Diamond Harbour FC Stage Tactical Masterclass to Shock East Bengal and Progress to Durand Cup Final

In perhaps the most dramatic turnaround in recent Durand Cup history, newcomers Diamond Harbour FC upset giants East Bengal FC 2-1 in the semi-final of the 134th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata. It was a night of tactical masterminding from head coach Kibu Vicuña, whose measured approach resembled the legendary pragmatism of José Mourinho, and had the Kolkata titans wondering what had hit them.

Right from the beginning, Diamond Harbour FC followed a strategy based on midfield and defensive overloads and denied East Bengal FC spaces which they have enjoyed all along in this season. The Red and Gold brigade, so often dominant through the midfield, were repeatedly forced wide and denied their usual quick combinations in central areas. Vicuña’s men set up an intricate blend of man marking on key playmakers Saúl Crespo and Miguel Figueira, and zonal coverage to nullify the threat of forwards and wingers.

East Bengal's Greek derby hero Dimitrios Diamantakos endured a forgettable evening, spurning a golden headed chance and later side netting a one on one. Goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill also suffered, conceding two goals he could have done better with.

The deadlock was broken in the 66th minute as Kortazar’s acrobatic effort put Diamond Harbour ahead, but East Bengal’s Anwar Ali replied just a minute later with a missile from distance. Against the run of play, former East Bengal FCfan favorite Jobby Justin delivered the winning blow in the 83rd minute. Despite East Bengal piling on late pressure, Vicuña’s men held out for a historic win.

Diamond Harbour FC now advance to their debut final, where they’ll face defending champions NorthEast United FC. The debutants’ fairytale run continues, built on tactical genius and relentless execution, a lesson in footballing underdog spirit that will be remembered for years.