Skipper miguel zabaco

Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan: Defending champions NorthEast United FC produced a dominant display to dismantle debutants Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 in the grand finale of the 134th Durand Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Saturday, sealing their second straight title in style.

A night of relentless attacking football saw the Highlanders overwhelm their opponents, with six different players on the scoresheet and talisman Alaaeddine Ajaraie starring with three assists and a late penalty. Diamond Harbour’s solitary strike came in the 68th minute, credited to Luka Majcen after Jobby Justin’s header deflected off him.

Juan Pedro Benali made two attacking tweaks from the semifinal win against Shillong Lajong FC, introducing Huidom Thoi Singh and Parthib Gogoi to join Alaaeddine Ajaraie in the forward line. Skipper Miguel Zabaco marshalled the backline alongside Asheer Akhtar, Redeem Tlang, and Buanthanglun Samte, with Gurmeet in goal. Spaniards Andy Gaitan and Chema Nunez partnered with Mayakkannan in midfield, maintaining Benali’s trusted 4-3-3 setup.