Kolkata : In a breathtaking display of dominance and skill, NorthEast United FC successfully defended their Durand Cup title by crushing debutants Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 in the final played at Kolkata’s iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on August 23, 2025.
The Highlanders set the tone early and never looked back. Asheer Akhtar opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a clinical finish from a corner kick. Just before halftime, Parthib Sundar Gogoi doubled the lead with a fiery strike during stoppage time, sending NorthEast United into the break with a solid 2-0 advantage.
The second half witnessed NorthEast United’s relentless attack. Thoi Singh made it 3-0 shortly after the restart, showcasing the team’s fluid midfield creativity and clinical edge. Diamond Harbour FC’s Luka Majcen offered a glimmer of hope with a consolation goal in the 69th minute, but the comeback was quickly extinguished by NorthEast United’s offensive firepower. Jairo Samperio Bustara, Andy Rodríguez, and Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who also scored the final goal from a stoppage-time penalty, sealed the emphatic victory.
Key Highlights:
An incredible six different goal scorers for NorthEast United symbolized their depth and teamwork.
The Highlanders become the first team since East Bengal (1989-1991) to defend the Durand Cup successfully.
Coach Juan Pedro Benali praised his team’s performance: “This win is a testament to the hard work, unity, and the spirit of this squad. We controlled the game from start to finish and deserved every goal.”
Diamond Harbour, despite their first major tournament appearance, showed promise and spirit but were overwhelmed by a superior opponent.
NorthEast United’s commanding victory cements their status as one of the top teams in Indian football, bringing pride to their fans and setting a high benchmark for future editions of the prestigious Durand Cup. The win also underscores their impressive run, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament’s 134th edition.
The Durand Cup 2025 final will be remembered not only for the scoreline but for the electrifying football exhibited by the Highlanders, who have now etched their name firmly in Indian football folklore once again.
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