Defending champions NorthEast United FC produced a dominant display to dismantle debutants Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 in the grand finale of the 134th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday, sealing their second straight title in style.

A night of relentless attacking football saw the Highlanders overwhelm their opponents, with six different players on the scoresheet and talisman Alaaeddine Ajaraie starring with three assists and a late penalty. Diamond Harbour’s solitary strike came in the 68th minute, credited to Luka Majcen after Jobby Justin’s header deflected off him.

Huidom Thoi Singh and Parthib Gogoi joined Alaaeddine Ajaraie in the forward line after Juan Pedro Benali made two attacking changes following the team’s victory over Shillong Lajong FC in the semifinals. With Gurmeet in goal, captain Miguel Zabaco headed the backline along with Asheer Akhtar, Redeem Tlang, and Buanthanglun Samte. Mayakkannan was coupled with Spanish players Andy Gaitan and Chema Nunez in midfield, preserving Benali’s tried-and-true 4-3-3 formation.

In contrast, Kibu Vicuna started his Diamond Harbour team in a similar configuration, with Girik Mahesh Khosla and captain Jobby Justin assisting Slovenian forward Luka Majcen up front. Sairuatkima and Spaniard Mikel Kortazar were teamed in central defense before goalie Mirshad Koottappunna. In midfield, Liansanga, Paul, and Samuel offered stability as the rookies attempted to extend their incredible run.

Both teams were cautious in possession as the final got underway at a quick yet strategic tempo. During the first four minutes, NorthEast put Mirshad to the test early on with Ajaraie’s long-range attempt and Parthib’s header, necessitating routine saves.

With purpose, Diamond Harbour answered. Following a long throw by Jobby in the 14th minute, Luka Majcen just missed a headed flick from Kortazar. Kortazar himself missed a good Jobby cross on the bend four minutes later. After twenty minutes, the new team appeared more collected. In the twenty-third minute, Jobby forced Gurmeet to make a diving save and then found the side netting.

However, the opening goal went to the reigning champions. In the 28th minute, Parthib was found by Samte with a deft cut-back, but Mirshad parried his attempt. The breakthrough was spurred by the ensuing corner.

The Diamond Harbour defense mishandled Andy’s corner, and despite Mirshad’s excellent first-time save of Mayakkannan’s effort, the loose ball ended up in the hands of center-back Asheer Akhtar, who swept it home to give the champions a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute.

Following Ajaraie’s excellent build-up play, Chema Nunez missed a gilt-edged opportunity to increase the lead in the 39th minute, dragging his effort wide. When Kortazar had a free header in the 43rd minute, Diamond Harbour came very close to making up for that error, but the chance was wasted.

NorthEast scored a crushing punch just before halftime. To make it 2-0, Parthib Gogoi found himself in space and curled a calm right-foot finish beyond Mirshad. With eight shots (6 on target) compared to Diamond Harbour’s four (only one on target), the Highlanders had a good hold on the game going into the half.

After the resumption, any prospects of a comeback were dashed in five minutes. In the 50th minute, Thoi Singh tapped home to increase the advantage to 3-0 after Ajaraie rushed past the Diamond Harbour defense to intercept Nunez’s lofted pass.

When the final whistle rang, the Highlanders’ bench erupted in celebration in front of the audience, becoming the first team to win the Durand Cup trophies in 25 years. The outcome was also the joint-largest victory margin in a Durand Cup final since Black White was defeated by Somerset Light Infantry by the same score in 1896.

All of the individual prizes were won by NorthEast United FC, while Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie was the tournament’s best player, winning the Golden Ball for best player and the Golden Boot for top scorer with eight goals. Due to his reliability and vital saves, goalie Gurmeet received the Golden Glove.