Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal: Diamantakos' brace, Mariner's stale attack & other talking points from Kolkata Derby

East Bengal will now go on to face Diamond Harbour FC in the Durand Cup semifinals.

East Bengal FC secured bragging rights and a place in the semi-final of the Durand Cup after trouncing their arch rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant by a 2-1 scoreline in the historic Kolkata Derby at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan on Sunday, August 17.

East Bengal were clearly the superior side on the night as Dimitrios Diamantakos scored a timely goal in the 38th minute to put the Red and Gold brigade ahead at halftime. The Greek striker doubled his team’s lead in the 51st minute of the game before Anirudh Thapa pulled one back in the 69th.

However, despite Mohun Bagan’s late attempts at an equaliser, they never looked particularly threatening to the Anwar Ali-led East Bengal backline.

Also Read: Durand Cup 2025: Dimitrios Diamantakos scores twice to guide East Bengal to memorable win over Mohun Bagan in Kolkata Derby

In this article we take a look at three major talking points from the latest chapter of the iconic Kolkata Derby.

Diamantakos takes full advantage of his abrupt introduction

Dimitrios Diamantakos was not in Oscar Bruzon’s starting eleven. He was looking on from the bench when Hamid Ahadad rode a heavy challenge and went down to the ground. The script could not have favoured him any more, and he utilised his chance to the fullest.

The Greek marksman spread terror in the Bagan defence with his timely runs, consistent shots, and physicality. After Asish Rai was forced to commit a mistake in the box, he stepped up and comfortably converted, despite Vishal Kaith diving the right way.

A Golden Boot winner with Kerala Blasters, the striker had not performed to the expectations of the fans in the 2024/25 season. He seemed like a man transformed on Monday and struck again in the second half, scoring from a tight angle with a deflection from Alberto Rodriguez helping the ball into the goal.

Mohun Bagan’s incapacity in attack

Apart from set pieces, Mohun Bagan‘s attack of Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Jamie Maclaren seemed very tame in front of the Torchbearers’ defensive unit. It took an attempt from distance by Anirudh Thapa to finally score for the Mariners, who had otherwise been prolific in their goalscoring in the group stage.

While Jamie Maclaren is a terrific poacher, the limitations of his role were exposed by East Bengal, who easily dealt with his presence. Once the supply line was cut from the midfield, he was impotent at producing any meaningful moments from the game.

The likes of Liston and Sahal were not supported enough by the wingbacks in Passang and Abhishek, who were busier protecting the defence from East Bengal’s wingers.

A clear contrast in fitness levels

East Bengal’s players seemed sharper, quicker, and more in tune with their game plan, compared to Mohun Bagan. Prior to the game, Bagan’s head coach Jose Molina had said that one shouldn’t expect any ‘fireworks’ from his side. Well, there clearly weren’t any, as the Red and Gold Army easily outran them on the pitch.

Molina has had much less time to work with his group compared to Bruzon, who has been with the side since prior to the tournament. However, fans expect a team in the Kolkata Derby to be prepared to the best of their abilities purely due to the cruciality of the match for the city.

East Bengal are now set to face Diamond Harbour FC, who recorded a shock victory against Jamshedpur FC today. The Red and Gold Army are one step closer to winning the Durand Cup, having last won the title in 2004.

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