East Bengal FC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Odisha FC 3-0 at Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Tuesday, strengthening their push in the league standings and narrowing the gap to leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
The match highlighted a clear difference in form and confidence between the two sides. East Bengal, which had suffered just one defeat all season, controlled proceedings from the outset against an Odisha side struggling for consistency and still searching for only its second win.
The Red and Gold Brigade wasted little time in asserting dominance. Within the opening minutes, Edmund Lalrindika tested the Odisha defence, setting the tone for a one-sided first half. The breakthrough came in the 11th minute following a well-orchestrated move. Lalrindika combined effectively with P.V. Vishnu on the left flank, and Vishnu’s precise cut-back found Bipin Singh Thounaojam unmarked at the far post. The winger calmly tapped into an empty net to give East Bengal an early and deserved lead.
East Bengal continued to dictate the tempo, maintaining possession and probing Odisha’s defensive setup. Vishnu remained influential on the wing, while Nandhakumar and Saul Crespo added creativity through the middle. Odisha FC, on the other hand, struggled to gain a foothold, relying on occasional counter-attacks led by Rahim Ali. However, goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill was rarely called into action during the first half.
After the break, the pattern remained unchanged. East Bengal stayed in control, while Odisha found it difficult to create meaningful chances. Rahim Ali came closest for Odisha just past the hour mark, but his effort went wide, summing up the visitors’ frustrating evening.
The second goal arrived in the 70th minute, again involving Vishnu, whose dangerous cross caused confusion in the box. Goalkeeper Anuj Kumar failed to deal with it cleanly, allowing substitute Youssef Ezzejjari to pounce and finish from close range.
Ezzejjari sealed the victory in the 84th minute with his second goal. Mawihmingthanga’s incisive pass released Bipin Singh down the right, and his composed cut-back found Ezzejjari in space to slot home comfortably.
With this result, East Bengal climbs to fourth place with 18 points from nine matches, firmly in the title race. Odisha FC remains near the bottom in 13th place with just six points, as their struggles continue.
