Kolkata, Feb 26 (NationPress) In Match 16 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season, East Bengal FC is set to face Jamshedpur FC on Friday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, with both teams aiming for their third straight win.

East Bengal FC comes into this match riding high after a convincing 4-1 win against Sporting Club Delhi. The team showcased their prowess with goals from Edmund Lalrindika, Miguel Figueira, and a double from Youssef Ezzejjari, solidifying their position at the top of the league.

Both teams currently sit on six points from their first two matches, and the outcome of this matchup will temporarily determine the league leader.

Commenting on the importance of maintaining their winning streak, East Bengal's head coach Óscar Bruzón stressed the need for focus. He stated, “The primary goal is to secure three points while adhering to our style of play and striving for peak performance. Jamshedpur is effective in transitions, poses a threat on set-pieces, and is well-organized; hence, we must remain focused and disciplined throughout the match.”

Midfielder Saúl Crespo added, “Jamshedpur is a formidable opponent. We are aware of their skilled players and coaching staff. It will be a challenging match, but our team is confident this season. We’ve had a fantastic start and want to maintain this momentum with our fans' support.”

Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC arrives in Kolkata, currently in fourth place with six points, only separated from East Bengal by goal difference. They recently achieved a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Punjab FC, thanks to a late goal by Vincy Barretto, marking their second consecutive clean sheet. They aim to maintain this defensive strength against a team that has shown attacking brilliance.

Jamshedpur's head coach Owen Coyle acknowledged the significance of the East Bengal fanbase at the VYBK and the necessity of converting their defensive resilience into points. He remarked, “This is a crucial away game in Kolkata against a prestigious club with a rich legacy and significant investment this season. My friend Óscar Bruzón is an excellent coach, but we will both be fiercely competing to win. They possess quality players, both Indian internationals and talented foreigners. We need to perform at our best to contend for three points.”

Coyle also noted, “Success isn’t solely about scoring multiple goals; it requires discipline, hard work, and securing results. Our two wins and clean sheets reflect the character and commitment of this squad.”

Midfielder Pronay Halder expressed, “The spirit in our dressing room is exceptionally high. We believe in one another, trust our coaching staff, and are united as a team. If we maintain this mentality and fighting spirit, we can accomplish something remarkable this season.”

As East Bengal seeks to control the game in front of their home supporters, Jamshedpur aims to stay compact and exploit counter-attacks. The match is poised to be an exciting contest, with three invaluable points on the line.