ISL: East Bengal ride Ezzejjari brace to beat SC Delhi

East Bengal FC produced a commanding performance to defeat Sporting Club Delhi 4-1 in Gameweek 2 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. The Red and Gold Brigade overturned an early setback to secure their second consecutive victory, climbing to the top of the table with six points.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with East Bengal testing SC Delhi goalkeeper Vishal Yadav early. Despite the hosts’ dominance, SC Delhi struck first in the fourth minute when Mohammed Aimen led a swift counterattack and set up Lalrochana, who finished clinically. However, East Bengal responded almost immediately. Edmund Lalrindika, brought into the starting XI by coach Óscar Bruzón, equalised with a powerful volley in the seventh minute. Just five minutes later, Clarence Fernandes conceded a penalty, which Youssef Ezzejjari converted calmly to give East Bengal the lead.
The momentum firmly swung in East Bengal’s favour as they continued to press. Jay Gupta went close with a header, while Ezzejjari was denied by Yadav from close range. Persistence paid off in the 40th minute when Miguel Figueira threaded a precise through ball to Ezzejjari, who slotted past the keeper for his second goal of the night, making it 3-1 before halftime.
SC Delhi attempted a comeback after the break, with Matija Babović and Joseph Sunny creating chances. Sunny’s header was saved by East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill, while Manoj Mohammad delivered dangerous crosses from the left. Despite their efforts, Delhi lacked the finishing touch to reduce the deficit.
East Bengal managed the tempo in the closing stages, absorbing pressure and striking decisively. Gill denied Ramhlunchhunga late on, and in stoppage time, Miguel Figueira capped his performance with a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner, sealing a 4-1 victory. Ezzejjari, with two goals and a penalty conversion, was deservedly named Player of the Match.
With this emphatic win, East Bengal showcased their attacking prowess and resilience, turning an early deficit into a dominant triumph. The result not only highlighted Ezzejjari’s clinical finishing but also underlined the team’s depth and tactical flexibility under Bruzón, as they provisionally sit atop the ISL standings.
Jamshedpur FC beat Punjab FC 1-0
Jamshedpur FC secured their second victory of the ISL 2025-26 as they defeated Punjab FC 1-0 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex at Jamshedpur on February 21, Saturday. It was a cagey came from the kick-off with the battle remaining confined to the midfield. Neither team could consistently stitch a string of passes and the ball remained in the air with neither of the team being able to retain it. In the first half, Jamshedpur FC looked the better side with Raphael Messi Boully, Mohammad Sanan creating half-chances. In the second half, Punjab enjoyed a good spell but an error from Arshdeep Singh led to Vincy Barreto scoring a goal from rebound. The solitary goal was enough to make a difference in the game.