Kolkata erupted in joy as East Bengal FC delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in Match 6 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Monday. Spanish sensation Yusuf Azzazari, named Player of the Match, turned the game on its head with a stunning brace in just six minutes of the second half. Miguel Ferreira sealed the deal with a classy finish in injury time.
Coach Oscar Bruzon shuffled his pack smartly, deploying Jackson Singh alongside Anwar Ali in central defense while shifting Lalchungnunga to right-back and handing Jay Gupta his first start on the left flank. NorthEast United’s Juan Pedro Benali countered by thrusting Parthib Gogoi into attack, supported by the pacey Jithin MS and Jairo Semperio.
East Bengal hit the ground running, piling early pressure on NorthEast’s backline with a high press that forced errors in midfield. Wing-backs pushed forward relentlessly, providing crucial support to wingers Bipin Singh and Nanda Kumar on both flanks. Despite their dominance, the hosts struggled to truly test goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh.
The Highlanders relied on Jithin and Parthib’s speed to exploit East Bengal’s high defensive line, but a lack of precise midfield supply hampered their efforts. The first half ended goalless after a flurry of chances for the Red & Gold Brigade, including a crossbar-rattling shot from Mohammed Rashid and a rebound save on Ferreira.
NorthEast started the second half brighter, with Jithin darting behind the defense, but clear opportunities remained scarce. East Bengal responded when Ferreira forced a save from Gurmeet after a well-timed Bipin cross.
The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute. Jackson surged forward to find Bipin, whose pinpoint cross was met by Azzazari, who shed his marker to head home his first ISL goal. Five minutes later, substitute Edmund Lalrinfika’s clever lob deflected off Miguel Zabaco into Azzazari’s path, allowing the Spaniard to deftly chip the keeper for his second.
In injury time, Jay Gupta’s exquisite through ball set Ferreira free. The Brazilian attacker rounded Gurmeet and slotted home with his left foot into the bottom corner, capping a perfect home opener for East Bengal in style.