Thank you for joining us on NDTV Sports for the live coverage of the Durand Cup. NorthEast United script history, winning their first-ever club trophy. They were down and out, but they fought back to win it.

Stay tuned to sports.ndtv.com for further live updates, and head on over to our LIVE COVERAGE of the Paralympics 2024 as India extend their medal tally.

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Images of elation

NORTHEAST UNITED FC HAVE ENDED THEIR TROPHY DRAUGHT!!! CHAMPIONSSSS OF DURAND CUP 2024 #90NDSTOPPAGE pic.twitter.com/VtpHM0pS92

— 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) August 31, 2024

Mohun Bagan will be disappointed at the fact that they weren't able to hold on to the lead in a game they were comfortably dominating. But this won't be in their minds for too long. They have the ISL and the AFC Champions League 2 to focus on this season.

NorthEast United's road to the title:

Groups:

Beat Bodoland 2-0

Beat Odisha FC 5-1

Beat BSF 4-0

QF:

Beat Indian Army 2-0

SF:

Beat Shillong Lajong 3-0

Final:

Beat Mohun Bagan SG 2-2 (4-3 on pens)

It is only Kerala Blasters FC out of the original ISL group, who have never won a title.

Kerala Blasters' new signing Noah Sadaoui finishes as the top scorer of the Durand Cup 2024 with 6 goals, while Guillermo and Jithin MS finish with 5 and 4 respectively.

Mohun Bagan, the favourites, at home, were up 2-0 at half-time. No one gave NorthEast United a chance. But the young gritty team, with some exceptional overseas players up front, pulled it back. To deliver John Abraham and the eight proud states a football title.

Here was the first of two stunners, by Alaeddine Ajaraei

The calmly slotted finish from Alaeddine to make NorthEast go 2-1#NorthEastUnited #Neufc #DurandCup2024 #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/LzfufY4zuX

— All India Football (@AllIndiaFtbl) August 31, 2024

It took two utterly incredible long range goals, one from Alaeddine Ajaraei and the other from Guillermo, to bring NEUFC level. But they dominated the second half, they've dominated the tournament, and they are deserved winners of the Durand Cup 2024.

2-0 down at half-time. Backs against the wall. NEUFC could've given up. But that isn't their DNA. The perennial underdogs of Indian football have a shiny piece of silverware to kiss at last.

Subhasish Bose misses MBSG's second penalty, and NorthEast United FC have won their first-ever club title. They are the champions of the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup. What a comeback, what a win!

FT: MBSG 2-2 NEUFC (NEUFC win 4-3 on penalties)

Alaeddine Ajaraei converts! Low, hard into the bottom left corner. Beyond Vishal Kaith. History beckons for NEUFC!

Petratos slams it in next. Mohun Bagan level the score, but Kaith will need to make a save in this shooutout.

NorthEast United lead! That's why Parthib was brought on. Kaith got his hands on it, but it still goes in.

Liston Colaco misses! He had such a good game, but this is a big moment. Gurmeet saves

NEUFC captain Michel Zabaco scores! He has put the pre-shootout displeasure behind him, and sends it down the middle.

Manvir scores. Cool as ice. Mohun Bagan regain the lead in the shootout.

Guillermo scores in great style. Thumps it in top-left corner.

Cummings scores. Huge twist. Cummings makes no mistake this time.

Penalty shootout! Huge miss by Jason Cummings! He skies it completely. NEUFC fans dancing! 

Oh, it's a twist, the penalty has been declared invalid. The goalkeeper was off his line, it seems! Jason Cummings has another chance.

NorthEast United's Michel Zabaco is not happy with some decision. He is voicing his displeasure, but is this the distraction NEUFC need?

Penalties on the way!

Here's a reminder about the huge stakes.

For Mohun Bagan, a record-extending 18th Durand Cup trophy.

For NorthEast United, a FIRST-ever trophy in professional senior football.

Penalties it is! Third consecutive penalty shootout for Mohun Bagan. They did it in the quarters, they did in the semis. But can Vishal Kaith stop NorthEast United from making history?

FT: MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

NorthEast United desperately want that late winner. They're still trying to stretch Mohun Bagan in these dying moments. But Mohun Bagan are hanging on. The Mariners would prefer penalties now, with their impressive track record in such moments.

92' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

4 more minutes to find a dramatic late winner! 

90+1' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

Dimi Petratos looking to take matters into his own hands, creates space and strikes with his left foot from long range. Shot goes just over, inches over.

Still level.

89' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

With less than four minutes of regulation time left, it is still NEUFC who are dominating. But if it goes to penalties, it's arguably advantage MBSG with Vishal Kaith in their goal.

87' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

NEUFC left-back Tondonba Singh's long throws have been a big source of threat for the Highlanders. He has done a superb job in sending the ball into the mixer, with players trying to get on the end of it. Chaos.

86' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

A sloppy moment for Vishal Kaith as Mohun Bagan try to distribute from the back. NEUFC fail to take advantage, and Kaith is spared his blushes.

84' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

NEUFC coach Juan Benali makes his final change, bringing on Robin Yadav for Dinesh Singh.

83' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

Ten more minutes of regulation time to go in an enthralling Durand Cup 2024 final. And it could get even more dramatic if we head to a penalty shootout.

Remember, NO extra time. It goes straight to penalties if it's a tie.

81' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

Nestor's corner is met by Guillermo, and defender Zabaco tries to get a deft header in, but it goes just over.

77' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

This game has seen two polar opposite halves. The first half was cruise control by Mohun Bagan, with two goals. The second half has been all NorthEast United, with two utterly sensational long-range strikes.

77' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

The likes of Dimi Petratos are not getting any space to move the ball around in the midfield. NorthEast United are on point with their pressure. Yet another dispossession by the Highlanders, before they're brought down by a foul.

75' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

Are we heading towards another penalty shootout in a Mohun Bagan match? The Mariners won both the quarter-final and the semi thanks to heroics by Vishal Kaith. Will that happen again?

74' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

Jithin MS has been a livewire in this game, but he is taken off now. Parthib Gogoi comes on for NEUFC.

73' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

Another outrageous shot from outside the box by NEUFC, and it requires a stunning save by Vishal Kaith. A really sweet connection made by Jithin MS, but Kaith stands strong. The rebound was also hit hard but was blocked.

It's NEUFC's three overseas attacking players, Guillermo Fernandez, Nestor Albiach and Alaeddine Ajaraei, who are controlling the tempo and momentum of the game. 

67' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

Mohun Bagan are having no choice but to sit back. It is all NorthEast United at the momentum, attack after attack. Clear dominant side now.

65' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

It's long balls from one side to the other, into the box, that Mohun Bagan are being completely unable to defend at the moment. The tide has swung completely. Guillermo and Alaeddine are dictating things.

63' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

Utterly incredible! Absolutely crazy! A volley of the highest, highest quality. Guillermo Fernandez, the former Athletic Club Bilbao striker, makes it 2-2! That was like the famous Marco van Basten volley many years back!

58' MBSG 2-2 NEUFC

NorthEast United score! That is an absolute belter of a volley! Alaeddine Ajaraie curls it, beats Vishal Kaith at the near post. There is hope, there is noise from the travelling Highlanders fans!

56' MBSG 2-1 NEUFC

The man who came on as a first-half substitute, Spanish forward Nestor Albiach, takes aim from long range. It goes just beyond the crossbar, but NEUFC aren't willing to give up.

54' MBSG 2-0 NEUFC

NorthEast United's substitute Guillermo has taken this game by the scruff of its neck. He creates another chance, Jithin hits on the volley but it's blocked.

53' MBSG 2-0 NEUFC

NorthEast United tried a training ground routine from the free-kick, but an alert Liston Colaco was quick to break play. Mohun Bagan's No. 17 has had a really good game today.

NorthEast United had scored 16 goals in 5 games before the final, whilst conceding just one solitary goal. That very impressive defensive record has been spoiled by Mohun Bagan.

50' MBSG 2-0 NEUFC

Mohun Bagan are in the hunt for a record-extending 18th Durand Cup title. NorthEast United are in their first-ever final, in the hunt for their first-ever trophy.

48' MBSG 2-0 NEUFC

It was a very very good first half from Mohun Bagan. Playing the big occasion in front of their home fans, MBSG have come out roaring.

46' MBSG 2-0 NEUFC

Welcome back to the Durand Cup 2024 final between Mohun Bagan SG and NorthEast United FC. The green and maroon army lead 2-0 after the first half, thanks to goals from Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad.

Sahal Abdul Samad doubles Mohun Bagan's advantage just before the stroke of half-time. Liston Colaco with a slaloming run down the left flank. He found Sahal, who volleyed his effort first time and past Gurmeet in the NEUFC goal. MBSG are well and truly cruising at the break! 

45+4' MBSG 2-0 NEUFC

A looping ball into the path of Manvir, who takes the ball down before firing his effort straight at Gurmeet. Brilliant play from Sahal initially to get that cross in. Manvir should've done better from there

40' MBSG 1-0 NEUFC

Alberto Rodriguez's night is done! He will be replaced by Ashish Rai. Seems like a forced change as Alberto had gone down and was seen limping. 

38' MBSG 1-0 NEUFC

Manvir twists and turns on the right flank, creates a narrow angle and gets a shot off. It's straight in the hands of NEUFC keeper Gurmeet, but a good move.

30' MBSG 1-0 NEUFC

Jithin MS showing good presence on the left flank, links up with the left back and Mohun Bagan are forced to send the pass out for a corner.

27' MBSG 1-0 NEUFC

Mohun Bagan's livewire No.17 is known for being wasteful, but so far he has been involved in a lot of productive manouevres. A great long ball to pick out Cummins, who's pass then invites an overhead kick from an offside Sahal.

A swerving cross in from Alaaeddine meets Jithin MS at the far post, but his header lacks power. Kaith makes the save.

It will be interesting to see how NorthEast United deal with this early setback. Can they put it behind their back as the underdogs, or will they succumb under the pressure of their first final?

The maroon and green boys are showing a lot of promise in possession. They are controlling it in the middle of the park, and making the moves happen in the opening 20 minutes.

Almost a second goal for MBSG! Greg Stewart glides past two defenders from the left flank, but fires just over. 

Here's NorthEast United's starting XI:

Our starting XI for the IndianOil Durand Cup Final
Mohun Bagan SG...#StrongerAsOne #8States1United #IndianOilDurandCup pic.twitter.com/ey0SiCXjUe

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) August 31, 2024

Here's Mohun Bagan's starting XI:

Head coach Jose Molina has named the squad for the final! #MBSG #JoyMohunBagan # pic.twitter.com/MExn1QIE6R

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) August 31, 2024

This is NorthEast United's first Durand Cup final. The Highlanders have never won a trophy, be it the Durand Cup, the ISL Shield, the ISL trophy or the Super Cup. This is a historic day for NEUFC, no matter what.

Mohun Bagan are certainly the favourites. They are the defending champions, and playing on their home turf, the Salt Lake Stadium. The odds are massively in their favour.

This is only the second goal that has been conceded by NorthEast United FC in the entire Durand Cup 2024. The Highlanders have scored 16 goals across their 5 games.

Mohun Bagan lead in the final! World Cupper Jason Cummings sends the goalkeeper the wrong way, and gives Mohun Bagan a 1-0 lead.