East Bengal FC produced a clinical late performance to defeat Chennaiyin FC 3-1 in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.
In a contest that ebbed and flowed for long periods, second-half goals from Bipin Singh and Nandha Kumar ensured the visitors secured all three points after Irfan Yadwad had cancelled out Edmund Lalrindika’s early opener.
The result sees East Bengal climb to third place with 14 points from seven matches, strengthening their position in the upper half of the table. Chennaiyin, meanwhile, remain in 12th place with five points, left to reflect on missed opportunities despite an encouraging performance for large stretches of the match.
East Bengal started with purpose and took the lead as early as the seventh minute. A well-timed through ball from captain Saúl Crespo split the Chennaiyin defence, allowing Edmund Lalrindika to break through. The forward showed composure, controlling the pass before finishing calmly past goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz to give the visitors an early advantage.
However, Chennaiyin responded positively after conceding. Gradually growing into the game, they began to find rhythm in midfield and posed consistent threats down the flanks. Their first major opportunity came in the 20th minute when Irfan Yadwad rose to meet a cross from Farukh Choudhary, only to see his header crash against the post.
The equaliser arrived eight minutes later, and it was well deserved. Laldinliana delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the box, and Irfan timed his run expertly before producing a delicate chip over Prabhsukhan Gill. The finish reflected both composure and awareness, bringing Chennaiyin level at 1-1.
The remainder of the first half saw both teams create chances in an open contest. East Bengal’s PV Vishnu looked lively, testing the Chennaiyin defence with his movement, while Bipin Singh also had opportunities to threaten. Nawaz, however, was in excellent form, making multiple saves to keep the scores level. At the other end, Chennaiyin’s defensive unit, led by Eduardo, remained organised under pressure.
The second half began with Chennaiyin carrying forward their momentum. They controlled possession for extended spells and looked the more likely side to score. Alberto Noguera dictated play from midfield, while Farukh Choudhary and Irfan Yadwad continued to probe the East Bengal defence. Despite their dominance, Chennaiyin struggled with finishing, failing to convert promising build-up play into clear goalscoring opportunities.
East Bengal, meanwhile, relied on transitions and moments of individual quality. Vishnu remained a key outlet on the left, while Mohammed Rashid contributed to the midfield battle. Nawaz was once again called into action, producing a crucial double save to deny Vishnu and Youssef Ezzejjari, keeping Chennaiyin in the contest.
Photo: R. Parthibhan / Focus Sports / ISL
As the match entered its closing stages, the balance began to shift. East Bengal showed greater efficiency in the final third, capitalising on one of their key opportunities in the 83rd minute. Vishnu delivered a precise cross from the left, and Bipin Singh made no mistake, rising inside the box to head the ball past Nawaz and restore East Bengal’s lead at 2-1.
The goal proved to be the turning point. Chennaiyin pushed forward in search of another equaliser, committing players in attack, but their lack of cutting edge continued to hinder them. Farukh Choudhary came close late on with a header, but it drifted wide, summing up a frustrating evening in front of goal.
With Chennaiyin stretched in the final moments, East Bengal delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time. Miguel Figueira initiated a swift counterattack, carrying the ball forward from deep before finding Nandha Kumar. The forward showed composure to finish at the near post, sealing a 3-1 victory in the 90+6th minute.
The match underlined a clear contrast between the two sides Chennaiyin’s ability to build phases of play versus East Bengal’s clinical finishing. While the hosts created enough opportunities to take control, their inefficiency in front of goal proved costly.
For East Bengal, the win highlights their growing maturity as a side capable of managing different phases of a match. Their ability to absorb pressure and strike at decisive moments could prove crucial as the season progresses.
Chennaiyin, on the other hand, will take positives from their overall play but must address their finishing and defensive lapses in key moments. Despite a strong response after conceding early, they were unable to sustain that level through to the final whistle.
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In the end, it was East Bengal’s late surge that defined the contest—turning a balanced encounter into a convincing victory and reinforcing their credentials as contenders in the ongoing ISL campaign.
