Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are two of the most iconic and successful football clubs in India, especially when it comes to the Durand Cup—one of the oldest and most prestigious football tournaments in the country. The rivalry between these two Kolkata-based clubs is legendary, and their performances in the Durand Cup are a testament to their dominance in Indian football.
Mohun Bagan’s Durand Cup Record:
Wins: 16 titles
Runner-up finishes: 11 times
Mohun Bagan is one of the most successful clubs in the Durand Cup’s history, having won the title 16 times. Their success in the tournament goes back many decades, with their first win coming in the 1911 edition of the Durand Cup, which was also a landmark victory in the club’s history as they were the first Indian club to defeat a British team in a major tournament. This victory remains a historic moment in Indian football.
The 11 runner-up finishes highlight how consistently Mohun Bagan has been a dominant force in the tournament over the years. Their rivalries with clubs like East Bengal and other regional teams have made Durand Cup finals extremely competitive.
The Durand Cup victories helped solidify Mohun Bagan’s place as one of the best clubs in India, and their performances have been a significant part of their illustrious history in Indian football.
East Bengal’s Durand Cup Record:
Wins: 16 titles
Runner-up finishes: 10 times
East Bengal, like Mohun Bagan, has won the Durand Cup 16 times, making them equal in terms of titles. Their record in the tournament is a direct reflection of their long-standing dominance in Indian football, particularly during the 1950s, 1960s, and beyond.
The 10 runner-up finishes further showcase the club’s consistency in reaching the latter stages of the tournament. Over the years, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have often found themselves competing against each other in some of the most exciting and memorable Durand Cup finals.
East Bengal’s performances in the Durand Cup also contribute to their legacy as one of the most successful and iconic clubs in the country. The club has a strong tradition of winning major domestic tournaments, and the Durand Cup titles play a big part in that history.
The fierce rivalry between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, also known as the Bengal Derby, has been a major highlight of the Durand Cup. Matches between the two clubs are always highly anticipated, as both teams have a large fan base and rich histories. The Durand Cup finals featuring East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have produced some of the most exciting and passionate moments in Indian football history.
First Indian Club to Win the Durand Cup (Mohun Bagan – 1911): The victory by Mohun Bagan in the 1911 Durand Cup was a historic moment in Indian football. They defeated East Yorkshire Regiment in the final, marking the first time an Indian club defeated a British team. This victory is a cornerstone of Mohun Bagan’s history.
East Bengal’s Early Dominance: East Bengal’s success in the Durand Cup was particularly prominent in the 1950s and 1960s, when they were among the most dominant teams in Indian football. Their rivalry with Mohun Bagan intensified during this period, with many finals being contested between the two.
Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are giants of Indian football, and their respective records in the Durand Cup further cement their legendary status in the sport. With 16 titles each, both clubs have dominated this prestigious tournament, and their numerous runner-up finishes also highlight their consistent success in the competition.
Their rivalry, particularly in the Durand Cup, has produced some of the most memorable moments in Indian football, and both clubs continue to be central figures in the history and growth of the sport in India.
