Durand Cup 2023: Dimitri Petratos's Goal Helps 10-Man Mohun Bagan Beat East Bengal 1-0 To Clinch Record-Extending 17th Title

In a historic showdown at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, Mohun Bagan emerged victorious in the Durand Cup final by defeating arch-rivals East Bengal 1-0. Dimitri Petratos became the hero with a decisive goal in the 71st minute, sealing the coveted title for Mohun Bagan.

Mohun Bagan's path to victory was laden with challenges. They had to contend with being reduced to 10 men when Anirudh Thapa received a red card in the 62nd minute. Despite this setback, the team rallied and held their ground.

Record 17th Durand Cup Win

This triumph marked Mohun Bagan's 17th Durand Cup win, solidifying their status as record-holders in one of the world's oldest football tournaments.

Tactical Surprises

Both teams' managers sprung tactical surprises with their starting lineups. Carles Cuadrat of East Bengal granted Md. Rakip a starting role for the first time in the tournament. Meanwhile, Juan Ferrando of Mohun Bagan kept Manvir on the bench and opted to start with both foreign forwards, Dimitri Petratos and Armando Sadiku.

The initial 15 minutes saw an evenly matched contest with neither side gaining a clear advantage. Attacks predominantly favored the left flank, with Ashique of Mohun Bagan and Mahesh of East Bengal actively involved.

Shortly after the water break, Jordan Elsey suffered an ankle injury, leading Cuadrat to replace him with Jose Antonio Pardo in defense.

Near Misses Before Half-time

As the first half neared its conclusion, both teams had their fair share of opportunities. Nandhakumar missed a chance for Mohun Bagan, while Dimitri Petratos narrowly missed the target with a powerful strike.

The first half ended without any goals, and both teams received an equal number of bookings, reflecting their fierce competitiveness.

Crucial Changes

Cuadrat introduced Brazilian Cleiton Silva in place of Borja in the 57th minute, while Ferrando responded with Manvir Singh replacing Ashish Rai. Manvir created an immediate chance for Boumous, but the Frenchman's shot went wide.

Anirudh Thapa's high boot on Saul Crespo led to his second booking, resulting in his dismissal from the match.

Petratos' Decisive Moment

In the 71st minute, Ferrando's triple substitution paid off as Dimitri Petratos made a stunning solo run, evading challenges from the right-hand side, and scored with a left-footed shot from outside the box. The ball eluded the goalkeeper's grasp, securing the lead for Mohun Bagan.

Despite relentless attacks from East Bengal in the dying minutes, Mohun Bagan held firm, clinching the Durand Cup title with their 1-0 lead intact.