Durand Cup 2025 – East Bengal FC stormed into the Durand Cup spotlight with a spectacular 6–0 demolition of the Indian Air Force (IAF) football team at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. The emphatic victory not only delighted thousands of home supporters but also showcased the Red & Gold Brigade’s lethal attacking intent early in the tournament.
A Statement of Dominance
From the first whistle, East Bengal displayed superior pace, coordination, and ball control. The midfield orchestrated rapid transitions, while the forward line relentlessly pressed the IAF defence. It took just a few minutes for the first goal to arrive, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.
The team’s fluid passing and creative build-up play repeatedly split the Air Force’s defensive lines, leading to a flurry of chances. East Bengal capitalized on nearly every opportunity, ensuring the scoreline reflected their complete dominance.
Durand Cup 2025: Clinical Finishing
The attacking trio looked unstoppable. Each forward brought a unique dimension — blistering pace on the wings, precise through balls from midfield, and clinical touches inside the box. Goals came from multiple players, reflecting the team’s depth and versatility in scoring.
The IAF goalkeeper, despite several fine saves, was left helpless as wave after wave of attacks breached his defence. East Bengal’s composure in front of goal was a stark contrast to IAF’s struggle to create clear chances.
Midfield Masterclass
The heart of East Bengal’s victory lay in its midfield control. By cutting off passing lanes and intercepting early, the team forced IAF into errors. Quick distribution and accurate long balls helped bypass the midfield congestion, directly feeding the wingers and strikers.
Set-piece execution was equally sharp, with corners and free-kicks turning into dangerous opportunities. The midfield’s ability to regain possession within seconds of losing it kept the pressure constant.
Defensive Solidity
While the headlines will focus on the six goals, East Bengal’s defence also deserves praise. The backline remained disciplined, holding a high line when needed and dropping deep to nullify counterattacks. The goalkeeper had little to do but stayed alert to smother the few threats that came his way.
Crowd Energy
The atmosphere inside Salt Lake Stadium was electric. Chants of “Lal-Holud” echoed across the stands, with flags waving and drums beating in rhythm. Every goal was met with deafening cheers, reinforcing the team’s home advantage.
For many supporters, this victory felt like a statement to traditional rivals, particularly ATK Mohun Bagan, signalling that East Bengal is ready to challenge for the Durand Cup title with full force.
Opposition Struggles
The Indian Air Force team, despite commendable discipline and commitment, found themselves outpaced and outmatched. Their attempts to build from the back were often intercepted, and their defensive organisation couldn’t cope with East Bengal’s constant pressure.
Fitness levels also seemed to play a role, with IAF players tiring significantly in the second half, allowing East Bengal to add to their tally without much resistance.
Coach’s Perspective
East Bengal’s head coach expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, praising both the offensive creativity and the defensive structure. He emphasised that while the win was important, the tournament is far from over and consistency will be key.
“This is just the start. We have a long way to go, and we must keep our focus,” the coach said in the post-match conference. “I am happy with the discipline, but there are still areas to improve.”
Looking Ahead
With such a commanding start, East Bengal now sits comfortably in its group standings. Upcoming matches will provide sterner tests, but the team’s morale is soaring. The Durand Cup — Asia’s oldest football tournament — is once again proving to be an exciting stage for Kolkata football’s biggest names.
For fans, this match will be remembered as a statement of intent, a thrilling example of attacking football, and a reminder of why East Bengal remains one of India’s most storied clubs.
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