East Bengal FC started the Indian Super League 2026 season with a resounding 3-0 win over NorthEast United in the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday. Youssef Ezzejjari got two points and Miguel Ferreira one, giving Oscar Bruzon all three points in the first game.
East Bengal was the dominant force, but it took them until the second half to score. They had a number of opportunities within the first 45 minutes but ended the break without a goal.
Ezzejjari Scored Three Times in Five Minutes.
| Match | East Bengal vs NorthEast United |
| Date | Sunday, ISL 2025-26 Opener |
| Venue | Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata |
| Final Score | East Bengal 3 – 0 NorthEast United |
| Goals | Youssef Ezzejjari (65’, 70’), Miguel Ferreira (90+2’) |
| Man of the Match | Youssef Ezzejjari |
| Coach | Oscar Bruzon |
| Next Match | East Bengal – TBD, NorthEast United – TBD |
East Bengal scored in the 65th minute when Bipin Singh sent a left-wing cross, which Ezzejjari headed over NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh. Ezzejjari doubled the lead five minutes later when Edmund Lalrindika beat his marker in the touchline and gave him a pass.
The brace was a successful introduction of the new signing, who joined the club prior to the commencement of the season.
NorthEast United struggled to create clear chances throughout the game and posed little threat to East Bengal’s goal. Once behind, the visitors were unable to make a serious recovery.
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Miguel Seals Victory in Stoppage Time.
During the second half of stoppage time, Miguel Ferreira completed a left-side counter-attack, passing the ball past Gurmeet into the far corner and securing a 3-0 victory.
The victory provides East Bengal with a good beginning to the 2026 season. The Oscar Bruzon team controlled the ball and created more quality opportunities over the 90 minutes, and the Salt Lake Stadium spectators could see the hosts play in a complete manner.
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Good Opening on the side of Bruzon.
East Bengal’s performance was based on strong defence and attack. Their urging killed NorthEast United’s momentum, particularly in the first half, when they had numerous opportunities. Bipin Singh was working on the left wing, and Edmund Lalrindika was harassing NorthEast’s defence through his movement.
The tempo was dictated by the midfield, which prevented NorthEast from passing smoothly between defence and attack.
For NorthEast United, the defeat is a bitter start to the season. They found it difficult to keep pace with the vigour of East Bengal and were unable to create significant opportunities against a well-organized defence.
The victory of East Bengal by 3 goals is the best opening-day performance of the team since their entry into the Indian Super League. They will seek to capitalize on this outcome in the next few weeks against their next opponent.
East Bengal has three points in their debut match, and they will be eager to continue, whereas NorthEast United will attempt to recover in their second match. The outcome indicates a competitive 2026 ISL season.
What Next?
East Bengal will look to continue their winning streak as they prepare for their next ISL match. The details of the team’s next match will soon be confirmed by the league schedule, and Oscar Bruzon’s side is striving to build on the foundation of the first victory.
NorthEast United has to get back on track soon before their second season game. The team will examine their performance at Salt Lake Stadium and focus on improving their play in both attack and defence.
East Bengal already has three points in its debut match and is among the early leaders of the ISL. NorthEast United are still at zero points and will aim to record their first result of the campaign in their next outing.
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