The ongoing Indian Super League is getting tougher as East Bengal FC continued their momentum by winning their tenth match with a 3–0 victory over Odisha FC on Tuesday evening at the Fatorda Stadium, and kept their title winning race steady. Meanwhile, Youssef Ezzejjari continued his push for the Golden Boot, scoring a brace to take his tally to nine goals. The defeat became even more worrying for Odisha FC, as they are now battling to avoid relegation in what has become an increasingly contested fight for survival.
With the election atmosphere in Bengal, East Bengal FC’s home fixtures were shifted to the Fatorda Stadium, turning it into a home-away-from-home match. Playing as the home side, East Bengal started dominantly from the first whistle and took the lead in the 11th minute of the match. PV Vishnu delivered a pinpoint grounded cross from the left flank, which a well-positioned Bipin Singh calmly placed into the net.
After the opener, in the 21st minute, PV Vishnu’s shot from inside the box was blocked. Within the next three minutes, Nandakumar Sekar created another goal-bound chance from the middle of the box, but Anuj Kumar made an impressive save for Odisha FC. With this, East Bengal FC continued to pile pressure on the Juggernauts in search of extending their lead.
However, in the 40th minute, Odisha FC got an opportunity to open their scoring. Capitalising on a ball, Hitesh Sharma headed it down to Subham Bhattacharya, who attempted a shot from the middle of the box, but the effort was saved.
As the game progressed in the second half, the rhythm of the East Bengal FC attack seemed to fade, as they were unable to pose a real threat to the Odisha FC defence despite dominating possession and maintaining attacking pressure. Odisha defended resolutely with a collective effort, but meanwhile Youssef Ezzejjari made an impact after coming on as a super substitute.
In the 70th minute, Youssef Ezzejjari doubled East Bengal FC’s lead. Vishnu PV delivered a cross into the box which Anuj Kumar initially saved, but the rebound fell to Ezzejjari, who calmly sent the ball into the net.
Then, in the 83rd minute, Ezzejjari scored his brace to seal the game for East Bengal FC. Bipin Singh sent a cross into the box from the right flank, which Ezzejjari chipped into the net to make three and secure all three points for the Red and Gold Brigade.
With that crucial win, East Bengal FC moved up to fourth place with 18 points and now hold the highest goal difference in the league at +17. The race at the top remains extremely tight, with only a one or two-point gap separating the leading teams. As the league enters a more intense phase, East Bengal’s strong form and attacking consistency have made them serious contenders in the title race, while their dominant performances continue to build confidence within the Red and Gold Brigade.
ISL 2025-26 – East Bengal FC vs Odisha FC
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