Kolkata, Aug 23: Defending champions NorthEast United FC scripted history with back-to-back Durand Cup titles with a thumping 6-1 victory over Diamond Harbour FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata on Saturday.

With this emphatic win, the Highlanders became the first club since East Bengal’s three-peat (1989, 1990, 1991) to successfully defend the prestigious Durand Cup title, and they did it in some style under the stewardship of Juan Pedro Benali.

The champions took control early, striking twice in the first half. Asheer Akhtar (30’) opened the scoring before local star Parthib Gogoi (45+1’) doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time.

After the break, the Highlanders stepped on the accelerator. Thoi Singh (50’) made it 3-0 before Spanish duo Jairo Samperio (81’) and Andy Rodriguez (85’) joined the party with quick-fire goals. Tournament top-scorer Alaaeddine Ajaraie then capped off a brilliant night, coolly converting a penalty in stoppage time (90+3’) to seal the historic victory.

Ajaraie, who finished the tournament with eight goals, was at the heart of everything in the final, not only scoring but also providing three assists to underline his status as one of the standout performers of the competition.

Diamond Harbour’s lone consolation came in the 68th minute when Luka Majcen deflected in a header from Jobby Justin, briefly giving his side hope before the Highlanders’ late surge put the result beyond doubt.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations as NorthEast United FC lifted their second consecutive Durand Cup, a night that will be remembered as one of the most dominant final performances in the tournament’s rich history.

NorthEast United FC also swept individual awards with Gurmeet Singh clinching the Golden Glove for the second consecutive season, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie won the Golden Ball for the Most Valuable Player of the Match as well as the Golden Boot for the highest scorer.