East Bengal vs Mohammedan Highlights ISL: EBFC 7-0 MSC | Youssef Ezzejjari & Anwar Ali Bag Brace; Saul Crespo, Vishnu PV, Nandhakumar On Target.
East Bengal FC delivered a ruthless, record-equalling demolition of city rivals Mohammedan SC, thrashing the Black Panthers 7-0 in a one-sided Kolkata derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) on Monday, March 23, 2026.
This emphatic victory matched the biggest winning margin in Indian Super League (ISL) history and propelled East Bengal to fourth place in the 2025-26 standings, while leaving Mohammedan still searching for their first point of the season.
The Red and Gold Brigade were clinical from the first whistle. They raced to a 3-0 lead by half-time and continued their onslaught in the second half, exploiting Mohammedan’s numerical disadvantage after the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Youssef Ezzejjari and Anwar Ali each scored twice, while Saúl Crespo, PV Vishnu, and substitute Nandhakumar Sekar completed the rout.
Match Summary & Goal Timeline
6' – GOAL! East Bengal 1-0 Mohammedan Defender Anwar Ali opened the scoring with a thunderous long-range strike that beat goalkeeper Padam Chhetri. The early goal set the tone for a dominant evening.
The Red and Gold Brigade were clinical from the first whistle. They raced to a 3-0 lead by half-time and continued their onslaught in the second half, exploiting Mohammedan’s numerical disadvantage after the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Youssef Ezzejjari and Anwar Ali each scored twice, while Saúl Crespo, PV Vishnu, and substitute Nandhakumar Sekar completed the rout.
Match Summary & Goal Timeline
6' – GOAL! East Bengal 1-0 Mohammedan Defender Anwar Ali opened the scoring with a thunderous long-range strike that beat goalkeeper Padam Chhetri. The early goal set the tone for a dominant evening.
14' – GOAL! East Bengal 2-0 Mohammedan (Youssef Ezzejjari – Penalty) Ezzejjari calmly converted from the spot after a foul inside the box, taking his season tally to six goals.
35' – RED CARD! Mohammedan down to 10 men Defender Joseph Lalmuanawma (or Adjei in some reports) received a second yellow card, leaving the Black Panthers severely handicapped for the rest of the match.
38' – GOAL! East Bengal 3-0 Mohammedan (Saúl Crespo – Penalty) Captain Saúl Crespo made no mistake from the penalty spot, extending the lead just before half-time.
Half-time: East Bengal 3-0 Mohammedan SC
The second half saw East Bengal in complete control, with wave after wave of attacks.
54' – GOAL! East Bengal 4-0 Mohammedan (Youssef Ezzejjari – Penalty) Ezzejjari scored his second penalty of the night after Miguel Figueira was brought down. This was the first time in ISL history that a team scored three penalties in a single match. Ezzejjari now has seven goals this season, drawing level with Jamie Maclaren in the Golden Boot race.
Half-time: East Bengal 3-0 Mohammedan SC
The second half saw East Bengal in complete control, with wave after wave of attacks.
54' – GOAL! East Bengal 4-0 Mohammedan (Youssef Ezzejjari – Penalty) Ezzejjari scored his second penalty of the night after Miguel Figueira was brought down. This was the first time in ISL history that a team scored three penalties in a single match. Ezzejjari now has seven goals this season, drawing level with Jamie Maclaren in the Golden Boot race.
75' – GOAL! East Bengal 5-0 Mohammedan (PV Vishnu) PV Vishnu pounced on a loose ball following a corner to make it five.
78' – GOAL! East Bengal 6-0 Mohammedan (Anwar Ali – Brace) Anwar Ali grabbed his second of the night with a composed finish inside the box, earning him the Player of the Match award for his all-round display.
Full-time: East Bengal FC 7-0 Mohammedan SC
This result equals the joint-biggest victory margin in ISL history (previously achieved by FC Goa against Mumbai City in 2015). East Bengal dominated possession (over 70%), took 42 shots with 18 on target, and created multiple big chances, while Mohammedan managed just four shots and zero big chances.
