East Bengal FC launched their ISL 2025-26 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Monday. The night, however, belonged to the goals and the men who scored them.

The breakthrough came in the 66th minute. Bipin Singh delivered a teasing cross into the box. Spanish striker Youssef Ezzejjari rose high and powered a header into the net. The deadlock was broken. The stadium erupted.

East Bengal doubled the lead just four minutes later. Bipin again played a key role, threading a precise pass to Edmund inside the box. Edmund kept his composure and squared it perfectly for Youssef. The forward made no mistake. He smashed the ball home for his second goal of the match in the 70th minute. The Red and Gold Brigade were firmly in control at 2-0.

The final flourish came deep into stoppage time. Vishnu calmly laid the ball off to Miguel Figueira. The Brazilian showed great composure and drilled a precise shot into the far corner. It was 3-0. The contest was over.

Before the goals, East Bengal had already shown attacking intent. In the 35th minute, Bipin Singh weaved past defenders and sent in a dangerous cross that led to a corner. From the resulting play, Rashid unleashed a powerful strike that crashed against the crossbar, narrowly missing the opener.

NorthEast United tried to respond after halftime. In the 55th minute, they began finding small gaps in East Bengal’s final third. They pushed forward with more urgency. But clear chances remained limited.