East Bengal Triumphs in ISL 2025-26, Ending 22-Year Title Drought
A Historic Night for East Bengal
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], May 22: Emotions ran high as East Bengal celebrated a long-awaited victory, reclaiming their status at the pinnacle of Indian football. After a 22-year hiatus from national league glory, the Red-and-Gold Brigade emerged as champions by defeating Inter Kashi 2-1 in a thrilling finale of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on May 21, 2026.
As the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted in jubilation. Players fell to the ground in disbelief, while fans embraced each other, chanting “East Bengal, East Bengal” in unison. Mohammed Rashid became the unexpected hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute after league top scorer Youssef Ezzejjari had equalized early in the second half, following Alfred Planas’ opening goal for Inter Kashi in the 14th minute.
This victory secured East Bengal the top position in the ISL standings with 26 points from 13 matches. Although Mohun Bagan Super Giant also won their final match against Sporting Club Delhi with a 2-1 scoreline, East Bengal's superior goal difference of five ensured they ended their long wait for a national league title.
The match began with palpable tension among the home supporters, as the significance of the occasion weighed heavily on East Bengal. Inter Kashi stunned the crowd with an early goal, putting the Red-and-Gold Brigade on the back foot.
Oscar Bruzon’s team started with intent, with Ezzejjari and Miguel Figueira testing Inter Kashi's defense early on. However, Inter Kashi remained composed and struck first in the 14th minute. David Munoz sent a long ball into the East Bengal penalty area, where Alfred Planas executed a perfect first-time volley, silencing the stadium.
For a moment, anxiety filled the stands as the dream of victory seemed to slip away. East Bengal quickly sought to respond, with Bipin Singh delivering a cross that Ezzejjari failed to convert, sending the ball over the crossbar.
Inter Kashi sensed vulnerability and continued to threaten, with Planas nearly doubling their lead in the 24th minute. East Bengal's goalkeeper, Prabhsukhan Gill, made a crucial save to keep the team in the game.
Despite East Bengal's efforts to push forward before halftime, they struggled to find the final touch. However, the tide turned after the break.
East Bengal returned with renewed vigor, and in the 50th minute, Anwar Ali delivered a brilliant pass to Ezzejjari. The Moroccan outpaced his defender and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, igniting the crowd's hopes.
The equalizer transformed the atmosphere, with every tackle and forward run met with cheers from the thousands of fans sensing history was within reach.
East Bengal pressed on and nearly took the lead in the 61st minute, but a fierce strike from substitute Nandhakumar was saved by the Inter Kashi goalkeeper.
The breakthrough finally came in the 72nd minute through sheer determination. Bipin Singh sent in a dangerous cross, and Rashid expertly guided the ball into the far corner, sparking wild celebrations.
As pandemonium ensued, the bench emptied, and supporters rushed to celebrate. The noise in the stadium reached a fever pitch.
Despite the excitement, East Bengal had to maintain their composure as they defended their lead while updates from Mohun Bagan's match trickled in.
When the final whistle blew, years of frustration melted away, marking a historic moment for East Bengal.
Indian Super League 2025-26 Individual Awards:
Golden Boot: Youssef Ezzejjari
Golden Ball: Miguel Figuera
Golden Glove: Hrithik Tiwari
Indian Super League 2025-26 Prize Money:
Champions (East Bengal FC): Rs 1.25 cr.