Mohun Bagan Wins Durand Cup 2023, Beats East Bengal 1-0 in Kolkata Derby
Mohun Bagan Wins Durand Cup 2023, Beats East Bengal 1-0 in Kolkata Derby
Mohun Bagan ended their 19-year wait to win the Durand Cup on Sunday, defeating arch-rivals East Bengal 1-0 in the final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata.
The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances. But it was Mohun Bagan who took the lead in the 71st minute through Dimitrios Petratos. The Australian midfielder scored with a powerful shot from outside the box, which gave East Bengal goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya no chance.
East Bengal tried to equalize, but they were unable to break down Mohun Bagan’s defense. The Mariners held on for the win to clinch their 17th Durand Cup title, their first since 2004.
The victory was a sweet one for Mohun Bagan, who had lost to East Bengal in the final of the last three editions of the Durand Cup. It was also a special moment for Petratos, who scored the winning goal in his first Kolkata derby.
“It’s a great feeling to win the Durand Cup,” said Petratos. “It’s a trophy that every player in India wants to win. And to do it in a Kolkata derby makes it even more special.”
Mohun Bagan coach Kibu Vicuna was also delighted with the win. “I’m very happy for the players,” he said. “They worked hard all season and they deserved to win. This is a great achievement for the club.”
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for East Bengal, who had been the favorites to win the tournament. But they will be hoping to bounce back next year and end their long wait for a Durand Cup title.
The 2023 Durand Cup was a highly competitive tournament, with several teams capable of winning the title. But in the end, it was Mohun Bagan who came out on top. They showed great determination and character throughout the tournament, and they fully deserved to be crowned champions.
The victory is a major boost for Mohun Bagan, who have been struggling in recent years. It will give them a much-needed boost of confidence, and it will hopefully help them to challenge for more trophies in the coming seasons.
The Durand Cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious football tournaments in India. It was first held in 1921, and it has been won by some of the biggest clubs in the country. Mohun Bagan’s victory is a reminder of their long and illustrious history, and it is a fitting way to end their 19-year wait for a title.
The 2023 Durand Cup was a memorable tournament, and Mohun Bagan’s victory was a fitting conclusion. It was a match that will be remembered for years to come, and it is a moment that the players and fans of Mohun Bagan will cherish forever.
The match
The match started off with both teams trying to establish their dominance. Mohun Bagan had the better of the early exchanges, but they were unable to create any clear-cut chances. East Bengal grew into the game as the half progressed, and they had a few chances of their own. But neither team was able to break the deadlock before halftime.
The second half was more evenly contested, with both teams creating chances. Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 71st minute through Petratos. The Australian midfielder received the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that flew past Arindam Bhattacharya and into the net.
East Bengal tried to equalize, but they were unable to find a way past Mohun Bagan’s defense. The Mariners held on for the win to clinch their 17th Durand Cup title.
The players
Petratos was the star of the show for Mohun Bagan. He scored the winning goal and was a constant threat throughout the match. He was also involved in several other good chances.
Other players who stood out for Mohun Bagan included goalkeeper Shilton Paul, defender Abhishek Das, and midfielder Akash Mishra. Paul made a number of good saves to keep East Bengal at bay, while Das and Mishra were solid at the back.
For East Bengal, striker Balwant Singh was their best player. He worked hard and created a few chances, but he was unable to get on the scoresheet.
Other players who performed well for East Bengal included midfielder Milan Singh and defender Adil Khan. Singh was a driving force in midfield, while Khan was solid at the back.
The coaches
Kibu Vicuna was the man of the match for Mohun Bagan. He made some good substitutions and got his tactics spot on. He was also able to motivate his players to perform at their best.
Jose Manuel Diaz was the coach of East Bengal. He will be disappointed with the result, but he can take some positives from the performance of his team.
The fans
The atmosphere at the VYBK was electric. The fans of both teams were in full voice and they created a great atmosphere. The fans of Mohun Bagan were particularly vocal, and they celebrated their team’s victory with great joy.
The legacy
The victory will be a major boost for Mohun Bagan. It will give them a much-needed boost of confidence, and it will hopefully help them to challenge for more trophies in the coming seasons.
The defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow for East Bengal, but they will be hoping to bounce back next year and end their long wait for a Durand Cup title.
The 2023 Durand Cup was a memorable tournament, and Mohun Bagan’s victory was a fitting conclusion. It was a match that will be remembered for years to come, and it is a moment that the players and fans of Mohun Bagan will cherish forever.
Read This Also: Mohun Bagan Super Giant Defeats Mumbai City FC 3-1 to Advance to Durand Cup Semifinals
The future
Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will be looking to build on their performances in the 2023 Durand Cup. Mohun Bagan will be hoping to challenge for the ISL title, while East Bengal will be hoping to win the I-League.
The rivalry between the two teams is one of the oldest and most intense in Indian football. It is a rivalry that is sure to continue for many years to come.
