Diamond Harbour stun East Bengal 2-1 to set up Durand Cup final against North East United

Debutants Diamond Harbour FC (DHFC), created history at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata on Wednesday, defeating East Bengal 2-1 in the second semi-final of the 134th Durand Cup, courtesy two second-half strikes from Spanish defender Mikel Idiakez and Kerala forward Joby Justin respectively. Anwar Ali had drawn parity for the Red & Golds moments after Idiakez’s spectacular back-volley had given the Diamonds the lead.

Diamond Harbour will take on defending champions NorthEast United FC in the grand finale on Saturday (Aug 23, 2025).

Celebrated DHFC coach Kibu Vicuna began with a three-man defence line and four attackers while Carlos Bruzon of East Bengal left only Greek forward Dimitrios Diamantakos upfront, in a move that seemed to have paid the former dividends.