At the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Mohun Bagan Super Giant showcased their strength in style. They dismantled Diamond Harbour FC with a 5-1 victory to finish at the summit of Group B in the Durand Cup 2025. The Mariners’ attacking flair and composure proved too much for their opponents, ensuring a comfortable passage into the quarterfinals.
The match started at a brisk pace, with both teams eager to make an impact. Mohun Bagan drew first blood in the 19th minute through Anirudh Thapa. His early strike was a masterclass in precision and vision, bending the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area. The crowd roared as the Mariners took the lead, but Diamond Harbour had a swift reply.
Just four minutes later, a lapse in concentration from the Bagan defence proved costly. Luka Majcen was left unmarked inside the penalty box and made no mistake. He calmly slotted the ball past Vishal Kaith, restoring parity and igniting hope for the visitors. The equaliser brought the game to life, and for a while, both sides exchanged attacking moves.
Maclaren Restores the Lead Before the Break
The deadlock did not last long. In the 33rd minute, Diamond Harbour’s goalkeeper misjudged a goal-kick. Jamie Maclaren pounced on the loose ball and executed a sharp toe-poke finish. The goal was a testament to Maclaren’s awareness and poaching instincts, putting Mohun Bagan back in front.
From that moment, the Mariners looked increasingly confident. They pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and disrupted Diamond Harbour’s rhythm. The first half ended with Mohun Bagan leading 2-1, their dominance reflected in both possession and chances created.
The home supporters sensed more goals were coming. The team’s movement off the ball, combined with sharp passing, suggested that the second half could turn into a one-sided affair. Diamond Harbour, however, still hoped to find a way back.
Colaco’s Penalty Turns the Tide
The second half began with Mohun Bagan showing urgency and precision. Just minutes after the restart, Liston Colaco made a darting run into the penalty area. His dribble left defenders scrambling, and Naresh Singh Yendrembam brought him down. The referee wasted no time in awarding a penalty and showing a direct red card to the Diamond Harbour defender.
Reduced to ten men, Diamond Harbour faced an uphill battle. Colaco, brimming with confidence, stepped up to take the spot-kick. He sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and calmly placed the ball into the net. The 3-1 scoreline now gave Mohun Bagan complete control.
With the numerical advantage, the Mariners tightened their grip on the midfield. Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad dictated the tempo, finding gaps and creating relentless attacking waves. Diamond Harbour’s defensive structure began to crumble under the sustained pressure.
Sahal Adds to the Tally
In the 64th minute, Mohun Bagan’s persistence paid off once again. A misjudged clearance from Diamond Harbour fell directly to Sahal inside the area. With characteristic calm, he slotted the ball past the keeper. The 4-1 lead was now a clear sign of Mohun Bagan’s superiority on the night.
The home fans celebrated loudly, knowing the game was all but sealed. Sahal’s goal reflected not just his composure, but also the team’s ability to capitalise on every mistake. The Mariners were not done yet and kept pressing for more.
Cummings Seals a Perfect Night
As the clock ticked towards the final ten minutes, Mohun Bagan continued to dominate possession. The fifth and final goal came in the 80th minute. Jason Cummings found space on the edge of the box after a perfectly timed pass from midfield. Without hesitation, the Australian forward curled the ball beautifully into the net.
The goal summed up Mohun Bagan’s evening — clinical, composed, and ruthless in attack. With a 5-1 scoreline, the Mariners not only secured their place in the quarterfinals but also sent a strong message to future opponents.
Tactical Superiority and Team Spirit
Throughout the game, Mohun Bagan’s tactical approach stood out. They balanced defensive organisation with aggressive pressing, forcing Diamond Harbour into errors. Thapa’s vision, Maclaren’s positioning, Colaco’s pace, Sahal’s technical ability, and Cummings’ finishing created a lethal combination.
The team’s chemistry was evident in the way they transitioned from defence to attack. Even after gaining a comfortable lead, they maintained intensity and discipline, ensuring there were no chances for a Diamond Harbour comeback.
Diamond Harbour’s Hopes Hang by a Thread
For Diamond Harbour, the heavy defeat leaves qualification hopes uncertain. They must now wait for other group results to see if they can progress as one of the best runners-up. Luka Majcen’s goal was the only bright moment in a night of frustration for the visitors.
Playing with ten men for almost the entire second half hurt their chances significantly. The red card to Naresh Singh Yendrembam was a turning point that shifted momentum completely in Mohun Bagan’s favour.
Mariners Eye the Durand Cup Glory
With this win, Mohun Bagan have topped Group B and will enter the quarterfinals full of confidence. Their commanding performance against Diamond Harbour will boost morale and set the tone for the knockout stage.
The Durand Cup 2025 has already seen intense matches and surprise results, but Mohun Bagan’s display was a reminder of why they are one of India’s most celebrated football clubs. Their ability to blend experienced campaigners with energetic attackers makes them a formidable force.
Fans Celebrate in Style
The atmosphere at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan was electric throughout the night. The supporters played their part, chanting and waving club colours in celebration of each goal. The victory not only secured progression but also reinforced the strong connection between the team and its passionate fanbase.
As the players left the pitch, applause echoed around the stadium. The Mariners had delivered a performance worthy of their proud history, and the fans knew this could be the start of a special Durand Cup campaign.
Looking Ahead to the Knockouts
Mohun Bagan will now focus on preparing for the quarterfinals, where the competition will intensify. The coaching staff will be encouraged by the team’s balance between attack and defence. The challenge ahead will be to maintain consistency and avoid complacency.
Opponents in the knockout stage will study this performance closely, aware of the Mariners’ attacking threat. Yet, with confidence high and the squad in good form, Mohun Bagan will enter the next round as strong contenders for the Durand Cup 2025 title.
