In a big final in Kolkata, NorthEast United FC scored a lot of goals, beating Diamond Harbour FC 6–1 to keep the Durand Cup title. The champions played amazingly right from the start – six players scored for NorthEast United, depicting the team’s strength.
New team Diamond Harbour, who surprised well-known teams to get to the final, could only score one goal that was deflected. The Highlanders won big, making them the first team in 34 years to keep the Durand Cup title, showing they are the top team in India’s oldest football tournament.
[UPDATE] Goals Galore in One-Sided Final
After a cautious opening to the match, NorthEast United gradually seized control of possession. The breakthrough came at the half-hour mark when center-back Asheer Akhtar pounced on a loose ball during a corner and slammed it home to make it 1–0.
Diamond Harbour tried to respond and showed a few sparks – Jobby Justin even forced goalkeeper Gurmeet into a save with a sharp header – but the underdogs struggled to crack the Northeast defense. Just before halftime, Parthib Gogoi doubled the lead with a curling strike into the far corner, leaving Diamond Harbour chasing shadows as the teams went into the break at 2–0.
NorthEast quickly crushed any hopes of a Diamond Harbour comeback soon after the interval. In the 50th minute, Huidrom Thoi Singh tapped in NorthEast’s third goal after a brilliant low cross from Ajaraie on the left flank.
That strike made it 3–0 and effectively put the game to bed. Diamond Harbour pulled one back in the 68th minute when Jobby Justin’s header from a corner ricocheted in off NEUFC striker Luka Majcen.
Yet the Highlanders responded with a late flurry of goals like a storm overwhelming a ship at sea. Substitute Jairo Samperio blasted in a long-range shot in the 81st minute to make it 4–1. Just minutes later, Spanish midfielder Andy Rodríguez slid in to finish another Ajaraie assist for 5–1.
Fittingly, Alaaeddine Ajaraie capped the carnage in stoppage time by winning and converting a penalty kick, bringing the final score to 6–1.
Good morning, Highlanders! ✌🏼@TheJohnAbraham #StrongerAsOne #8States1United #134thEditionofIndianOilDurandCup pic.twitter.com/eKUcq8lBeg
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) August 24, 2025
[TRENDING] Historic Triumph Makes Headlines
The NorthEast United players are happy as they hold the Durand Cup trophy after their big win in Kolkata. NorthEast United won big, making history with the biggest win ever in a Durand Cup final since 1896.
Also, this title defense in a row makes NEUFC the first team since East Bengal (1989–91) to keep the Durand Cup in two years in a row. Fans and experts are amazed by the six goals, with many saying the Highlanders play really well and have great talent.
The winners took all the special awards – Ajaraie got both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball for being the top scorer and the best player, while goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh won the Golden Glove.
[WHAT’S HAPPENING] Statement Victory Amid Challenges
NorthEast United’s big win happens while there are problems in Indian club football. Many top ISL teams thought about not playing or using backup teams in the Durand Cup because of pre-season timing and money worries.
But NorthEast United – a club not very rich – decided to use its best players and focus on keeping its title. That risk, supported by owner John Abraham, worked out great with a 6–1 win.
At the same time, Diamond Harbour FC, a new team in the I-League, can still feel proud even after the tough loss. The new team from Kolkata had a great journey to the final (even beating East Bengal on the way) and learned a lot from playing in big matches.
As things calm down, both the winners and the second-place team will carry many good things with them. NorthEast United is feeling strong as the new season approaches, and Diamond Harbour is showing that it is becoming a strong team in the country.
Etched in the history books! 🏆📖
The first team to defend their title since 1991!#StrongerAsOne #8States1United #134thEditionofIndianOilDurandCup pic.twitter.com/NWaZFfOwtg— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) August 23, 2025
Amit Mishra’s Thoughts
This game seemed like a message to everyone in Indian football. NorthEast United played very well, showing great skill and being very strong in their attack.
It shows that even a practice game can have great excitement. Seeing a big win like this in the Durand Cup final is a fun reminder of why I enjoy reporting on this sport.
