A new season, a new coach, and a brand-new hope. East Bengal FC kicked off their ISL 2025-26 campaign exactly how the Red & Gold faithful had dreamed. Under the tactical brilliance of head coach Carles Cuadrat's successor, Oscar Bruzon, the Torchbearers dismantled NorthEast United FC with a commanding 3-0 victory at home.

Final Score: East Bengal 3 - 0 NorthEast United FC. The Hero: Moroccan sensation Ezzejjari, who scored twice on his debut. Tactical Dominance: Bruzon’s aggressive high-pressing football left the Highlanders with no answers.

From the opening whistle, East Bengal dictated the tempo. The "Bruzon-ball" era started with fluid passing and lethal wing play. The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when Ezzejjari, latching onto a brilliant through-ball from midfield, clinicaly finished past the keeper to send the home crowd into a frenzy.

In the second half, NorthEast United attempted a comeback, but the East Bengal defense remained rock-solid. The pressure eventually told as Ezzejjari doubled his tally with a poaching finish in the box. A third goal late in the game from a local Indian striker sealed the three points and a clean sheet for the hosts.

The atmosphere at the stadium was electric as fans celebrated a dominant start to the league. After several seasons of mid-table finishes, this performance suggests that East Bengal is finally ready to contend for the silverware. The chemistry between the midfield and the new-look attack was the standout feature of the night.