East Bengal FC stormed to a 4-1 demolition of arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final of the 135th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday, 23 August 2025, powered by a hat-trick from Edmund Lalrindika. The Red and Gold Brigade lifted the historic trophy for a 17th time, drawing level with Mohun Bagan's all-time tally.

Early blitz sets the tone

Mohun Bagan began with the greater share of possession, with Anirudh Thapa and Liston Colaco feeding Manvir Singh and Jamie Maclaren. But East Bengal struck twice inside two minutes to seize control.

In the 10th minute, captain Mohamad Basim Rashid slid a through ball to Bipin Singh on the left, who finished crisply into the far corner. Two minutes later, Lalrindika collected outside the box and rifled a strike beyond Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to make it 2-0.

Third goal breaks the game open

Colaco's promising free-kick was tipped away by East Bengal custodian Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, and moments later the Red and Gold extended the lead. In the 22nd minute, a flowing move involving Hardik Bhatt and Daniel Ramírez released Lalrindika, who beat the keeper and defender before slotting home at the near post.

Mohun Bagan pulled one back in the 33rd minute when Lalengmawia released Manvir on the right, and the winger cut inside to curl a superb finish into the far corner. The Mariners threatened again through Maclaren but could not convert.

Hat-trick before the break

Just before half-time, East Bengal restored their three-goal cushion. In the 44th minute, Rashid's free-kick from the right was flicked on by Jay Gupta, and Lalrindika tapped in from close range to complete his hat-trick. The half ended 4-1.

Mohun Bagan pushed after the restart but the East Bengal defence held firm, with Gill continuing to sweep behind his back-line. The scoreline stayed unchanged until the final whistle.

Individual honours

Vishal Kaith of Mohun Bagan SG collected the Golden Glove, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie of NorthEast United FC took the Golden Boot. Lalrindika was named Golden Ball winner for his match-defining showing. Each awardee received a ₹3 lakh cheque, with the Golden Ball winner additionally handed the key to an SUV.

What it means

The result levels the Durand Cup honours board at 17 titles apiece between the two Kolkata giants, resetting one of Indian football's oldest bragging rights. It also hands East Bengal a morale-lifting start to a season in which the club has been under pressure to translate derby dominance into sustained silverware.