East Bengal thrash Odisha 3-0, climb to fourth in ISL 2025-26
Synopsis
East Bengal's clinical 3-0 dismantling of Odisha at Margao was less a contest and more a statement: with Bipin Singh and Ezzejjari combining ruthlessly, the Red and Gold Brigade signalled their top-four ambitions are real. Odisha's defensive frailties — particularly goalkeeper Anuj Kumar's fumble for the second goal — exposed a side still searching for coherence in their inaugural season.
Key Takeaways
East Bengal FC defeated Odisha FC 3-0 at the PJN Stadium, Margao , on 28 April 2025 .
Bipin Singh Thounaojam opened the scoring in the 11th minute ; Youssef Ezzejjari added two in the 70th and 84th minutes .
East Bengal climb to fourth place with 18 points from nine matches .
Odisha FC remain in 13th place with six points , still searching for consistency.
Bipin Singh was named Man of the Match for his goal and assist.
East Bengal FC strengthened their ascent toward the top half of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 with a dominant 3-0 victory over Odisha FC at the PJN Stadium in Margao, Goa, on Tuesday, 28 April. Bipin Singh Thounaojam broke the deadlock early before Youssef Ezzejjari added two in the second half to seal a comfortable win for the Red and Gold Brigade.
East Bengal's attacking dominance
East Bengal controlled possession from the opening exchanges, with Edmund Lalrindika testing the Odisha defence inside three minutes. The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when PV Vishnu's left-flank run and cut-back found Bipin Singh unmarked at the far post for a simple finish. The early goal set the tone for a one-sided contest, with East Bengal repeatedly probing Odisha's deep defensive block through the first half. Nandhakumar and Saúl Crespo added pressure from central areas, while Prabhsukhan Gill made a sharp save to deny Rahim Ali before the interval.
Second-half onslaught
The pattern intensified after the break. In the 70th minute, Vishnu's teasing cross found Ezzejjari, who capitalised on Anuj Kumar's fumble to tap home the second. The Moroccan forward sealed the rout in the 84th minute when Mawihmingthanga's incisive pass released Bipin Singh down the right; the winger's composed cut-back allowed Ezzejjari to finish with ease. Odisha lacked cutting edge throughout, with captain Carlos Delgado's late header drifting wide as East Bengal managed the closing stages without alarm.
Table standings and tactical adjustments
The victory lifts East Bengal to fourth place with 18 points from nine matches, while Odisha remain in 13th with six points. Óscar Bruzón made three changes for East Bengal, introducing Mohamad Rakip, Nandhakumar, and Anton Søjberg, while Odisha head coach T.G. Purushothaman handed debuts to Anuj Kumar in goal and Ashangbam Aphaoba Singh in attack.
What's next
East Bengal's fourth-place standing keeps them in contention for a playoff spot with six matches remaining. Odisha's struggles in the final third will concern Purushothaman as they look to climb away from the relegation zone.
Point of View
But Odisha's collapse was equally revealing. New goalkeeper Anuj Kumar's fumble for the second goal exemplified a side still finding its feet; the team has conceded 18 goals in nine matches — a defensive record that explains their 13th-place standing. For East Bengal, the win validates their top-four credentials, but the real test comes against stronger opposition. The gap between fourth and fifth is just two points; consistency, not flash performances against struggling sides, will decide the playoff race.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the East Bengal vs Odisha match?
East Bengal FC defeated Odisha FC 3-0 at the PJN Stadium in Margao on 28 April 2025. Bipin Singh Thounaojam scored first in the 11th minute, followed by two goals from Youssef Ezzejjari in the 70th and 84th minutes.
How many points does East Bengal have after this win?
East Bengal now have 18 points from 9 matches and sit in fourth place in the ISL 2025-26 standings.
Where does Odisha FC stand in the table after this loss?
Odisha FC remain in 13th place with 6 points from 9 matches, still searching for consistency in their campaign.
Who was named Man of the Match?
Bipin Singh Thounaojam was awarded Man of the Match for his influential display, which included a goal and an assist in the victory.
What tactical changes did the coaches make?
East Bengal manager Óscar Bruzón made three changes, introducing Mohamad Rakip, Nandhakumar, and Anton Søjberg. Odisha head coach T.G. Purushothaman handed debuts to goalkeeper Anuj Kumar and forward Ashangbam Aphaoba Singh.
