NorthEast United vs Diamond Harbour: New Era, Benali dominates, Thrashing for debutants, and other talking points

NorthEast United FC have scripted history by defending their Durand Cup trophy.

August 23, 2025, would go down as a historic day in the history of NorthEast United FC. The club has left the shadows of gloom behind and embarked on a new journey. The Highlanders have lifted the Durand Cup trophy for the second time in a row. They convincingly beat Diamond Harbour FC with a 6-1 scoreline. That speaks volumes about the dominance that NorthEast United had in the grand finale.

The Highlander Brigade would be ecstatic seeing their club being consistent and putting another silverware in the cabinet that had been vacant for almost a decade till 2024. What was touted as an exciting summit clash proved to be a training routine for the defending Durand Cup champions. In this article, we will look into the major talking points from the final between NorthEast United FC and Diamond Harbour FC.

Also Read: NorthEast United FC rout Diamond Harbour FC to win second consecutive Durand Cup title

New Era Beckons

This Durand Cup triumph is nothing but historic for NorthEast United FC. One can say with conviction that this victory is a stamp on the beginning of a new era at the club. If the first decade of their existence was a decade of hardships, they have started the new decade with an unprecedented achievement. The fans have seen debacles one after another, but now is the time for them to rejoice as the optimism reaches a new level.

The last 12 months have been a story of redemption for NorthEast United, not just on the pitch but off it as well. This consecutive Durand Cup glory would put them in the league of those who not only compete but also win. This change in the DNA of the club would push them to knock on all those doors that have remained shut for them so far.

Benali commands respect

Juan Pedro Benali has just transformed an institution that was languishing with successive seasons plagued by heartbreak and disappointment. The Spaniard has made sure that not just NorthEast United fans but all those who follow Indian Football stand up and take note of his football acumen. Whether it is about the players he has brought to the club, the tactics he has employed, or the words that he has spoken, Benali has been on the money on all those metrics.

He ended the draught last year by lifting the Durand Cup and backed that achievement with an impressive fourth finish in the Indian Super League. The man is not stopping anytime soon, and this triumphant Durand Cup defense is glaring evidence to suggest that.

Long way to go for Diamond Harbour FC

Diamond Harbour FC have been a revelation in this year’s Durand Cup. They have shocked many by making it to the finals, but there is still a long way to go for the newly promoted I League side. The gap between the two finalists was visible. Diamond Harbour succumbed to the pressure of the occasion. They were playing in a match of this stature for the first time, and they looked jittery throughout. The Kibu Vicuna-led side was blown away by the Highlanders in the first half as they went on to score 3 goals before the interval.

Before the I League season starts, this was the perfect preparation for Diamond Harbour. This campaign will be the biggest lesson for them in their quest to establish their presence in Indian Football. If they learn from the mistakes they have made and continue to do the right things they have done throughout the tournament, the biggest stage in Indian Football is not a far cry for them.

A team performance

After the semi-final against Shillong Lajong, there were a lot of doubts about whether NorthEast United FC would be able to impress in the final. The team lacked cohesion in the attack when they faced Shillong. The Highlanders could only score one goal, and that too courtesy a long-range effort from Redeem Tlang.

However, Benali’s boys shut the shop for all the critics with their majestic outing in the final. The Highlanders did not dominate the possession stat, but focused on converting the chances. Making amends to their wasteful performance in the semi-final, NorthEast United were razor sharp in the finale. A whopping six goals with no brace for any goalscorer shows that this was a collective effort from the team, which is a great sign for the club moving ahead in the season.

Credit to club ownership

The ownership of ISL clubs has often come under scrutiny for just doing lip service and not actually making an impact on the ground. However, for the last few years, things at NorthEast United FC have taken a completely contrasting route.

All credit to the belligerent and passionate ownership of the club. Right from the owner to the top management officials, all of them have made the right decisions that have produced the right results for the team.

Not just picking the right individuals to lead the team on the pitch, but they have also created an ecosystem around the club that reflects that it is a serious institution, hungry to win at any cost. This new ecosystem would have an enduring effect on the club and provide a big boost in establishing a culture, something that is a must for any successful team.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.