan Eye Record 18th Title Against East Bengal

Kolkata: Asia’s oldest football tournament will witness one of Indian football’s biggest rivalries when Mohun Bagan Super Giant take on East Bengal FC in the final of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday.

The final brings the tournament back to where it began four weeks ago, with the two Kolkata giants meeting at the same venue in the opening match.

Mohun Bagan won that first derby 1-0 through Sahal Abdul Samad’s second-half strike, and East Bengal now have the opportunity to reverse the result on the biggest stage.

Mohun Bagan have been the most consistent side in the tournament, remaining unbeaten throughout their campaign.

The Mariners topped Group A with a perfect record after defeating East Bengal, followed by an 8-0 victory over South United FC and a 6-0 win against CISF Protectors.

Sahal was the standout performer in the group stage, scoring a hat-trick against CISF Protectors after earlier scoring the derby winner.

Their knockout journey, however, tested their resilience. Mohun Bagan edged Jamshedpur FC in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 quarter-final draw and defeated defending champions NorthEast United FC on penalties in a rain-affected semi-final.

Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith played a key role, saving two penalties to help his team reach the final.

East Bengal’s campaign has been shaped by their response to the opening defeat against Mohun Bagan.

After losing the first derby, they bounced back with an 8-0 win over CISF Protectors and a 5-0 victory against South United FC to progress to the knockout stage.

Their knockout victories have been built on defensive discipline and composure. East Bengal defeated Indian Army FT 1-0 in the quarter-final before overcoming Sporting Club Delhi in a penalty shootout after a goalless semi-final.

Captain Mohammed Basim Rashid and goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill have been crucial figures for East Bengal during their run.

The two clubs have a long history in the Durand Cup, with Sunday’s final marking their 13th meeting in the tournament’s title clash.

Both teams have won five Durand Cup finals against each other, while two finals ended with them sharing the title.

Mohun Bagan enter the final as the competition’s most successful club with 17 titles. Victory would extend their record to 18 championships.

East Bengal, with 16 titles, have the chance to draw level with their traditional rivals.

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The final is expected to be a tactical contest between two contrasting approaches.

East Bengal coach Antonio López Habas has focused on defensive organisation, quick transitions and counter-attacking football.

Mohun Bagan coach Panagiotis Dilmperis has encouraged a possession-based style built around controlling territory and creating attacking pressure.

The match could be decided by which side handles the emotional pressure of the Kolkata Derby better.

Mohun Bagan will also have additional attacking options with new signings Miguel Figueira and Lallianzuala Chhangte available.

Both players featured as substitutes in the semi-final against NorthEast United FC and could provide fresh attacking energy if the final remains tightly contested.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)