Defending champions NorthEast United FC produced a shocking show of attacking soccer to dismantle debutants Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 in the ultimate of the 134th Durand Cup on the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday. With six completely different gamers on track and talisman Alaaeddine Ajaraie operating the present with three assists and a late penalty, the Highlanders sealed back-to-back titles in emphatic style — the primary staff in 25 years to accomplish that.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Diamond Harbour’s lone reply got here in the 68th minute when Jobby Justin’s header took a deflection off Luka Majcen. By then, although, the competition was lengthy tilted in NorthEast’s favour.
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Coach Juan Pedro Benali’s aspect caught to their trusted 4-3-3 formation, with Parthib Gogoi and Huidom Thoi Singh becoming a member of Ajaraie up entrance. Skipper Miguel Zabaco marshalled the backline, whereas Spaniards Andy Gaitan and Chema Nunez dictated the tempo in midfield.After a cautious begin, NorthEast broke by means of on the half-hour mark when centre-back Asheer Akhtar pounced on a unfastened ball from a nook to rating. Just earlier than the break, Parthib Gogoi curled house a wonderful end to double the lead, leaving Diamond Harbour chasing shadows.The second half noticed the champions step on the accelerator. Ajaraie turned supplier for Thoi Singh in the fiftieth minute earlier than Majcen’s fortuitous strike briefly lifted the debutants’ hopes. But substitute Jairo’s thunderous effort in the 81st minute snuffed out any likelihood of a fightback. Andy and Ajaraie added two extra targets late on to full the rout — additionally equalling the joint-highest margin of victory in a Durand Cup closing since 1896.Ajaraie’s heroics noticed him stroll away with each the Golden Boot (8 targets) and Golden Ball, whereas Gurmeet picked up the Golden Glove. NorthEast swept all particular person awards, underlining their dominance.As the gamers lifted the trophy in entrance of a jubilant crowd, the evening marked not simply one other triumph for the Highlanders, but in addition a press release that their reign in Indian soccer’s oldest competitors stays unchallenged.
