SC East Bengal delivered a stunning performance in Chennai. They defeated Chennaiyin FC 3-1 in a thrilling ISL 2025-26 fixture at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
The Red and Gold Brigade dominated from the first whistle. Three goals from three different scorers sealed a convincing away victory that will lift the mood in the East Bengal camp.
Starting Lineups
The playing 11 from both teams is as follows.
Chennaiyin FC Starting XI (3-4-3)
Chennaiyin lined up in a 3-4-3 formation. Mohammed Nawaz started in goal with Pritam Kotal, Emmanuel Kau, and Alberto Noguera forming the back three.
Laldinliana Renthlei, Irfan Yadwad, Elsinho, and Lalpekhlua Hnamte made up the midfield. Vivek S, Farukh Tashkentov Choudhary, and Mandar Desai completed the front line for Chennaiyin.
SC East Bengal Starting XI (4-5-1)
East Bengal deployed a disciplined 4-5-1 formation. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill was in goal with Manoj Mukherjee Rakip, Kevin Sibille, Anwar Ali, and V.P.V as the defensive four.
Bipin Singh, Saul Crespo, Mohammed Rashid, Miguel Figueira, and Edmund Lalrindika operated in midfield. Jeakson Singh Thounaojam started as the lone striker for East Bengal.
First Half: East Bengal Strike Early, Chennaiyin Level Up
Edmund Lalrindika gave East Bengal a dream start, scoring early from a precise assist by Saul Crespo. The visitors dominated the initial minutes, pressing high and creating multiple dangerous chances.
Chennaiyin faced early pressure and also saw Pritam Kotal booked within four minutes, forcing defensive caution. Despite struggles, the hosts gradually regained composure and looked to respond strongly.
Irfan Yadwad brought Chennaiyin level with a composed finish after receiving a clever pass from Laldinliana Renthlei. The equalizer energized the crowd, sparking loud celebrations across the stadium.
As the half progressed, physicality increased, with Miguel Figueira receiving a yellow card. Both teams continued attacking intent, ending an exciting first half tied 1-1 and setting up more action.
Second Half: East Bengal Take Control and Seal the Win
East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon made key substitutions in the 59th minute, introducing Youssef Ezzejjari and Mahesh Singh Naorem. Chennaiyin responded with changes, bringing on Daniel Chima Chukwu and PC Laldinpuia.
Kevin Sibille received a yellow card in the 66th minute before Souvik Chakraborty replaced Jeakson Singh. Later, Chennaiyin made attacking substitutions, introducing S Prakadeswaran and Maheson Singh Tongbram.
Bipin Singh Thounaojam gave East Bengal the lead with a powerful header in the 84th minute. The goal followed Anton Sojberg’s introduction, which improved East Bengal’s attacking intensity significantly.
Nandhakumar Sekar sealed the victory in stoppage time, scoring in the 90+6 minute. Assisted by Miguel Figueira, his goal secured a dominant 3-1 away win for East Bengal.
Team Stats: East Bengal’s Dominance in Numbers
The statistics told the full story of East Bengal’s dominance. They outshot Chennaiyin 19 to 13 and registered 11 shots on target compared to just two from the home side.
| Stat | Chennaiyin FC | SC East Bengal |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 13 | 19 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 11 |
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Fouls | 8 | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 1 | 0 |
| Corners | 2 | 4 |
Substitutes Used in the Match
Chennaiyin used five substitutes in total. Mohammed Ali Bemammer (66), PC Laldinpuia (4), Maheson Singh Tongbram (21), Daniel Chima Chukwu (27), and S Prakadeswaran (52) all came on.
East Bengal also rotated heavily with five substitutes. Nandhakumar Sekar (11), Youssef Ezzejjari (9), Mahesh Singh Naorem (15), Souvik Chakraborty (23), and Anton Sojberg (77) featured.
Key Events Timeline
The full match events are as follows.
| Minute | Event | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 4′ | Yellow Card – Pritam Kotal | Chennaiyin FC |
| 7′ | GOAL – Edmund Lalrindika (Asst: Crespo) | SC East Bengal |
| 28′ | GOAL – Irfan Yadwad (Asst: L. Renthlei) | Chennaiyin FC |
| 36′ | Yellow Card – Miguel Figueira | SC East Bengal |
| 66′ | Yellow Card – Kevin Sibille | SC East Bengal |
| 83′ | GOAL – Bipin Singh (Asst: V.P.V) | SC East Bengal |
| 90+5′ | Yellow Card – Prabhsukhan Singh Gill | SC East Bengal |
| 90+6′ | GOAL – N. Sekar (Asst: Miguel Figueira) | SC East Bengal |
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Conclusion: East Bengal Delivers a Statement Win
This was a commanding performance from the East Bengal side. They showed tactical maturity, clinical finishing, and strong defensive organization to dismantle Chennaiyin in their own backyard.
The three points will be massive for East Bengal’s ISL campaign. With goals from Edmund Lalrindika, Bipin Singh, and Nandhakumar Sekar, they proved their attacking firepower is impossible to ignore.
Chennaiyin FC will be disappointed after conceding three goals. Despite Irfan Yadwad’s equalizer giving them hope, they failed to contain East Bengal and face tough questions ahead of their next fixture.
