Kolkata witnessed one of the most one-sided derbies in its storied football history as East Bengal FC dismantled Mohammedan Sporting Club 7-0 in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Monday.
In a fixture traditionally defined by intensity and fine margins, the Red and Gold Brigade produced a ruthless, near-flawless performance to register the biggest-ever win between the two sides.
The result not only marked a record derby victory but also equalled the highest winning margin in ISL history, matching FC Goa’s 7-0 triumph over Mumbai City FC in 2015. The emphatic win lifted East Bengal to fourth place in the standings with 11 points from six matches, while Mohammedan SC’s struggles continued as they remained without a point after five outings.
At the heart of East Bengal’s dominant display was Anwar Ali, who delivered a commanding performance at both ends of the pitch, scoring twice and controlling proceedings from defence. His contributions earned him the Player of the Match award in what turned out to be a night to remember for the home fans.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
East Bengal wasted no time asserting control, taking the lead as early as the sixth minute. Anwar Ali, stepping up from the back, attempted a speculative long-range effort from the left flank. Mohammedan goalkeeper Padam Chettri misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing it to sneak into the bottom-right corner and hand the hosts an early advantage.
The goal set the tone for what followed. East Bengal continued to press high, forcing errors and capitalising on Mohammedan’s lack of composure. Just eight minutes later, the lead was doubled when Sajjad Hussain brought down Miguel Figueira inside the penalty area. Youssef Ezzejjari stepped up and converted calmly from the spot to make it 2-0.
Photo:Santanu Biswas /Focus Sports/ ISL
Mohammedan struggled to cope with East Bengal’s tempo and physicality. Their situation worsened in the 38th minute when right-back Joseph Lalmuanawma was sent off after receiving his second yellow card, conceding yet another penalty in the process.
Captain Saúl Crespo made no mistake from the spot, slotting home to extend the lead to 3-0. By halftime, the contest was effectively over, with East Bengal not only dominating possession but also creating far more meaningful chances.
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If there was any expectation of a response from Mohammedan after the break, East Bengal quickly put it to rest. The hosts maintained their intensity and continued to exploit gaps in the opposition’s defence.
In the 54th minute, Ezzejjari converted his second penalty of the match after Figueira was once again brought down inside the box. This marked a rare instance of a team scoring three penalties in a single ISL game, underlining Mohammedan’s defensive indiscipline.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Mohammedan attempted to find a way back into the contest. Juwel Mazumder had a chance in the 68th minute but failed to convert from close range, summing up a frustrating evening for the visitors.
East Bengal showed no signs of slowing down. The fifth goal arrived in the 75th minute when PV Vishnu reacted quickest inside the box following a corner, finishing from close range to further extend the lead. Just four minutes later, Anwar Ali capped off his outstanding performance with his second goal of the night. Latching onto a well-timed pass from Mahesh Naorem, he finished confidently from inside the box to make it 6-0.
The rout was completed deep into stoppage time when substitute Nandha Kumar added the seventh goal. His clinical finish in the 96th minute brought an emphatic end to a performance that will be remembered as one of East Bengal’s finest in derby history.
Tactical and Structural Superiority
What stood out in East Bengal’s performance was not just the scoreline, but the manner in which they controlled every phase of the game. Their pressing structure forced turnovers in advanced areas, while their midfield dictated the tempo with precision.
The movement of players like Figueira and Ezzejjari created constant problems for Mohammedan’s backline, while Crespo’s leadership ensured control in midfield. At the back, Anwar Ali’s ability to step into attacking zones added another dimension to their play. In contrast, Mohammedan struggled with both structure and discipline. Defensive errors, poor decision-making, and the early red card left them chasing shadows for most of the match.
Implications Moving Forward
For East Bengal, this victory represents more than just three points. It signals a team finding rhythm and confidence at a crucial stage of the season. Climbing to fourth place, they have now firmly positioned themselves as contenders for the playoff spots.
For Mohammedan SC, however, the defeat raises serious concerns. With no points from five matches, questions around defensive organisation and overall team cohesion will need urgent addressing during the international break. Derbies are often unpredictable, shaped by moments of brilliance or lapses in concentration. But this encounter was anything but close. East Bengal’s 7-0 victory was a statement of intent, of quality, and of dominance.
As the ISL pauses for the international break before resuming on April 3, East Bengal will carry momentum and belief, while Mohammedan SC will be left to regroup after one of the toughest nights in their history.
