East Bengal FC ended its winless streak in style, securing a 3-1 victory over city rivals Mohammedan Sporting in an Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday. Goals from Naorem Mahesh Singh, Saul Crespo, and David Lalhlansanga ensured the Torch Bearers took home the bragging rights in the Kolkata derby.

East Bengal started strongly, controlling possession and pressing high up the pitch. Their early efforts paid off in the 27th minute when P.V. Vishnu’s well-timed through-pass found Mahesh inside the Mohammedan box. The winger struck a powerful left-footed volley past goalkeeper Padam Chettri, who had rushed off his line prematurely, giving East Bengal a 1-0 lead.

Mohammedan struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half but gained momentum after the break. The Black Panthers pressed for an equaliser, only for East Bengal to double their advantage in the 65th minute.

Saul Crespo and David Lalhlansanga Seal the Win

Cameroonian forward Raphael Messi Bouli played a crucial role in East Bengal’s second goal. He intercepted a pass in midfield and set up Spanish midfielder Saul Crespo, who chipped the ball over an advancing Padam Chettri to make it 2-0.

Mohammedan responded quickly, reducing the deficit in the 68th minute. Carlos Franca capitalized on a tight-angle opportunity, beating East Bengal’s goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh to give the Black Panthers hope.

Sporting nearly equalized in the 77th minute during a frantic goalmouth scramble. Argentine midfielder Alexis Gomez’s long-range strike was blocked by Prabhsukhan, and the rebound fell to substitute Robi Hansda, whose shot struck the crossbar. Lalremsanga Fanai’s follow-up effort was then miraculously cleared off the line by Anwar Ali, denying Mohammedan a much-needed second goal.

East Bengal, however, had the final say. In the 89th minute, substitute David Lalhlansanga, who had replaced Messi Bouli, found the back of the net, sealing a 3-1 victory for the Torch Bearers.

Despite the win, East Bengal remains in 11th place with 21 points from 20 matches. Mohammedan Sporting, meanwhile, continues to struggle at the bottom of the table, sitting in 13th place with just 11 points from 20 games.

While East Bengal will take confidence from this commanding performance, they still have a long way to climb in the standings. Mohammedan, on the other hand, must find solutions quickly to avoid finishing at the foot of the table.