🏆 Indian Super League 2025–26

Match Report

East Bengal FC vs NorthEast United FC

📍 Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
📅 16 February 2026 | ⏰ 7:30 PM IST

🔴 East Bengal 3–0 NorthEast United

(Ezzejjari 64’, 70’; Figueira 90+1’)

East Bengal FC began their Indian Super League 2025–26 campaign in commanding fashion with a comprehensive 3–0 victory over NorthEast United FC at a packed Salt Lake Stadium on Monday evening. Backed by an electrifying home crowd, the Red & Gold brigade delivered a dominant second-half display to secure all three points in their opening fixture of the season.

First Half: Balanced but Tense

The opening 45 minutes saw both sides testing each other cautiously. East Bengal enjoyed greater possession and looked comfortable building from the back, but NorthEast United remained compact defensively and disciplined in midfield.

The hosts attempted to stretch play through the flanks, while NorthEast looked to counter quickly on transitions. Despite a few half-chances at either end, the first half concluded goalless, with both teams heading into the break searching for greater attacking sharpness.

Second Half: Ezzejjari Takes Charge

The breakthrough arrived in the 64th minute. A well-worked move down the wing culminated in a precise delivery into the box, where Youssef Ezzejjari rose highest to head home and ignite celebrations across the stadium.

Just six minutes later, the Moroccan forward doubled the advantage. Capitalising on defensive hesitation, Ezzejjari calmly slotted home his second of the evening, effectively putting the contest beyond NorthEast’s reach.

With momentum firmly on their side, East Bengal controlled proceedings, limiting NorthEast to sporadic attempts that failed to trouble the home defence.

Late Flourish

In stoppage time, Miguel Figueira added further gloss to the scoreline. A swift attacking transition caught the visitors off guard, and Figueira finished clinically to seal a convincing 3–0 victory.

Key Performances

• Youssef Ezzejjari – A decisive presence in attack, scoring twice and constantly unsettling the opposition defence.

• East Bengal Midfield Unit – Controlled tempo effectively, ensuring sustained pressure in the second half.

• Defensive Line – Maintained organisation and composure to secure a clean sheet.

North East United, meanwhile, struggled to create meaningful opportunities despite moments of possession and will look to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture.

East Bengal make an emphatic statement at the very start of the ISL 2025–26 season, combining attacking efficiency with defensive solidity. The performance not only delivers three valuable points but also sets a confident tone for the campaign ahead.

For North East United, improvements in attacking cohesion and defensive concentration will be crucial as the season progresses.