East Bengal Outclass Odisha FC to Continue Climb Up ISL Table

East Bengal FC produced one of their most complete performances of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season as they defeated Odisha FC 3-0 at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Tuesday night. 

The Red and Gold Brigade combined attacking fluency with defensive control to register a dominant victory that lifted them into the top four of the league standings. Goals from Bipin Singh and a second-half brace from Youssef Ezzejjari sealed all three points for Óscar Bruzón’s side, who now move to 18 points from nine matches. Odisha FC, meanwhile, remain stuck in 13th position with just six points from their campaign.

Bipin Singh emerged as the standout performer of the evening, scoring once and assisting another in an influential display on the right flank. His movement, energy, and link-up play repeatedly troubled Odisha’s defence and set the tone for East Bengal’s aggressive approach. Bruzón made three changes to the side, bringing in Mohamad Rakip, Nandhakumar, and Danish attacker Anton Søjberg. Odisha coach T.G. Purushothaman also shuffled his lineup, handing starts to goalkeeper Anuj Kumar and forward Ashangbam Aphaoba Singh.

From the opening whistle, East Bengal looked sharper, quicker, and far more organised. The Kolkata side immediately pressed high and forced Odisha deep inside their own half. Within the opening three minutes, Edmund Lalrindika nearly opened the scoring after a flowing attacking move, signalling East Bengal’s intent early in the contest.

Odisha struggled to establish possession or build any rhythm in midfield as East Bengal dominated the ball and attacked aggressively through the wings. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 11th minute following sustained pressure. The move started on the left flank where Lalrindika combined smartly with PV Vishnu, whose overlapping run created space behind Odisha’s defence. Vishnu delivered a perfectly weighted cut-back into the box where Bipin Singh arrived unmarked at the far post to calmly tap into an empty net.

It was a goal that reflected East Bengal’s attacking structure throughout the evening quick movement, intelligent width, and sharp final-third combinations. After taking the lead, East Bengal continued to dictate the tempo. Vishnu remained a constant outlet on the left, while Nandhakumar and Saúl Crespo controlled possession centrally. Odisha, meanwhile, appeared content to sit deep and attempt counter-attacks through Rahim Ali, but East Bengal’s defensive organisation ensured goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill had little work to do for most of the opening half.

Odisha Struggle to Create Chances

Despite trailing, Odisha FC failed to create sustained attacking pressure.

Rahim Ali showed occasional flashes with his pace and direct running, but support around him remained limited. Carlos Delgado attempted to push higher from set-pieces, while K Lalrinfela tried to link midfield and attack, yet East Bengal consistently regained possession quickly. Odisha’s best moment of the first half came late when Rahim Ali forced a sharp save from Gill, but East Bengal comfortably carried their one-goal advantage into the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern with East Bengal enjoying greater control in possession while Odisha struggled to threaten consistently in the final third. Although Rahim Ali had another effort drift wide shortly after the hour mark, Odisha rarely looked capable of forcing their way back into the game. East Bengal eventually doubled their advantage in the 70th minute through substitute Youssef Ezzejjari.

Once again, PV Vishnu played a central role in the move, delivering another dangerous cross into the Odisha penalty area. Goalkeeper Anuj Kumar failed to deal convincingly with the delivery, and the loose ball fell kindly for Ezzejjari, who reacted quickest to finish from close range. The goal effectively ended Odisha’s hopes of a comeback.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/shillong-lajong-held-by-resolute-dempo-as-missed-chances-prove-costly

East Bengal continued to attack with confidence even after taking a two-goal lead.

Their third goal in the 84th minute showcased the sharpness and fluidity of Bruzón’s attacking unit. Substitute Mawihmingthanga delivered an incisive pass into the right channel for Bipin Singh, whose composure inside the box stood out once again. Rather than attempting a difficult finish, Bipin intelligently cut the ball back into space for Ezzejjari, who calmly slotted home his second goal of the night.

The Moroccan striker’s movement and finishing quality added a clinical edge to East Bengal’s performance and highlighted the squad depth now available to Bruzón.

While the attacking display grabbed attention, East Bengal’s defensive discipline was equally impressive. Odisha’s forwards found little space between the lines, while the backline dealt comfortably with crosses and long balls. Prabhsukhan Gill remained composed throughout, and the defensive structure prevented Odisha from generating meaningful momentum at any stage. Odisha’s best late opportunity came through captain Carlos Delgado, whose header drifted narrowly wide, but the visitors never seriously threatened a comeback.

The victory continues East Bengal’s strong run and further strengthens their growing belief in the ISL title race. With 22 goals already scored this season, the Red and Gold Brigade remain one of the league’s most dangerous attacking sides. More importantly, performances are beginning to show greater tactical balance and defensive maturity. Bipin Singh’s form, Vishnu’s creativity, Crespo’s midfield control, and Ezzejjari’s finishing now give East Bengal multiple attacking weapons heading into the crucial final phase of the campaign.

For Odisha FC, however, concerns continue to grow. Defensive fragility, lack of cutting edge in attack, and inconsistency in midfield once again proved costly as their difficult season continued with another disappointing defeat.