Kolkata, May 5: East Bengal FC ended Mumbai City FC’s unbeaten run at home to take all three points on Tuesday evening, in the Mumbai Football Arena, and climb to the top of the ongoing Indian Super League points table. With a comeback win, the Red & Gold Brigade have intensified the title race, while Nandha Kumar Sekar once again made an impact with an eye-catching finish.
Within the 8th minute of the match, the Islanders took the lead through Chhangte’s finish from a throw-in. This gave them the advantage going into the first half, but in the second half, two effective changes from Oscar Bruzon saw Miguel and Ezzejjari changed the colour of the into Red and Gold.
In the 57th minute, Miguel launched a dangerous attack, and Kauko, positioned on the right inside the box, stopped him with a challenge, resulting in a penalty for East Bengal FC. Ezzejjari stepped up and converted the chance to equalize for East Bengal FC.
And in the 71st minute, East Bengal FC took the lead. Nandha’s goal-bound move was incredible, helped by a moment of mispositioning from a Mumbai City FC player. From the left flank, Nandha carried the ball forward and positioned himself at the left edge of the box, from where he unleashed a shot that deflected off Bijay slightly and chipped into the net.
In the 76th minute, Chhangte found the net again, but this time it was ruled offside. During the long added time, the Islanders pushed hard to at least secure a point. In the 90+8th minute, they earned a free kick from outside the box, but the efforts from Nuno Reis and Ortiz went to waste.
Moments later, Mumbai City appealed for a penalty when they launched another attack. Inside the box, as Chhikara was about to receive the ball, Nunga held him from behind, but it was not sufficient contact to award a penalty.
The result not only reshapes the standings but also tightens the title race, with momentum now firmly on East Bengal’s side. As the season heads into a crucial phase. With all three points and a +1 goal advantage, East Bengal FC moved to the top with 21 points from 10 matches, while Mumbai City FC slipped to fifth with 19 points from 11 matches, adding pressure on Kratky.
ISL 2025-26 – Mumbai City FC vs East Bengal FC highlights
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