KOLKATA – In a tightly contested Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 encounter, East Bengal FC and FC Goa played out a thrilling yet goalless draw at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Thursday. The match, the 22nd of the season, marked the first-ever scoreless stalemate between these two football powerhouses from different corners of India.
FC Goa, nicknamed the Gaurs, sit provisionally third in the standings with 8 points from four games. East Bengal, known as the Red and Gold Brigade, trail just behind in fourth with 7 points from the same number of outings. Miguel Ferreira earned the Player of the Match honors for his commanding performance in midfield.
East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon made two changes to his starting XI, bringing in Mohammad Rakip and Naorem Mahesh Singh for Jay Gupta and Anton Sosberg, who made their seasonal debuts off the bench. FC Goa’s Manolo Marquez, on the other hand, stuck with the same lineup that had served them well recently.
The visitors threatened first when Ishan Pandita latched onto a lofted pass from Dejan Drazic, sprinting behind the defense. But center-back Anwar Ali produced a crucial recovery tackle to deny the striker a shot on goal. East Bengal quickly wrested control in midfield, forcing Goa into a counter-attacking mode.
The first clear chance fell to East Bengal in the 15th minute. Naorem Mahesh Singh delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Bipin Singh on the left flank. The winger whipped in a precise cross to the unmarked Yusuf Yesilaj in the box, but the striker’s effort sailed just over the crossbar.
FC Goa responded with menace. Prabhsukhan Gill made a fine save to thwart Brison Fernandes after a slick move involving Ayush Dev Chhetri and Boris Singh. Moments later, Boris’s right-footed strike crashed against the post.
East Bengal came close too, with Mohammad Rashid unleashing a thunderous long-range shot that clipped the crossbar after beating the goalkeeper’s grasp. Despite a flurry of opportunities, both sides headed into halftime locked at 0-0.
The second half was a cautious affair, with both defenses holding firm. Substitutions from both benches failed to unlock the deadlock. FC Goa’s best moment came when Abdul Rabih teed up substitute Renier Fernandes at the edge of the box, but his right-footed attempt flew over the bar.
In injury time, East Bengal piled on pressure, but Goa held their nerve. The points were shared in a hard-fought battle, underscoring the growing competitiveness in Indian football.