East Bengal FC began their sixth Indian Super League campaign with a performance that signalled renewed intent. After years of inconsistency and off-field turbulence, the Red and Gold finally delivered an opening-night victory — something that had eluded them since joining the ISL.
Head coach Oscar Bruzon had expressed optimism before the season, stressing that being involved from the start would make a difference. His words proved prophetic as East Bengal defeated NorthEast United FC 3–0 in front of 18,636 spectators.
First-half dominance without reward
Despite the convincing scoreline, the opening half told a familiar story. East Bengal controlled possession and created multiple chances but lacked finishing precision.
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In the seventh minute alone, two promising opportunities went begging. Bipin Singh, Rashid, and Joy Gupta combined well down the left, yet the final shot lacked conviction. By the 17th minute, another chance fell to Rashid from Bipin’s cross, but poor positioning denied the breakthrough.
Attempts followed in the 23rd, 26th, 30th, 36th and 39th minutes, yet shots from Rashid and Nandkumar either drifted wide or broke down in the attacking third. At the other end, Jitin MS threatened late in the half, but Anwar Ali’s timely intervention preserved parity.
Ezzejari announces arrival with a brace
The breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute. A flowing move involving Jackson and Bipin Singh ended with a precise cross that new signing Youssef Ezzejari headed home. Six minutes later, East Bengal struck again. Intelligent interplay between Anwar Ali and substitute Edmund Lalrindika allowed Ezzejari to tap in from close range, sealing a memorable brace on debut.
Miguel added the third goal in stoppage time, finishing clinically after Bishnu’s assist. For the first time in their ISL history, East Bengal opened a season with victory — and did so emphatically, offering supporters genuine hope of a different campaign ahead.
