Mohun Bagan Beat East Bengal 1-0 In Durand Cup Kolkata Derby

Mohun Bagan Super Giant began their 2026 Durand Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over arch-rivals East Bengal in the opening match of the 135th edition of the tournament at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday. Sahal Abdul Samad's second-half strike proved to be the difference in a closely contested Kolkata Derby, handing the Mariners an important three points in Group A.

The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Sahal Abdul Samad tapped home a low cross delivered by Kiyan Nassiri. The goal gave Mohun Bagan the lead and ultimately secured the win in what marked the first competitive Kolkata Derby of the 2026-27 season. The match also featured a tactical battle between new head coaches, with Mohun Bagan's Panagiotis Dilmperis emerging victorious against East Bengal's Antonio Lopez Habas.

East Bengal responded strongly after conceding and enjoyed the better share of possession during the second half. The Red and Gold Brigade created more scoring opportunities than their opponents but were unable to convert them into goals. New signing Dani Ramirez came agonisingly close to equalising after striking the post in the closing stages, while Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith produced an excellent save to preserve his side's advantage.

Also Read: Kolkata Derby Set to Kick Off 135th Durand Cup in Style

Statistics reflected East Bengal's attacking intent, with the team creating 12 chances compared to Mohun Bagan's nine. Despite dominating possession for long periods, East Bengal lacked the finishing touch in front of goal, allowing the record Durand Cup champions to hold on for a valuable clean-sheet victory.

The result gives Mohun Bagan an early advantage in Group A, where only the group winners are guaranteed direct qualification to the knockout stage. The victory also strengthens the club's pursuit of another Durand Cup title, having already established itself as the most successful team in the competition's history.

For East Bengal, the defeat increases the importance of their remaining group-stage fixtures. The Kolkata giants will likely need victories in their next two matches to remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, while Mohun Bagan will look to build on their winning start and maintain momentum as the tournament progresses.

Also Read: East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Open Durand Cup Campaign in Kolkata Derby