Kolkata, Feb 17: A double strike within six minutes in the second half by Youssef Ezzejari and an injury-time goal by Miguel Ferreira guided East Bengal FC to a 3-0 win against NorthEast United FC in Match 6 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season, played here at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on February 16.
Óscar Bruzón started Jeakson Singh alongside Anwar Ali in the centre of the defence, with Lalchungnunga shifted to the right-back position and Jay Gupta starting on the left flank. Juan Pedro Benali gave a start to Parthib Gogoi to lead the attack for NorthEast United, with Jithin M.S. and Jairo Samperio supporting the youngster.
East Bengal were quick off the blocks and put some early pressure on the NorthEast backline, pressing them high up the pitch, which led to some misplaced passes in the midfield. The wingbacks of East Bengal pushed up high up the pitch to provide support for Bipin Singh and Nandha Kumar on either wing. The hosts, with all their possession and energy, could not create any genuine scoring chances to trouble Gurmeet in goal. On the other end, the Highlanders were trying to use the pace of Jithin and Parthib to break the hosts’ high-line of defence, but the perfect ball was lacking from the midfield.
After the water break, Miguel Zabaco almost scored an own goal while trying to intercept Bipin Singh’s low cross. The resultant corner was half cleared, and Mohamad Rashid took a first-time shot from the edge of the box, which rattled the crossbar and the rebound attempt by Miguel Ferreira was saved by the goalkeeper. The Red & Gold Brigade had a good spell of play towards the end of the first half, attacking with purpose, but the NorthEast defence contained them as the first half ended goalless.
