Kolkata, August 23: The highlnder successfully defended their Durand Cup title. With a 5-1 victory over debutant Diamond Harbour FC in the grand finale of Durand Cup 2025, at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday evening, NorthEast United FC secured the 134 edition of the Durand Cup on their name.
The grand finale kicked off with high intensity as both Diamond Harbour FC and Northeast United FC pushed forward in search of an early breakthrough.
In the 4th minute, NorthEast United FC’s danger man Alaaeddine tried a shot from long range, keeper Mirshad saved the initial effort, and even after the rebound fell to Parthib inside the box, Mirshad stood tall again to deny the Highlanders.
Diamond Harbour slowly grew into the game, with Joby creating threats from the right. In the 24th minute, a low cross from Girik found Joby, whose header was punched out by the NorthEast United FC’s keeper. Moments later, in the 27th minute, Samuel passed the ball to Joby, who moved forward and unleashed a shot, it went side-netted.
NorthEast United FC took the lead in the 30th minute. Alaaeddine passed the ball to Redeem on the right side of the box. His shot was saved by Mirshad, but the loose ball fell kindly for Asheer, who capitalized on the moment in between the gathering and placed it into the net to make it 1-0 for NorthEast United FC.
DHFC tried to respond, with Rabilal earning a free-kick on the left side of the box in the 43rd minute. His delivery found Mikel Kortazar, but the header went wide.
Just before halftime, NorthEast United FC doubled their advantage. In stoppage time at 45+1st minute, Alaaeddine turned provider again, releasing the ball for Parthib on the left, he made a solo run, entered the box, and fired past the keeper to make it 2-0 for NorthEast United at the break.
The second half began with NorthEast United FC showing no signs of slowing down. Just five minutes after the restart, in the 50th minute, Alaaeddine once again turned creator, sending a pass from the left into the box where Thoi Singh arrived at the far post to place the ball into the net, extending the lead to 3-0.
Diamond Harbour FC kept pushing to find a way back. In the 63rd minute, Liansanga attempted a long-range strike, but the NorthEast United FC keeper was equal to the effort. Five minutes later, their persistence paid off. From a corner in the 68th minute, Rabilal’s delivery from the right was met by Joby, whose flying header deflected off Luka Majcen and found the back of the net, reducing the score gap to 3-1.
DHFC pressed forward with urgency in the final quarter. However, their hopes were faded in the 81st minute when Jairo struck NorthEast United FC’s fourth goal, restoring their three-goal lead at 4-1.
The defending champions weren’t done yet. In the 86th minute, Alaaeddine once again showcased his playmaking brilliance, squaring a ball from the left to Gaitan, who finished at the far post to make it 5-1.
Deep into stoppage time, a foul on Alaaeddine committed by Sairuatkima inside the box earned NorthEast United FC a penalty. The forward stepped up himself and converted in the 90+3rd minute, sealing the victory at 6-1.
NorthEast United FC’s dominant second-half display, led by golden boot and golden ball winner Alaaeddine’s masterclass in assists and finishing, ensured they successfully defended their crown in style, while debutant Diamond Harbour FC’s fairytale run ended at the final hurdle.
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