Football
Durand Cup final preview: Mohun Bagan SG faces NorthEast United in the summit clash
All eyes will be on the thrilling encounter, which could see Mohun Bagan clinch a record-breaking 18th Durand Cup title or NorthEast United secure their first-ever trophy
Molina with Benali (Photo credit: Durand Cup)
The excitement is building as the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup reaches its climax.
Tomorrow, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, the defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face off against the high-flying NorthEast United FC in a final that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
Kick-off is set for 5:30 PM IST, with live coverage available on the Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten2 HD) and streaming on the SonyLiv OTT platform.
Head-to-Head Record
Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs. NorthEast United FC
In their previous encounters, Mohun Bagan have enjoyed a dominant record over NorthEast United. Out of 10 matches played between the two teams:
- Mohun Bagan Wins: 7
- NorthEast United Wins: 2
- Draws: 1
This historical edge provides Mohun Bagan with a psychological advantage heading into the final, but NorthEast United's recent form and tactical improvements could make this clash particularly challenging.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
The defending champion, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have shown remarkable resilience throughout this tournament. After securing narrow victories in both their knockout matches—first against Punjab FC and then Bengaluru FC—thanks to dramatic penalty shootouts, the Mariners are eager to wrap up their campaign with a title win.
Head Coach Jose Molina is aware of the immense pressure of playing on home soil but remains confident in his squad’s abilities: “It’s really good to have home support but on the pitch, it will be eleven players taking on eleven players. There will be pressure as the home side but the players are experienced enough to handle that.”
With key players like Vishal Kaith in goal and a potent attacking lineup featuring Dimitri Petratos, Greg Stewart, and Jason Cummings, Mohun Bagan will be relying on their star-studded roster to deliver. They have scored prolifically but need to address the defensive vulnerabilities that were exposed in the knockout rounds.
NorthEast United FC
NorthEast United FC come into the final with an impressive track record in the tournament, having breezed through their knockout stage matches with commanding performances. They defeated the Indian Army 2-0 and Shillong Lajong 3-0, showcasing their clinical finishing and solid defensive organization.
Coach Juan Pedro Benali is excited about the challenge and the opportunity to perform in Kolkata: “It’s fantastic to play in front of such an amazing crowd in Kolkata. We have played good football and have come here to give our best in front of such an amazing crowd, fantastic city, and amazing people.”
NorthEast United's defense, anchored by captain Michel Zabaco and Moroccan Hamza Regragui, has been nearly impenetrable, conceding just one goal throughout the tournament. Up front, new recruit Alaeddine Ajaraie has been a key figure, scoring crucial goals and leading their attack with confidence.
Where to Watch
The final of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network. You can catch the match on Sony Ten2 HD. For viewers who prefer to watch online, the game will be available for live streaming on the SonyLiv OTT platform.
