East Bengal recovered from an early deficit to knock out arch-rivals Mohun Bagan 3-2 in a pulsating Federation Cup semifinal to book a berth in the title match of the premier knockout tournament in the country.
Surkumar Singh (27th minute), Dipendu Biswas (36th) and Ashim Biswas (47th) scored for East Bengal while Bhaichung Bhutia (12th) and Jose Ramirez Barreto (71st) found the target for the defending champions.
East Bengal will face the winners of Wednesday’s second semifinal between Goa’s Dempo Sports Club and Mahindra United of Mumbai.
The hero for the winners was goalkeeper Subrata Paul who saved at least three strikes which seemed destined to find the net in the second half.
East Bengal-Mohun Bagan matches are usually not meant for the faint-hearted and this one too was no less nail-biting. However, one did not find the packed house normally witnessed in such a derby clash.
The Indian captain was on target for Bagan when he showed characteristic opportunism in the six-yard box. Nigerian Mohammad Gafari spread the ball wide to Jose Ramirez Barreto at the right edge of the box. The Brazilian’s shot was blocked by Paul and Bhutia was the first to react.
There were three East Bengal players around him  Saumik Dey, Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Nigerian Majek Bolaji  but Bhutia was at the right place at the right time to slot home the opener, which went in off the keeper.
Bagan were beginning to get into their stride and sensing the tide, East Bengal coach Subrata Bhattacharjee did not take long to make a tactical switch by sending in Dipendu Biswas in place of Debabrata Roy as early as the 16th minute.
There was a chance for Bagan to double the lead in the 20th minute when Barreto got behind the defence but hit over. That miss would haunt the defending champions as it was all East Bengal after that.
East Bengal were level when Sen and Dipendu showed nice inter-passing before the latter took a shot on goal. Surkumar was in the way and with a deft touch, deflected the ball in.
They were soon ahead when Nabi, who came into his own after a sluggish start, ran down the right flank and cut back for Dipendu to find the far corner.
East Bengal added a third just after half time on a quick counter-attack. Maria lost the ball in the midfield and Dipendu ran at pace towards goal before passing to Ashim, who showed admirable composure to beat Peter Odafe and Rauf before finding the target.
Pereira put on Lalkamal Bhowmick and P C Lalwmpuuia as Bagan went all out. They reduced the margin when Barreto headed in a Bhowmick centre. Bhutia did find the net in the 75th minute but the linesman ruled it off-side. Everything else found Paul in the way.