Youssef Ezzejjari shines on his debut as East Bengal thrash North East United FC at the VYBK

The Red and Gold Brigade have started their ISL campaign with a statement win. (Image credits – CommonsWikipedia, Licence Details)

A new-look East Bengal started their Indian Super League season with a bang, defeating North East United FC 3-0 at the VYBK stadium in Kolkata on Monday. The Kolkata giants finally defeated the jinx and won an opening game of ISL for the first time in the club's history.

Debutant No. 9 Youssef Ezzejjari bagged a sensational brace, along with dropping deep to create chances and help the team win the ball back. Former Basundhara Kings midfielder Miguel Ferreira bagged the third goal of the night with a superb finish late in injury time.

The visitors were simply outclassed by Oscar Bruzon’s side, as they could not cope with East Bengal’s relentless pressure and cohesive attacking. The Kolkata giants haven't been able to impress much in the Indian Super League, but this season the team has delivered a statement in the first game itself.

The Kolkata giants have also managed to finish a match week at the top of the table for the first time since joining the ISL in 2020. Bruzon managed the game brilliantly in the second half, as the introduction of Edmund Lalrindika replacing Nandha Sekhar on the right flank completely changed the game.

East Bengal's defence looks rock solid this season with Anwar Ali, Lalchungnunga and Jay Gupta at the back. Jeakson Singh also did a brilliant job at the back replacing injured centre-back Kevin Sibille. Meanwhile, in the midfield Mohammed Rashid and Saul Crespo have managed to control the tempo of the game brilliantly.

Since signing Miguel Ferreira, he has brought a complete shift in dynamics to East Bengal’s frontline. Bipin Singh found his rhythm back on the left flank, delivering the sensational assist for Ezzejjari in the first goal.

East Bengal have invested a lot in building the squad this year, focusing on every department. With such a performance against a team like North East, the Red and Gold brigade will aim to end their Indian Super League drought this year.