East Bengal end 22-year wait, lift national title with victory in ISL

East Bengal won the national league title after 22 years, winning the 2025-26 ISL season. (Image: AIFF/ISL) New Delhi: East Bengal were crowned the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) champions on Thursday, fending off the challenge of four other clubs in what was a sensational final match of the shortened season.The last time East Bengal lifted the league title was in 2004 when the top division of Indian football was called the National Football League. Since then, it has seen several avatars: the I-League, Indian Super League and the I-League before its current incarnation in the ISL. In the 22 years since that glory, East Bengal have failed to add to their three National League titles. They finished second six times in the NFL/I-League era, while their best finish since joining the ISL was ninth.Until this season.The current season of 13 matches, each of which has produced a title fight for the ages. East Bengal, city rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Punjab FC, Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC had a chance as the matches started simultaneously.So much so that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has placed the shiny ISL trophy in its Kolkata office with Kishore Bharati Krirangan (temporary home of Inter Kashi) and Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (home of Mohun Bagan Super Giant).If the results were different, other options included a flight to the glittering silver with one of Mumbai, Jamshedpur or Punjab as final destinations.

Action from East Bengal vs Inter Kashi in ISL. (Image: Emami East Bengal)

East Bengal eventually held their destiny in their own hands, coming from behind to beat Inter Kashi 2-1 courtesy of goals from Youssef Ezzeyjari and Rashid. Mohun Bagan, who staged a comeback of their own to beat SC Delhi 2-1, were on top on 51 minutes as Alfred put Inter Kashi in front. But with their title aspirations not in their hands, Mohun Bagan were denied and finished the season level with their city rivals but with a lower goal difference. In other matches of the day, Mumbai City FC defeated Punjab FC 2-0 to take third place in the table. Jamshedpur FC and Odisha FC played out a goalless draw.East Bengal manager Oscar Bruzon perfectly captured the emotions on the eve of the match. “We cannot hide from the fact that now it is one game for one title. If we want to play one game at a time, now is the time to take one title at a time,” he said.

East Bengal players celebrate after scoring against Inter Kashi. (Fan Code)

On the field, the Red and Gold Brigade played like it was truly “one title after another,” with an intensity that was no different than seen throughout the season.East Bengal were by far the best side with only one loss in the campaign. They scored the most goals (30), have the biggest goal difference (+19), saw Youssef Ezzejjari’s Golden Boot (11 goals), while Miguel Figueira provided the most assists (6).Ezzejjari’s influence was most felt in the domestic matches, with 10 of his 11 goals coming at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. He was also influential off the bench. In the four games he was brought in, he scored three goals. Together, Ezzejjari and Edmund Lalrindika were the most lethal attacking duo of the ISL season (15 goals).All statistics aside, East Bengal and their faithful will cherish this glory for various reasons: overcoming their city rivals Mohun Bagan, reviving the rivalry at the Maidan for nostalgia’s sake and above all, lifting the title after 22 years. And he deserves every bit of it.