ISL 2025-26: East Bengal keen to return to winning ways ahead of home match against FC Goa

East Bengal FC will look to return to winning ways when they host FC Goa in a 2025-26 Indian Super League match at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.

The Red and Gold Brigade opened its campaign in emphatic fashion, recording back-to-back wins over NorthEast United FC (3-0) and SC Delhi (4-1). However, a 2-1 defeat to Jamshedpur FC in the previous outing saw them drop to fifth place in the standings, with six points from three matches.

Despite the setback, East Bengal can take confidence from its strong scoring record at home, having found the net in each of the last six ISL matches at the venue.

The teams last met in the AIFF Super Cup final in Goa, where East Bengal narrowly missed out on winning the title after losing on penalties at the Fatorda Stadium.

Head coach Oscar Bruzon emphasized the need for performance at the highest level. «Playing at home requires responsibility, especially after last week’s disappointing defeat. FC Goa is a structured and competitive team with a clear identity. The margin for error will be minimal. If we want all three points, we have to perform at the highest level from the first minute,» he said.

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FC Goa are currently third in the table with seven points from three matches. After starting with a 1-1 draw against Inter Kashi FC, the Gaurs responded with back-to-back wins over Mohammedan SC (2-0) and SC Delhi (1-0). However, they will have to make do without forward Muhammad Nemil, who has been ruled out due to a cheekbone injury.

Head coach Manolo Marquez acknowledged the challenge ahead. «We have been competitive both home and away. We are looking forward to playing in Kolkata in front of one of the biggest crowds in the country,» he said ahead of the match.

With both teams looking to consolidate their early-season momentum, Thursday’s clash promises to be a closely contested encounter in front of a partisan home crowd.

Published on March 4, 2026