East Bengal Fall 1-2 to Jamshedpur: Tachikawa Seals Dramatic Win.

East Bengal Fall 1-2 to Jamshedpur: Tachikawa Seals Dramatic Win.

East Bengal vs Jamshedpur FC Highlights ISL 2025-26: EBFC 1-2 JFC – Rei Tachikawa’s Late Curler Sinks Red & Gold Brigade in Dramatic Comeback.

                    In a thrilling top-of-the-table clash on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata, Jamshedpur FC staged a stunning second-half comeback to defeat East Bengal FC 2-1.

            Substitute Rei Tachikawa's sublime 87th-minute curling strike sealed the victory for the Men of Steel, handing East Bengal their first defeat of the ISL 2025-26 season and propelling Jamshedpur to the top of the table with a perfect record of three wins from three matches.
The match, Match 16 of the campaign, lived up to its billing as a high-stakes encounter between two in-form sides. East Bengal, under coach Óscar Bruzón, had started the season brilliantly with two convincing wins, scoring seven goals.

Jamshedpur, managed by Owen Coyle, arrived with a flawless defensive record and two narrow 1-0 victories. The game delivered drama, tactical battles, and individual brilliance, with 22,899 fans witnessing a classic ISL upset.

Rei Tachikawa celebrates his dramatic 87th-minute winner – a curling masterpiece that stunned the Salt Lake Stadium and sent Jamshedpur top of the ISL table.

Pre-Match Context & Build-Up

East Bengal entered as league leaders after a dominant 4-1 win over Sporting Club Delhi. Standout performers included Moroccan forward Youssef Ezzejjari (four goals already) and Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira, who provided creativity. The Red & Gold Brigade aimed to extend their perfect start at their fortress-like home ground.
Jamshedpur, known for compact organization, had kept clean sheets in wins over Mohammedan SC and Punjab FC. Coach Owen Coyle emphasized discipline and counter-attacking threat, with players like Stephen Eze (aerial prowess) and substitutes like Tachikawa adding depth.

Head-to-head history showed Jamshedpur with a slight edge (4 wins to East Bengal's 3 in 10 meetings, 3 draws), though East Bengal had been stronger at home recently.

Kick-off: 7:30 PM IST | Attendance: ~22,899 | Venue: Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.

First Half: East Bengal Take Control

The game started cautiously, with both teams probing. East Bengal dominated possession and created chances through Ezzejjari and Figueira. Jamshedpur sat deep, frustrating the hosts.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute. A throw-in led to a cross from Bipin Singh; after a partial clearance, the ball fell to Edmund Lalrindika. The forward showed composure, beating his marker and slotting a right-footed finish into the bottom-left corner past keeper Albino Gomes. The home crowd erupted as East Bengal led 1-0 at halftime.

Edmund Lalrindika slots home East Bengal's opener in the 40th minute, guiding the ball past Albino Gomes to give the hosts the lead.

East Bengal could have doubled the lead before the break, but Figueira and Ezzejjari missed opportunities. Jamshedpur looked solid defensively but lacked cutting edge upfront.

Second Half: Jamshedpur's Turnaround

Owen Coyle's halftime adjustments paid dividends. Jamshedpur emerged more aggressive, pressing higher and exploiting set-pieces.
The equalizer arrived in the 61st minute. From a Nikola Stojanovic corner, towering defender Stephen Eze rose highest to power a header into the top-right corner, silencing the stadium. Eze's goal – his second in recent ISL games – leveled the scores at 1-1.

Stephen Eze powers home the equalizer with a dominant header from a corner, hugging teammates Mehdi Talal, Raphael Messi Bouli, and Vincy Barreto in celebration.

East Bengal pushed for a winner, earning 10 corners but failing to convert any. Jamshedpur grew in confidence, with substitutes injecting energy.
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute. After coming on as a sub, Japanese midfielder Rei Tachikawa received a clever back-heel from Mehdi Talal on the left side of the box. He unleashed a brilliant right-footed curler that arced into the top-right corner, leaving the goalkeeper helpless and the home fans stunned.

Rei Tachikawa lets fly with his match-winning curler – a moment of magic that arced into the far corner and sealed Jamshedpur's comeback victory.

East Bengal pressed desperately in stoppage time (up to 90+7'), but Jamshedpur defended resolutely. Full-time: East Bengal 1-2 Jamshedpur FC.

Key Performers & Tactical Insights

Rei Tachikawa (JFC): Man of the Match – immediate impact off the bench with a world-class winner.

Stephen Eze (JFC): Dominant in the air, crucial equalizer.
Edmund Lalrindika (EBFC): Clinical finish for the opener; lively throughout.
East Bengal created chances (high corners, possession) but lacked ruthlessness. Jamshedpur's set-piece execution and counter-threat proved decisive.

Updated ISL Table (Post-Match, Provisional)
Jamshedpur FC: 3 matches, 3 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses, 9 points (top spot)
FC Goa: 3 matches, 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, 7 points
East Bengal: 3 matches, 2 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, 6 points (slipped to third)

Jamshedpur's perfect start marks them as early title contenders, while East Bengal's defeat serves as a reality check despite their strong attack.

This result highlighted the ISL's competitiveness – no lead is safe, and substitutes can change games. For full highlights, check FanCode or official ISL channels.