Durand Cup 2025: East Bengal defeated arch-nemesis Mohun Bagan Super Giants by 2-1 during a fiery Kolkata Derby on Sunday and thus qualified for the quarterfinal in a packed stadium. Dimitros Diamantakos' goal had become worthwhile, whereas Anurag Thapa's strike had kept the match alive till the last whistle.

East Bengal began the match on a high note and thus gave Jose Molina's men a hard time. They were in the third minute when Hamid Ahada ensured that Vishal Kaith got an early save. But East Bengal got a huge setback as Ahadad was seen limping off the ground owing to an injury during the 18th minute, and Diamantakos replaced him.

This decision worked in their favour. Post a shaky first half-hour, East Bengal got a penalty during the 36th minute, when Ashish Rai brought Bipin Singh down. Diamantakos rose to the occasion and scored the spot kick, and helped his team take the lead. Mohun Bagan was seen struggling before the break, since their only chance was Apiua's long-range strike, which went wide till the stoppage time.

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The second half started at a chaotic speed. East Bengal doubled their lead during the 52nd minute, when Mahesh Singh tried to stop Diamantakos, whose deflected low dive surpassed Keith. His aggressive celebration landed him in trouble, but East Bengal's fans began celebrating wildly.

Mohun Bagan did try to bounce back after trailing by 2-0. Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad inched closer, but goalkeeper Prabsukhan Gill and defender Kevin Sibille stopped them. This worked for Thvm during the 68th minute, where Anurag Thapa produced a brilliant effort and scored a goal, and helped the team bounce back.

Towards the fag end of the match, Mohun Bagan succumbed to immense pressure. Petratros and Ashish Rai gave Gill a hard time as Petratros and Lalchungnunga were involved in a heated exchange. Both teams got six minutes of extra time, and East Bengal's team performed brilliantly and thus scripted a famous victory.

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For them, this victory was more than just qualifying for the next stage of the Durand Cup, and it showed their intent as well. As far as Mohun Bagan is concerned, questions would be asked about their disappointing start and their inability to take control at crucial stages.

East Bengal will lock horns with Diamond Harbour during the semifinal.