East Bengal’s Historic 17th Durand Cup Triumph: A Derby, A Hat-Trick and a Long-Awaited Return to Glory
East Bengal’s Historic 17th Durand Cup Triumph: A Derby, A Hat-Trick and a Long-Awaited Return to Glory
KOLKATA: Twenty-two years after their last Durand Cup triumph, East Bengal have reclaimed one of Indian football’s most coveted trophies — and they did it in spectacular fashion.
The Red and Gold Brigade defeated arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the 2026 Durand Cup final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, lifting the historic trophy for the 17th time and equalling Mohun Bagan’s record as the most successful team in the competition’s history.
But this was more than just another title. It was a statement victory in Indian football’s biggest rivalry — one that ended East Bengal’s 22-year wait and avenged their defeat to Mohun Bagan in the 2023 Durand Cup final.
A First Half to Remember
East Bengal came into the final under the guidance of experienced Spanish coach Antonio López Habas, and his side produced a performance that was clinical, disciplined and devastating on the counter.
The breakthrough arrived in the 10th minute. Captain Mohammed Rashid won possession in the opposition half before finding Bipin Singh, who calmly finished from inside the box to give East Bengal an early lead.
Just two minutes later, the Red and Golds struck again.
Edmund Lalrindika burst forward and unleashed a powerful effort from distance. The shot took a deflection off Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith before finding the net.
And Edmund was only getting started.
In the 22nd minute, he doubled his personal tally after receiving a clever pass from Daniel Ramirez. Rounding the advancing Kaith, the forward calmly slotted the ball into an empty net to make it 3-0.
Mohun Bagan managed to pull one back through Manvir Singh in the 33rd minute, briefly giving the Mariners a glimmer of hope.
But East Bengal had the final say before half-time.
In the 44th minute, Rashid delivered a teasing ball into the box, Jay Gupta squared it across goal, and Edmund was there once again to complete his hat-trick.
Four goals. One half. One unforgettable performance.
Edmund Lalrindika Steals the Show
The final belonged to Edmund.
His three goals turned him into the undisputed hero of the derby and provided the defining moment of East Bengal’s championship campaign.
While Mohun Bagan enjoyed possession after the break, East Bengal remained compact and organised. Rather than chasing another goal, Habas’ men protected their advantage with discipline, allowing the clock to work in their favour.
The Mariners could not find a way through.
When the final whistle arrived, the scoreboard read East Bengal 4, Mohun Bagan 1.
The wait was over.
22 Years Later, the Trophy Returns
East Bengal’s previous Durand Cup triumph had come in 2004, when they defeated Mohun Bagan 2-1 in the final. Since then, the historic trophy had remained out of their hands.
Their 2026 victory therefore carried a special significance.
It also completed a remarkable piece of derby redemption. In the 2023 Durand Cup final, Mohun Bagan had defeated East Bengal 1-0 to claim their 17th title. Three years later, East Bengal not only returned to the summit clash — they dominated it.
The victory means both Kolkata giants now stand level on 17 Durand Cup titles each, underlining the extraordinary legacy of the rivalry in the competition.
A Night That Belonged to the Red and Gold
For East Bengal, this was not simply a trophy lifted at the end of a tournament.
It was the culmination of a 22-year wait.
It was revenge for a painful final defeat.
It was a record-equalling 17th crown.
And, fittingly, it came against their fiercest rivals.
As the Red and Gold colours filled the stands and the celebrations began in Kolkata, East Bengal had written another unforgettable chapter in the history of the Durand Cup.
Seventeen titles. Twenty-two years of waiting. One unforgettable Kolkata Derby.
East Bengal are Durand Cup champions once again.