The Indian domestic football season kicked off with high drama at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), where Mohun Bagan edged past arch-rivals East Bengal FC 1–0 in the opening match of the IndianOil Durand Cup.

Donning their traditional Green and Maroon colors, Mohun Bagan controlled early tempo against the Red and Gold brigade of East Bengal. Both sides lined up with all-Indian starting XIs in front of a roaring Kolkata crowd, setting up an intense battle between new Mariners head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis and East Bengal manager Antonio Lopez Habas

Mohun Bagan dictated long spells of possession early in the match, creating opportunities through Kiyan Nassiri and Manvir Singh. Sahal Abdul Samad had an early chance after turning inside the box, though his initial effort lacked the power to beat East Bengal keeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.

Drama ensued midway through the half when Mohun Bagan appealed heavily for a handball inside the penalty box following a deflection off an East Bengal defender, but the referee waved play on. East Bengal threatened on counter-attacks led by Bipin Singh, while Liston Colaco nearly broke the deadlock for Mohun Bagan with a deflected long-range strike that grazed the outside of the post.

The game’s decisive moment arrived following relentless high pressing from the Green and Maroon forward line. After Mohun Bagan won the ball back in the attacking third, Kiyan Nassiri slipped a clever pass into the box. Following a slick dummy run by Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad slotted home the simplest of tap-ins to put Mohun Bagan ahead 1–0.

East Bengal pushed hard in the closing stages after bringing on substitutes to inject fresh quality into their attack. Red and Gold nearly found a way back when Chungnunga forced a save from Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, with Rashid heading over on the follow-up.

Moments later, East Bengal created their best opportunity when a whipping cross from Jay Gupta was redirected onto the post by Ramirez. In stoppage time, Vishal Kaith produced a stunning full-stretch save to deny Rashid’s goal-bound header and preserve the lead.

Mohun Bagan held firm through five minutes of added time to secure a 1–0 victory and kick off their Durand Cup campaign with three crucial points. The win gives Panagiotis Dilmperis a triumphant start to his tenure in charge of the Green and Maroon.