East Bengal FC Preview & Performance Analysis
Coming into the match, East Bengal had shown flashes of brilliance but suffered from inconsistency. Under head coach Oscar Bruzon, the team started the season strongly with wins against SC Delhi and NorthEast United but had drawn recent games against Kerala Blasters and FC Goa. Fan pressure was mounting on Bruzon, making this derby a crucial test of character.
Ezzejjari’s clinical finishing from the spot and open play, combined with Anwar Ali’s brace from centre-back, highlighted the squad’s depth and versatility. This victory not only boosts morale but also sends a strong message to title contenders.
Mohammedan SC Preview & Struggles
Mohammedan SC, under coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, continued their dismal campaign. Yet to register a win and sitting at the bottom of the table, the Black Panthers have been hampered by financial constraints and an inexperienced, largely Indian squad.
Head-to-Head Record
East Bengal have historically dominated this rivalry. In 17 previous league meetings, they have secured 12 victories, with Mohammedan managing just one win and four draws. This latest result further tilts the balance in East Bengal’s favour and reinforces their supremacy in Kolkata derbies.
Key Moments & Tactical Breakdown
Early Dominance: East Bengal pressed high and won the ball in dangerous areas. Anwar Ali’s long-range opener came from sustained pressure.
Set-Piece Mastery: Three penalties in one match is rare in ISL. East Bengal’s composure from 12 yards was impeccable.
Substitutes’ Impact: Nandhakumar’s late strike showed the depth on Bruzon’s bench.
Mohammedan’s goalkeeper Padam Chhetri faced an onslaught and could do little against the clinical finishing. Their midfield struggled to retain possession, and the defence was repeatedly caught out of position.
Post-Match Reactions
Anwar Ali, Player of the Match: “It feels amazing to score two goals and help the team achieve such a big win in the derby. The fans deserved this performance.”
Oscar Bruzon (East Bengal coach): “We played with intensity from the first minute. This is the standard we need to maintain. Credit to the players for their hard work.”
Mehrajuddin Wadoo (Mohammedan coach): “It was a difficult night. We need to analyse what went wrong and improve quickly. The red card made it tougher, but we must take responsibility.”
Impact on ISL 2025-26 Standings
With this win, East Bengal jumped to fourth place with 11 points from six matches (3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss). Mohammedan remain winless with 0 points from five games, deepening their relegation worries.
Historical Significance
This 7-0 thrashing is not just a derby win — it equals the record for the largest margin of victory in ISL history. For East Bengal fans, it ranks among the most memorable nights at Salt Lake Stadium, especially against their city rivals. The last time a Kolkata derby saw such dominance was years ago in lower divisions; in the ISL era, this stands out as historic.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
East Bengal will look to build on this momentum as they face tougher challenges ahead. Maintaining consistency in attack and tightening defence will be key to challenging for a playoff spot.
Mohammedan SC must regroup quickly. Their next fixtures are must-win encounters if they hope to avoid the bottom of the table. Improving defensive organisation and finding a cutting edge in attack are immediate priorities.
Fan Reactions & Atmosphere
The Salt Lake Stadium was electric. East Bengal supporters celebrated every goal with fireworks and chants that echoed long after the final whistle. Mohammedan fans, though disappointed, showed sportsmanship in a heavily one-sided contest.
Statistical Highlights
East Bengal: 71% possession, 42 shots (18 on target), 6 big chances created
Mohammedan: 29% possession, 4 shots (0 on target), 0 big chances
Penalties converted: 3/3 by East Bengal
Yellow/Red cards: Mohammedan 1 red, multiple bookings
This match will be remembered as a benchmark for attacking football in the ISL and a night when East Bengal’s stars aligned perfectly against their neighbours.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember for Red & Gold Faithful
East Bengal’s 7-0 rout of Mohammedan SC was more than just a win — it was a statement of intent. With braces from Youssef Ezzejjari and Anwar Ali, clinical penalties, and a late stunner from Nandhakumar, the Red and Gold Brigade produced a performance that will be talked about for seasons to come.
The Kolkata derby delivered drama, goals, and history. East Bengal are back with a bang — and the rest of the league has been put on notice.
Stay tuned for more ISL action, player interviews, and tactical breakdowns. The 2025-26 season just got a lot more exciting!
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