Published on Aug 23:
KOLKATA: East Bengal FC produced a sensational performance to defeat arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the final of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday, lifting the historic trophies for the 17th time. The victory also saw East Bengal draw level with Mohun Bagan on 17 Durand Cup titles.
All five goals came in the first 45th minutes of the match.

In the 10th minute, East Bengal captain Mohamad Basim Rashid produced a wonderful through ball to release Bipin Singh on the left. Bipin made no mistake, finishing brilliantly towards the far post to put the Red and Gold Brigade ahead.
Two minutes later, East Bengal doubled their advantage. Edmund Lalrindika picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a superb strike that flew beyond the reach of Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to make it 2-0.
Mohun Bagan tried to respond, with Liston Colaco seeing his cross cleared by the East Bengal defence before a foul on him outside the box presented another opportunity. Colaco's free-kick appeared destined for the target, but East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill produced an excellent save to parry it away.
East Bengal were defending deep but remained dangerous whenever they won possession, and their third goal arrived in the 22nd minute.
It was another outstanding team move. Edmund started the move in the centre before the ball was worked towards the left and into the path of Hardik Bhatt. The right-back delivered towards Daniel Ramírez, who then played it into the centre. Edmund continued his run, collected the ball and showed brilliant skill to get past the goalkeeper and defender before calmly finishing into the near post.
The Mariners finally pulled one back in the 33rd minute. Lalengmawia played a wonderful through ball from midfield to Manvir Singh on the right. Manvir raced into the box before cutting inside and producing a superb finish towards the far post to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
In the 44th minute, Basim Rashid delivered a free-kick from the right towards the far post. Jay Gupta tapped it to redirect it across the face of goal, and Edmund was perfectly placed to finish from close range. The goal completed his hat-trick and restored East Bengal's three-goal advantage.
The Closing Ceremony was graced by Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh, who was the Chief Guest.
PHOTO CAPTION: Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh handing over the Durand Trophy to East Bengal team at the award presentation ceremony.