United FC put on a commanding show to defeat Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 in the Durand Cup final at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, defending their crown in style. The Highlanders were 2-0 up at half-time before going on the rampage in the second half, recording the widest margin of victory in a Durand Cup final after Independence.
NorthEast United’s Goal Fest
Asheer Akhtar opened the scoring in the half-hour mark before Parthib Gogoi doubled the advantage in stoppage time of the first half. In the second half, Thoi Singh, substitute Jairo Samperio, Andres Rodriguez, and Alaaeddine Ajaraie (penalty) contributed with four more goals to register a historic win. Diamond Harbour’s consolation came only through Luka Majcen in the middle of the second half.
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Dream Run Ends For Diamond Harbour
Diamond Harbour FC, who had penned a fairytale run by eliminating ISL giants Jamshedpur FC and East Bengal on the way to the final, were unable to maintain that touch in the title decider. NorthEast United dominated right from the beginning, mixing impenetrable defending with incisive midfield domination and ruthless finishing in front of goal.
Back-to-Back Champions
The Highlanders, having overtaken Mohun Bagan Super Giant on penalties in last year’s decider, did one better this season with a crushing performance. In this victory, NorthEast United were just the second team following East Bengal (1989–1991) to have achieved retaining the Durand Cup title in post-Independence times.
