Edmund Lalrindika's hat trick leads East Bengal to a 4-1 victory against Mohun Bagan, securing their 17th Durand Cup championship.

In a thrilling display of football, East Bengal triumphed over their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan with a decisive 4-1 victory in the Durand Cup final held on Sunday. This win not only marked East Bengal's 17th title in the prestigious tournament, equaling the record held by Mohun Bagan, but also ended a 22-year drought for the Red and Gold Brigade, who last lifted the trophy in 2004.

East Bengal showcased their attacking prowess right from the start, with captain Mohammed Rashid playing a pivotal role in the midfield. The team wasted no time in asserting their dominance, scoring four goals in a breathtaking first half that left Mohun Bagan reeling. The scoring began in the 10th minute when Rashid set up Bipin Singh, who found the back of the net with a composed left-footed finish.

Just two minutes later, Edmund Lalrindika doubled the lead with a powerful strike from 20 yards that deflected off Mohun Bagan's goalkeeper, Vishal Kaith, before settling into the net. Lalrindika continued to torment the opposition, scoring again in the 22nd minute after a well-placed pass from Daniel Ramirez allowed him to round the keeper and slot the ball into an empty net.

Rashid's influence was evident once more as he assisted Lalrindika's hat-trick goal in the 44th minute, delivering a precise cross that allowed the striker to tap in from close range. Despite Manvir Singh's attempt to spark a comeback for Mohun Bagan with a goal in the 33rd minute, the first half ended with East Bengal firmly in control.

As the match progressed, East Bengal maintained their composure and discipline, effectively neutralizing any threats posed by Mohun Bagan. The victory was particularly significant for coach Antonio Lopez Habas, who has deep connections to both clubs. Having previously led ATK to two Indian Super League titles and enjoyed a successful tenure with Mohun Bagan, Habas returned to the Kolkata derby with a new vision for East Bengal.

Under his guidance, the team displayed a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, a combination that proved too much for their rivals. This triumph not only avenged their previous loss to Mohun Bagan in the 2023 final but also solidified East Bengal's status in the annals of the Durand Cup's rich history, with both teams now boasting 17 titles each.