On 17 August 2025, East Bengal FC made a bold statement in Indian football’s oldest rivalry by defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2–1 in the Durand Cup quarter-final at Salt Lake Stadium. Greek substitute Dimitrios Diamantakos stepped off the bench and scored twice—first from the penalty spot and then from open play.
Anirudh Thapa replied for Mohun Bagan midway through the second half, yet East Bengal held firm to secure a semi‑final place against Diamond Harbour FC. The result ended Mohun Bagan’s 19‑match unbeaten run at the stadium and marked East Bengal’s first major derby success since 2023.
How East Bengal tamed their neighbors
The game, seen by 58,676 fans, changed when East Bengal’s Moroccan player Hamid Ahadad left the field early due to an injury. Coach Oscar Bruzon brought in Diamantakos, and it made a big difference in the game.
East Bengal got a chance when Bipin Singh was fouled in the box; the Greek striker scored the penalty to make it 1-0. East Bengal scored again early in the second half with another goal from Diamantakos after a nice team play.
Mohun Bagan made the score closer when Liston Colaco took a quick free-kick that let Anirudh Thapa score with a nice shot, but the red-and-gold defence kept stopping many attacks in the end. When the whistle blew, a big splash of red and gold came out.
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Key moments and numbers
Mohun Bagan enjoyed plenty of possession, but their first shot on target came only after the break. East Bengal were ruthless: two of their four efforts ended up in the net.
The goals, attendance and main events are summarised below:
| Minute | Team | Goal‑scorer | Note |
| 38’ | East Bengal | Dimitrios Diamantakos | Penalty after foul on Bipin singh |
| 52’ | East Bengal | Dimitrios Diamantakos | Deflected shot after slick passing |
| 68’ | Mohun Bagan | Anirudh Thapa | Curled finish from set‑piece |
- Attendance: 58,676
- Venue: Salt Lake Stadium
The win snapped Mohun Bagan’s 19‑match unbeaten run at the venue, and gave East Bengal their first senior derby victory in six attempts.
EAST BENGAL ELIMINATE MOHUN BAGAN!!!! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/oYBy9WXho4
— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) August 17, 2025
The rivalry and the bigger picture
The Kolkata Derby is one of the toughest football matches in Asia, with each team showing different groups of people. Mohun Bagan came in as the defending champions of the Durand Cup, but East Bengal’s strong team, shown by their substitute Diamantakos, changed the story.
Jose Molina’s team made chances from set pieces but struggled in open play; this derby showed fans how quickly things can change.
East Bengal will meet Diamond Harbour on 20 August, while Shillong Lajong play NorthEast United a day earlier. Diamantakos, now on three goals, and creative midfielder Miguel Figueira will be key as East Bengal chase their first Durand Cup final since 2004.
Amit Mishra’s Take
As a writer and football journalist and enthusiast: This derby showed how a match can feel like poetry; East Bengal’s resurgence and Mohun Bagan’s near comeback were thrilling.
