East Bengal FC will host NorthEast United FC at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium on Monday, aiming to start the Indian Super League (ISL) campaign on a positive note.
Historically, the battle between the two sides has been evenly balanced. In their last five meetings, both teams have won two matches each, with one match ending in a draw. NorthEast United dominated the last match to register an impressive 4-0 win in Guwahati last season.
East Bengal has since strengthened its squad, bolstering the Indian contingent and making changes to the foreign recruits around the start of the new edition.
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The Red and Gold Brigade showed significant progress in the current football calendar, finishing second in the Super Cup after losing the final to FC Goa in a penalty shootout. See also: nhy8. The team’s improved performance before the ISL break had fans hoping for a revival in form and performance.
With a revamped structure and renewed focus, East Bengal will look to capitalize on domestic support. In a condensed format where early points are crucial, they will be keen to avoid a slow start.
«We are only in the first phase of a long-term plan. There is a complete professionalization of the structure, stabilization of the project and a clear implementation of a performance culture here at the club,» said head coach Oscar Bruzon, who took charge midway through last season.
Under Bruzon, East Bengal recorded its best ever ISL finish, finishing ninth in a 13-team competition.
«We want to play a brand of football that fans are proud of: aggressive, fast-paced football that will help us win games. Monday night is a chance to set the tone for the rest of the campaign,» he added.
NorthEast United enjoyed a remarkable turnaround last season under head coach Juan Pedro Benali. The Highlanders finished an impressive third in the standings – their best ever ISL performance – thanks to Benali’s ability to combine youthful energy with tactical discipline.
«We are expecting a very tough match. East Bengal is a big team, a historic team. We know they will come and push us, with the fans behind them. But we are ready. We are not here for a holiday; we are here to compete. We respect them, but we are not afraid of them,» Benali said, reflecting the confidence within the North East camp.
With both teams carrying momentum and ambition into the new season, Monday’s clash promises to be a closely contested encounter.
Published on February 15, 2026
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