Durand Cup: NorthEast United 6-0, East Bengal 8-0 victories

Defending champions NorthEast United FC opened their Durand Cup title defence with a dominant 6-0 win over Bodoland FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a first‑half hat‑trick, while Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Redeem Tlang and substitute Antonio Moyano added the remaining goals. Coach Juan Pedro Benali deployed a 4‑4‑2 formation and the Highlanders controlled possession throughout the match.

In a separate Group A fixture, East Bengal FC recorded an emphatic 8-0 victory against CISF Protectors at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. P. V. Vishnu netted a hat‑trick, with Jesin T. K. contributing two goals and Jeakson Singh adding another. The Red‑and‑Gold side, under coach Antonio López Habas, used a 4‑3‑3 system and dominated the game from the opening whistle, scoring three goals before halftime and adding five more in the second half.