ISL 2025-26: East Bengal Script Record Derby Win Over Mohammedan Sporting

Kolkata — East Bengal FC delivered a night to remember in the Kolkata derby, thrashing Mohammedan Sporting Club 7-0 in the Indian Super League 2025-26 season at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Monday.

The emphatic result not only marked the biggest-ever win between the two sides but also matched the joint highest margin in ISL history, equalling FC Goa’s 7-0 victory over Mumbai City FC in 2015.

Led by standout performances from Anwar Ali and Youssef Ezzejjari—both of whom scored twice—East Bengal dominated from start to finish. The win lifted the Red and Gold Brigade to fourth place with 11 points from six games, while Mohammedan Sporting continued to struggle, still without a point after five matches.

East Bengal set the tone early, taking the lead in just the sixth minute when Anwar Ali struck from long range, catching goalkeeper Padam Chettri off guard. The advantage doubled soon after, as Ezzejjari calmly converted a penalty following a foul by Sajjad Hussain.

Mohammedan’s problems worsened when Joseph Lalmuanawma was sent off before halftime. East Bengal capitalised, with captain Saúl Crespo scoring from the spot to make it 3-0 at the break.

The second half saw more of the same dominance. Ezzejjari added another penalty—making it three successful spot-kicks for East Bengal, a first in ISL history—before PV Vishnu, Anwar Ali (again), and substitute Nandha Kumar all found the net to complete the rout.

Despite a few attempts, including a missed chance from Juwel Mazumder, Mohammedan never looked capable of mounting a comeback.

Anwar Ali’s commanding display earned him the Player of the Match award, capping off a memorable derby for East Bengal.

The ISL season will resume on April 3 after the international break, with Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s side set to face Punjab FC in New Delhi.

With inputs from IANS