The Durand Cup 2025 continues to deliver thrilling football action, and one of the most talked-about matches so far took place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where Mohun Bagan Super Giant outclassed Diamond Harbour FC with a commanding 5-1 victory. This emphatic win not only secured Mohun Bagan’s place in the quarterfinals but also established them as one of the clear favorites for the tournament.
From the opening whistle, the Mariners showcased their attacking intent, blending pace, precision, and tactical discipline. Despite a brief moment when Diamond Harbour FC threatened to make a contest of it, Mohun Bagan’s superior quality shone through.
A Must-Win Clash in the Durand Cup 2025
Heading into the fixture, the stakes were high for both sides. Mohun Bagan needed at least a draw to confirm their place in the Durand Cup 2025 knockout stage, but the Mariners made it clear they were chasing nothing less than a victory. For Diamond Harbour FC, the situation was even more delicate; a defeat would mean relying on other results to stand any chance of advancing as one of the best second-placed teams.
The Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, one of India’s most iconic football venues, was buzzing with anticipation. Fans of both clubs filled the stands, with Mohun Bagan supporters in full voice, confident of their team’s progress.
First-Half Drama: Early Blows and Quick Responses
Thapa Opens the Scoring
The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when Anirudh Thapa showcased his technical brilliance. Latching onto a crisp first-time pass at the edge of the box, Thapa unleashed a curling effort into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. It was a goal worthy of the Durand Cup 2025 highlight reels — precise, composed, and unstoppable.
Diamond Harbour’s Equalizer
However, Mohun Bagan’s joy was short-lived. Just four minutes later, a lapse in defensive concentration proved costly. Luka Majcen found himself completely unmarked in the penalty area, and with ice-cold composure, he slotted the ball past Vishal Kaith to make it 1-1. The equalizer injected belief into the Diamond Harbour ranks, and for a brief period, the match looked evenly poised.
Turning the Tide: Mohun Bagan Regain Control
Maclaren Restores the Lead
The deadlock didn’t last long. In the 33rd minute, Diamond Harbour’s goalkeeper gifted Mohun Bagan a golden opportunity with a misplaced goal-kick. Jamie Maclaren, ever alert, intercepted and toe-poked the ball past the stranded custodian. The Mariners went into the break leading 2-1, buoyed by their aggressive pressing and clinical finishing.
Second-Half Domination
Red Card Changes the Game
The match took a decisive turn early in the second half. Liston Colaco made a dazzling run into the box, only to be brought down by Naresh Singh Yendrembam. The challenge was deemed a denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity, earning Naresh a direct red card. Reduced to ten men, Diamond Harbour’s defensive structure began to crumble.
Colaco Converts from the Spot
Colaco stepped up to take the resulting penalty and made no mistake. Sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, he slotted home to extend Mohun Bagan’s lead to 3-1. The crowd erupted, sensing that the result was now beyond doubt.
Midfield Masterclass
With a man advantage, Mohun Bagan’s midfield trio – Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Hugo Boumous began to dictate the tempo. Short, sharp passing sequences opened up spaces, and Diamond Harbour were forced to defend deep.
In the 64th minute, a defensive misjudgment left Sahal one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Demonstrating composure under pressure, he calmly slotted the ball into the net to make it 4-1.
Sealing the Victory
The icing on the cake came in the 80th minute. Australian forward Jason Cummings received a pinpoint pass on the edge of the penalty area. With a glance up, he curled a superb shot past the goalkeeper, completing the 5-1 rout. The goal was a perfect demonstration of Cummings’ technique and Mohun Bagan’s ruthless attacking depth.
Key Performers in Mohun Bagan’s Win
Anirudh Thapa
Thapa’s opener set the tone for the evening. His vision, passing range, and work rate were instrumental in maintaining Mohun Bagan’s midfield dominance.
Jamie Maclaren
Maclaren’s opportunistic strike in the first half swung momentum firmly in Bagan’s favor. His relentless pressing also disrupted Diamond Harbour’s build-up play.
Liston Colaco
Colaco’s pace and dribbling caused constant problems for the opposition defense. Winning and scoring the penalty was a pivotal moment in the match.
Sahal Abdul Samad
Sahal’s ability to exploit space and finish clinically added to Mohun Bagan’s attacking arsenal. His goal underlined the team’s technical superiority.
Jason Cummings
Cummings capped off the evening in style with a sensational curling effort, proving why he’s such a valuable asset in the final third.
What the Result Means for the Durand Cup 2025
With this victory, Mohun Bagan secured the top spot in Group B of the Durand Cup 2025, ensuring their progression to the quarterfinals. They have now sent a strong message to other contenders, showing that they can dominate both in possession and on the counter.
For Diamond Harbour FC, the heavy defeat leaves their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Their fate now depends on how other group matches unfold.
Historical Context: Mohun Bagan and the Durand Cup
The Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest football tournament, first held in 1888. Mohun Bagan has a proud history in the competition, with several title wins to their name. The Durand Cup 2025 presents another opportunity for the Mariners to add to their trophy cabinet and cement their legacy as one of India’s most successful football clubs.