XtraTime Bengali Web Desk: When Mohun Bagan take the field these days, one thing keeps coming back—the match-winning saves of Vishal Kaith. After Jamshedpur FC, it was NorthEast United FC. In two consecutive knockout matches, the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper has turned into a wall in front of goal, repeatedly rescuing the Mariners when it mattered most.

In the second semi-final in Shillong, Kaith saved two penalties in the shootout to send Mohun Bagan into the Durand Cup final. He even got a hand to Aladdin Ajaraie's penalty and looked supremely confident throughout the shootout. Once again, the story of Mohun Bagan's victory was written through the gloves of their dependable goalkeeper.

The conditions at Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium were extremely difficult. The pitch was slippery, while heavy rain left waterlogged areas on the surface, making ball control extremely challenging. Neither side could play their usual possession-based football and both teams were forced to rely more on direct football.

After a goalless 90 minutes, the semi-final went to a penalty shootout. Mohun Bagan eventually defeated defending champions NorthEast United 4-3, with Kaith emerging as the decisive figure.

From the opening whistle, both teams played cautiously in front of a packed Shillong stadium. Mohun Bagan's defence remained well organised despite NorthEast's home advantage, with Rodriguez leading the backline. Abhishek Singh was also impressive. At the other end, Mohun Bagan created a few attacking opportunities but lacked the finishing touch.

The difficult pitch affected almost every aspect of the game. Players struggled to receive the ball cleanly, make quick passes and execute tackles. As a result, both sides frequently opted for long balls and quick transitions rather than building attacks through possession. For long periods, the football became predictable.

Mohun Bagan's new signing Miguel also made his appearance. Although his brief involvement gave the green-and-maroon supporters plenty of encouragement, he still needs more time to fully understand his teammates and adapt to the system. His ability to break defensive lines with his dribbling could, however, make him an important player for the club in the future.

With neither side able to score in regulation time, the match was eventually decided by penalties. That was when Kaith once again showed his class.

His two brilliant saves stopped NorthEast United in their tracks. His sharp reflexes, composure under pressure and ability to make the right decision at the crucial moment proved decisive. Mohun Bagan eventually won the shootout 4-3 and booked their place in the Durand Cup final.

Just like the Jamshedpur match, Kaith has now effectively handed Mohun Bagan their ticket to the final in two consecutive knockout games.

The victory also revived memories of the epic 2023 Durand Cup final. Three years ago, at the Salt Lake Stadium, a ten-man Mohun Bagan defeated East Bengal 1-0 to lift the trophy, with Dimitri Petratos scoring the decisive goal. Petratos is no longer there, but the memories remain—and so does the rivalry.

Three years later, Bengal's two giants will once again meet in a Durand Cup final.

For East Bengal, it will be an opportunity to avenge their 2023 final defeat. Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, will be looking to reinforce their dominance. But this East Bengal side is different. They have reached the main phase of the AFC Champions League Two and also defeated Kuwait's Al Arabi at the Salt Lake Stadium. Their confidence will therefore be high heading into the derby.

Mohun Bagan are the most successful team in Durand Cup history, having won the trophy a record 17 times. East Bengal are just behind them with 16 titles.

So Sunday's final at the Salt Lake Stadium will be about much more than a trophy. It will be a battle for history, pride and supremacy.

Mohun Bagan will be chasing an 18th Durand Cup title and a chance to extend their lead over their arch-rivals. East Bengal will be aiming for their 17th crown and the opportunity to draw level with the Mariners.

When a Durand Cup final becomes a Kolkata Derby, the temperature is bound to rise. But before the grand showdown, Mohun Bagan's biggest source of confidence is undoubtedly Vishal Kaith.

From Jamshedpur to NorthEast United, the goalkeeper has rescued Mohun Bagan in back-to-back knockout matches. Now, on the biggest stage of all, can those gloves deliver an 18th Durand Cup for Mohun Bagan?

The final may well come down to another battle of nerves—between East Bengal's penalty takers and the man standing between the posts for Mohun Bagan: Vishal Kaith.