How East Bengal Clinched Their First Ever ISL Championship

East Bengal FC finally returned to the summit of Indian football after a 22-year wait, winning their maiden Indian Super League title in one of the most emotional nights in the club’s history.

The Red-and-Gold Brigade defeated Inter Kashi 2-1 in a dramatic ISL 2025-26 finale at Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on May 21.

The victory not only secured East Bengal’s first ISL crown but also ended more than two decades of frustration since their last national league triumph.

As the final whistle blew, scenes of emotion unfolded across the packed stadium. Players collapsed to the turf, supporters celebrated wildly and chants of “East Bengal, East Bengal” echoed throughout the arena.

The title race went down to the final moments, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant also winning their final match against Sporting Club Delhi by a 2-1 scoreline. Both sides finished level on 26 points from 13 matches, but East Bengal secured the championship thanks to a superior goal difference of five.

How Did Inter Kashi Shock East Bengal Early?

The occasion initially appeared to weigh heavily on East Bengal as Inter Kashi stunned the home crowd with an early breakthrough.

Despite positive attacking intent from Youssef Ezzejari and Miguel Figueira in the opening exchanges, Inter Kashi remained composed defensively before striking in the 14th minute.

David Munoz floated a long ball into the penalty area, where Alfred Planas timed his run perfectly before smashing a first-time volley beyond goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill.

The goal silenced the stadium and briefly revived fears among East Bengal supporters that another painful near-miss could follow.

Inter Kashi continued to threaten throughout the first half. Planas nearly doubled the lead after dribbling past Anwar Ali before forcing Gill into a crucial save. Moments later, Gill spilled another long-range effort from Planas, though East Bengal escaped further damage.

Meanwhile, East Bengal’s own opportunities went begging. Ezzejjari missed a close-range chance after Bipin Singh delivered a dangerous cross across goal, adding to the nervous atmosphere inside the stadium.

What Changed the Match for East Bengal?

The momentum shifted completely after halftime as East Bengal emerged with greater urgency and belief.

The equaliser arrived in the 50th minute through a brilliant piece of play involving Anwar Ali and Ezzejjari. Ali delivered a defence-splitting pass from deep inside his own half, releasing the Moroccan striker behind the Inter Kashi defence.

Ezzejjari raced clear, reached the ball before goalkeeper Shubham Dhas and calmly nutmegged the advancing keeper before rolling the ball into the net.

The goal transformed the atmosphere instantly. Relief inside the stadium turned into renewed belief as East Bengal pushed aggressively for a winner.

Substitute Nandhakumar nearly completed the turnaround in the 61st minute with a powerful strike that forced Dhas into another important save.

How Did Mohammed Rashid Become the Hero?

The decisive moment finally arrived in the 72nd minute through Mohammed Rashid, who emerged as the unlikely match-winner.

Bipin Singh whipped a dangerous cross into the penalty area and Rashid stretched to guide the ball into the far corner.

Pandemonium erupted inside Kishore Bharati Krirangan. The East Bengal bench emptied onto the pitch while supporters celebrated wildly in the stands.

The remaining minutes were filled with tension as East Bengal defended their narrow lead while simultaneously awaiting updates from Mohun Bagan’s match.

When the final whistle eventually arrived, decades of pain and disappointment disappeared in an instant.

Who Were the Standout Performers of the ISL Season?

East Bengal’s title triumph was built around several standout individual performances during the campaign.

Youssef Ezzejari finished as the league’s top scorer and won the Golden Boot award after another crucial contribution in the final.

Miguel Figueira claimed the Golden Ball award for his influence throughout the season, while Hrithik Tiwari earned the Golden Glove.

East Bengal also received prize money of Rs 1.25 crore for winning the ISL 2025-26 title.

For one of India’s most historic football institutions, the victory represented far more than silverware. It marked the end of a 22-year wait and restored East Bengal’s place among the elite of Indian football.

(With inputs from ANI)