ISL 2025-26: East Bengal moves top of the table after comeback win against Mumbai City FC

East Bengal FC came from behind to beat Mumbai City FC 2-1 in the Indian Super League (ISL 2025-26) at the Mumbai Football Arena, with second-half goals from substitutes Youssef Ezzejjari and Nandha Kumar to cancel out Brandon Fernandes’ early strike on Tuesday.

The Red and Gold Brigade produced a strong performance in the second half to claim three points and move to the top of the table with 21 points from 10 matches, ahead of Jamshedpur FC on goal difference. Mumbai City FC, meanwhile, dropped to fifth place with 19 points from 11 games, suffering their first home defeat of the season.

Petr Krátký’s side started on the front foot with early pressure, but centre-backs Sibille and Anwar Ali held firm in the opening exchanges. Nevertheless, the Islanders struck first. In the eighth minute, left back Akash Mishra’s long throw into the penalty area caused a commotion, and midfielder Brandon Fernandes reacted quickest by firing a left-footed shot into the top left corner.

Mumbai City FC continued to create clearer openings. Around the fifteen minute mark, winger Vikram Pratap Singh shot down the right before his effort was blocked by defender Jeakson Singh.

JUST AS IT HAPPENED – MCFC vs EBFC

Lallianzuala Chhangte was denied a good chance soon afterwards, while Vikram missed with a chip attempt after a high pass from midfielder Joni Kauko.

East Bengal gradually grew into the match but struggled to break through in the final third. Midfielder Mohammed Rashid forced a save from goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa in the 28th minute, while Edmund Lalrindika and captain Saúl Crespo saw attempts go wide or blocked.

Mumbai City remained the more threatening side, with Brandon testing goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill again before the break.

Óscar Bruzón made three attacking changes at half-time, introducing forward Miguel Figueira, striker Youssef Ezzejjari and midfielder Souvik Chakrabarti. The impact was immediate as East Bengal went higher and started testing Mumbai City’s defence.

The equalizer came in the 58th minute. After a challenge from Kauko in the penalty area, East Bengal were awarded a penalty. Substitute Ezzejjari stepped up and fired into the bottom corner with a powerful strike, despite Lachenpa having guessed the right way.

Mumbai City tried to respond quickly. Chhangte forced a sharp save from Gill in the 61st minute but East Bengal held on. The visitors took the lead around the 71st minute.

After a move by Figueira, substitute Nandha Kumar cut in from the left and shot from the edge of the penalty area. The effort took a slight deflection off defender Bijay Chhetri and beat Lachenpa to make it 2-1.

The Islanders pushed hard in the closing stages. Jorge Ortíz tested Gill from distance, while Chhangte delivered a dangerous cross, with substitute Gyamar Nikum hitting the woodwork in stoppage time. Kauko and Ortíz both had late efforts saved or narrowly off target, but East Bengal’s defense held firm.

After an extended period of extra time, East Bengal secured a crucial away win, completing a comeback that underlined its attacking depth and tactical flexibility.

Published on May 5, 2026