East Bengal take 2-1 win vs Mohun Bagan, Diamantakos' brace seals fiery derby win

East Bengal secured a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in a tense Kolkata Derby at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday, sealing a crucial Durand Cup quarterfinal win in front of a roaring crowd. A brace from Dimitrios Diamantakos proved decisive, while Anirudh Thapa’s strike for the Mariners kept the contest alive until the final whistle.

The match began with East Bengal on the front foot, pressing hard and unsettling Jose Molina’s men. The Red and Gold Brigade nearly went ahead in the third minute when Hamid Ahadad forced Vishal Kaith into an early save. However, East Bengal’s plans suffered a setback when Ahadad limped off with an injury in the 18th minute, replaced by Diamantakos.

That change turned into a blessing in disguise. After a cagey opening half-hour, East Bengal were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute when Bipin Singh was brought down by Asish Rai. Diamantakos stepped up and smashed the spot-kick home to hand his side the lead. Mohun Bagan struggled to respond before the break, with their only real attempt being Apuia’s long-range strike that sailed wide in stoppage time.

The second half began at a frantic pace. East Bengal doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute when Mahesh Singh teed up Diamantakos, whose deflected low drive beat Kaith for his second of the evening. The Greek striker’s animated celebration earned him a booking, but the East Bengal faithful erupted in joy.

Mohun Bagan finally came alive after going two goals down. Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad went close, only to be denied by goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill and defender Kevin Sibille. Their persistence was rewarded in the 68th minute when Anirudh Thapa curled a superb effort into the net to spark hopes of a comeback.

The final stages were all about Mohun Bagan’s relentless pressure. Petratos and Asish Rai both tested Gill, while tempers flared in a heated scuffle between Lalchungnunga and Petratos. Despite six minutes of added time, East Bengal’s defence held firm to seal a famous derby triumph.

For East Bengal, this win is more than just progression in the Durand Cup—it is an early statement of intent. For Mohun Bagan, the result raises questions over their sluggish start and lack of control in key moments.

East Bengal will now have to go up against Diamond Harbour in the semi-final.