ISL 2025–26: East Bengal FC Go Top with Dominant 4–1 Victory Against Sporting Club Delhi

East Bengal FC, a football club whose history dates back to 1920, surged to the summit of the Indian Super League 2025–26 standings after beating Sporting Club Delhi 4–1 in Gameweek 2 on 21 February 2026 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. 

The Red and Gold Brigade claimed six points from two games after overturning an early setback, with Youssef Ezzejjari scoring a brace and Miguel Figueira earning the Player of the Match award for a commanding display.

Match Overview

SC Delhi Strike First, But East Bengal Hit Back Immediately

SC Delhi made a lightning start by scoring in just the 4th minute. Mohammed Aimen led a swift counter-attack and picked out Augustine Lalrochana, who finished clinically from inside the box to hand the visitors the lead, a milestone moment as it was Sporting Club Delhi’s first-ever ISL goal.

East Bengal wasted no time responding. Edmund Lalrindika, who had been brought into the starting lineup by head coach Oscar Bruzon in place of Saul Crespo, restored parity just three minutes later with a powerful right-footed strike from distance following a set-piece situation. The equaliser steadied the hosts, and they quickly dictated the rhythm of the game.

Ezzejjari Penalty Gives East Bengal the Lead in ISL 2025-26 

The momentum shifted firmly in East Bengal’s favour in the 12th minute when Clarence Fernandes conceded a penalty. Youssef Ezzejjari stepped up and calmly converted to give the hosts a 2–1 advantage. East Bengal continued to press, with Jay Gupta going close with a header and Yadav making a sharp save to deny Ezzejjari at close range.

Five minutes before the break, Miguel Figueira passed a precise threaded ball to find Ezzejjari. The Moroccan forward took a touch and slipped the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs to make it 3–1. East Bengal saw out the first half with a comfortable lead and clear control of the contest.

Second Half: East Bengal Dictates the Game

SC Delhi came out after the break with a spell that caused East Bengal some discomfort. Matija Babović and Joseph both went close, with Babović’s well-directed header drawing a save from Prabhsukhan Gill. Manoj Mohammed was lively down the left and created a couple of openings, but SC Delhi’s final ball let them down each time.

However, East Bengal controlled the tempo well and gave SC Delhi little room to build any momentum. In the closing stages, Gill made another important save to deny Ramhlunchhunga as Delhi pressed late. 

Figueira Seals It with a Stoppage-Time Stunner

Figueira found the space to drive forward and curled a superb left-footed strike into the top corner in stoppage time, clearing any doubt about the outcome of the game. The goal confirmed a 4–1 final scoreline and finished an influential individual performance from the Portuguese midfielder, who had a hand in multiple East Bengal goals throughout the evening.

Figueira was named Player of the Match, a recognition of his work for weighted through balls, and his match-sealing finish.

East Bengal Tops ISL 2025-26; SC Delhi Yet to Open Their Account

East Bengal FC sits at the top of the ISL 2025–26 table with six points from two matches and a goal difference of +6 in two games. For The Torch Bearers, it is back-to-back wins to open the season.

SC Delhi, meanwhile, has let in six goals and scored only one across their opening two fixtures, a 2–0 loss to Bengaluru FC in Gameweek 1 and now this 4–1 defeat, leaving them at the bottom of the standings with no points. For SC Delhi, a club that relocated from Hyderabad and previously played as Hyderabad FC and FC Pune City, the start to life in Indian football’s top flight has been difficult.

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What’s Next for Both Clubs

East Bengal FC will host Jamshedpur FC next at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, on Friday, February 27. Sporting Club Delhi will be facing FC Goa on Thursday, February 26, and will need to find answers quickly to avoid an early-season crisis.

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