East Bengal FC could not have asked for a better start to their 2025-26 Indian Super League campaign, as they defeated NorthEast United FC 3-0 in a commanding display at the Salt Lake Stadium.
It was a dream debut for Youssef Ezzejjari, who struck twice to announce himself in style. Fellow debutant Miguel Figueira also found the net, ensuring the Red and Gold Brigade began their season with three points and a clean sheet. Remarkably, this is the first time the club has won their opening ISL fixture since joining the league.
Despite the emphatic win, head coach Oscar Bruzon struck a cautious tone.
“Congratulations to the entire team, that for the first time in the history of the ISL we’ve got all the three points in the first match. But it is also true that this year in the Super Cup we drew against the weakest team of the group Dempo, and in the AFC Challenge League last year we draw against the weakest team of the group Paro. So, this is about the mental things that finally worked in our favor. Not only the win but the performance of the players looks promising.”
He added, “I don’t want to tell all these things in the press-conference but still there is excitement in the dressing room. As I have told you that we’re happy and East Bengal is a historic club and the fans are only talking about trophies. But as a team first of all we need to improve and overcome that ninth position finish since the last five seasons of the ISL. Secondly, we need to target to finish in the top half of the table, may be fifth or sixth position. And in the third step if we achieve all these before the FIFA International break in March after playing half of the season, seeing our position in the league, then only we can talk about the end of the season and other additional objectives. But right now, I don’t want anyone in the group to talk about the favourites, winning the league as all these are not on the line what we are working towards.”
Bruzon reserved special praise for his new striker.
“This is after a long time that East Bengal got a classic number nine. I am happy that he has scored not only once but twice, played really well against the wall and was swift in his movement. He is a perfect number nine for us as he has also shown his commitment to the defense. The team planned to supply the balls to Youssef so that he could score the goals for us, which worked properly, and he has equipped the team well within this short time, but we need to work with him more in the coming days.”
NorthEast, the reigning Durand Cup holders, threatened in the first half, especially down the left flank. Bruzon acknowledged their quality and adjustments made after the break.
“I need to praise my opponent; they are a very good side. In the first half, they were creating a lot of chances through Andy dropping back and creating the build-ups, but in the second half, we marked him with a man, which created more chances for us. We were shuffling really well, pressing high, blocking their build-ups and covering the ball much higher on the pitch.”
He also noted the absence of players like Alaaeddine Ajaraie for the visitors, while East Bengal missed key names as well.
The coach further highlighted Jeakson’s impact after his strong showing against Mohammedan SC and praised the defensive unit’s flexibility.
Finally, Bruzon sent a heartfelt message to supporters:
“From this press conference, I want to thank all the fans who came today in large numbers, although it was Monday, a working day. But I will request all the fans to come again on Saturday in large numbers and support us because you guys are the biggest strength of this team, and without you guys, we can’t achieve that pride and glory. We need your support; then only can we consider ourselves as one of the favorites of the tournament,”
“I feel you already know the name, but I will not tell anything about the sixth foreigner now as there is no official confirmation from the club yet, but he will be there very soon,” he finished off.
