Kolkata, July 31, 2026: East Bengal FC produced a sensational attacking display at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Friday, demolishing CISF Protectors 8–0 in their Group A encounter of the 135th Durand Cup. The emphatic victory marked East Bengal’s first three points of the campaign after their opening-day derby defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
The Red-and-Gold brigade dominated from the opening whistle, controlling possession and repeatedly threatening the CISF defence. Despite CISF initially defending with a compact low block, East Bengal eventually broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when Vishnu P.V. finished brilliantly from Edmund Lalrindika’s cutback.
East Bengal doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute when a Vishnu cross deflected off CISF captain Mohammad Khalid and ended up in his own net. In first-half stoppage time, Jeakson Singh made it 3–0 after Daniel Ramírez created the opportunity, sending East Bengal into the interval with a commanding lead.
The second half turned into a goal fest. Just two minutes after the restart, Vishnu produced a spectacular overhead-kick finish to complete his second goal of the night. Bipin Singh then added a fifth in the 64th minute before Jesin T.K. scored twice in quick succession, in the 70th and 73rd minutes. Vishnu completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, steering home Bipin Singh’s cross to complete the 8–0 rout.
Head coach Antonio López Habas made six changes from the starting XI that faced Mohun Bagan and switched to a 4-3-3 formation. The changes paid immediate dividends as East Bengal displayed tremendous attacking intensity throughout the match.
The 8–0 victory not only revived East Bengal’s Durand Cup campaign but also put their knockout-stage hopes firmly back on track. The margin of victory also equalled the biggest winning margin in the tournament’s history.
Full Time: East Bengal FC 8–0 CISF Protectors
Joy East Bengal! ❤️💛
