NorthEast United FC Shatter Records with Comprehensive 6-1 thrashing of Diamond Harbour FC in Durand Cup 2025 Final
- Swarnava Majumdar
- Aug 23
- 3 min read
NorthEast United FC produced a masterclass to beat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, equalling the record for most goals scored in a Durand Cup final ever and the first team since East Bengal to win back to back titles.
On a night that will be etched in history for centuries to come, defending champions NorthEast United FC unequivocally retained their Durand Cup title with a thumping 6-1 win over debutants Diamond Harbour FC. The 6-1 win is only second in place to the record for biggest goal aggregate in a Durand Cup final, the 9 goal affair between Highland Light Infantry and Shimla Rifles in 1889 when the British force won 8-1. More notably, NorthEast United became the first team after East Bengal's record three-in-a-row from 1989-1991 to win the Durand Cup again.
Match Report
Right from the outset, it was clear that Diamond Harbour FC could not find their rhythm that had assisted them in defeating ISL giants all along in their fairy tale run. The debutants, who had stunned Mohammedan SC, Jamshedpur FC, and East Bengal FC to make it to the final, appeared overwhelmed by the occasion and could not repeat their earlier magic.
NorthEast United's attacking performance was simply spectacular as six players netted the goals. Asheer Akhtar opened the floodgates before Parthib Gogoi, Huidrom Thoi Singh, Jairo Samperio, Andy Rodriguez, and top scorer in the tournament Alaaeddine Ajaraie also netted from the spot to seal the game in their favour. Ajaraie's goal meant that he moved into 8 goals in the tournament, securing the Golden Boot award for him.
Diamond Harbour's only glimpse of happiness was courtesy veteran forward Luka Majcen, whose deflected header seemed to sail past NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh in slow motion. The goal provided a brief hope for a comeback, but even after several attempts at resurrection, the Harbour Boys were unable to close the chasm of experience and class between the two teams.
Historical Significance
This win puts NorthEast United FC in elite company. The 6-1 margin is identical to the second largest margin of victory in a Durand Cup final, matching that of Somerset Light Infantry's 6-1 thrashing of Black Watch back in 1896. Highland Light Infantry's 8-1 victory over Shimla Rifles in 1889 won more goals in a final.
More significantly, NorthEast United FC becomes part of an exclusive group of clubs to win two Durand Cups consecutively. East Bengal FC's three consecutive titles from 1989-1991 were the last time any team did it, so this victory is that much more significant. The victory also makes NorthEast United a valid contender for future Indian Super League and Super Cup tournaments.
Diamond Harbour FC's Remarkable Journey
Despite the humiliating loss, the tournament sojourn of Diamond Harbour FC has to be praised to the fullest. The West Bengal team, which has only been established in 2020, had earned its I-League promotion for the first time after their I-League 2 title triumph without a single loss. Their Durand Cup final run in their first season was nothing less than phenomenal, having defeated three ISL clubs that included Kolkata giants like Mohammedan SC and East Bengal FC as well as Jamshedpur FC and winning the hearts of football enthusiasts from across the nation.
Under Spanish gaffer Kibu Vicuña, Diamond Harbour FC will now set their sights on the I-League, where they will seek consecutive promotions into the Indian Super League. Their stellar season has already put them in the limelight in Indian football's second tier.
The commanding win not only booked NorthEast United FC a spot in history but also suggested the increasing competitiveness and entertainment quotient of Indian football, where old colossus and newcomers alike provided moments to treasure that will last years.
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