NorthEast United FC Off to Losing Start, Fall 0-3 to East Bengal FC

NorthEast United FC endured a difficult start to their Indian Super League 2026 campaign, going down 0–3 to East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday. Despite flashes of promise, the Highlanders were undone by a clinical second-half surge from the hosts.

The opening half was evenly contested, with NorthEast showing intent and discipline. Jithin MS repeatedly tested the right flank with his pace and movement, while midfielder Andy Rodriguez tried to dictate the tempo and link play in the middle. The visitors looked organised and competitive, ensuring the sides went into the break goalless.

The match, however, turned shortly after the hour mark. East Bengal found their rhythm and capitalised on a brief defensive lapse, with Youssef Ezzejjari striking twice in quick succession. His first came in the 65th minute, a close-range finish after meeting a precise delivery from Bipin Singh. Just six minutes later, the forward doubled the lead, shifting momentum firmly towards the hosts.

NorthEast attempted to respond by injecting fresh energy into the side, handing ISL debuts to Lalrinzuala and Lalbiakdika in the second half. The changes added urgency, but East Bengal’s tightened defensive shape and control in key moments prevented the Highlanders from finding a way back.

As NorthEast pushed forward in search of a lifeline, gaps began to appear at the back. East Bengal sealed the result deep into stoppage time when Miguel Ferreira scored in the 90+2 minute to complete a three-goal victory.

While the scoreline favoured the hosts, NorthEast United showed encouraging signs in patches, particularly in the first half and during their attacking build-ups. The focus now shifts to regrouping and sharpening execution ahead of their next challenge — an away fixture against Bengaluru FC on February 22 — where the Highlanders will aim to bounce back and get their campaign on track.

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