East Bengal FC turned the Kolkata Derby into a one-sided spectacle, sweeping aside arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4-1 in the 135th Durand Cup final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday.

The victory ended East Bengal’s 22-year wait for the trophy and took their tally to a record-equalling 17 Durand Cup titles, level with Mohun Bagan.

The Red and Gold Brigade produced a stunning first-half display, with Edmund Lalrindika emerging as the undisputed star. Captain Mohammed Rashid set the tone in the 10th minute, threading a superb pass for Bipin Singh, who calmly finished into the far corner.

Lalrindika then took over. Two minutes later, he unleashed a spectacular strike from outside the box to double East Bengal’s advantage. He completed his hat-trick before the interval, adding goals in the 22nd and 44th minutes. His third was a composed individual finish, while the fourth came after Rashid’s set-piece delivery was redirected into his path.

Mohun Bagan did manage to respond through Manvir Singh in the 33rd minute, but the goal merely offered temporary hope. East Bengal’s defensive organisation, combined with goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill’s assured performance, prevented the Mariners from building sustained momentum.

After the break, Mohun Bagan pushed forward and created opportunities, but East Bengal remained compact. Gill produced another important save from Liston Colaco’s free-kick, while the backline repeatedly dealt with attacks involving Manvir, Jamie Maclaren and the substitutes.

Antonio Lopez Habas’ side gradually shifted towards counter-attacking football as Mohun Bagan committed players forward. The Mariners dominated possession for stretches but struggled to penetrate a disciplined East Bengal defence.

The triumph also carried an element of revenge. Mohun Bagan had beaten East Bengal in the 2023 Durand Cup final, but three years later, East Bengal delivered a statement victory on the biggest stage. The focus now shifts to Indian Super League as the Torch Bearers look to defend their title in the top flight competition.