East Bengal fans still take pride in the iconic 5-0 victory over Mohun Bagan in the 1975 IFA Shield. But after a 0-5 defeat to their arch-rivals in the current season, the Red and Gold Brigade traveled to Odisha for their sixth Indian Super League (ISL) match, hoping for a turnaround. Newly appointed head coach Oscar Bruzon brought visible changes to the team, but unfortunately, they were not enough to secure points, as East Bengal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Odisha FC.
No new players were added to the squad, and there was little time for major tactical adjustments in just two days. Yet, Bruzon’s influence was evident, as East Bengal’s confidence seemed partially restored. The players displayed more energy and determination, though they still fell short of victory.
The first significant moment came in the 22nd minute, when Odisha’s Roy Krishna, a former Mohun Bagan player, capitalized on a defensive error by East Bengal to give his team the lead. East Bengal’s defense, lacking coordination, allowed Krishna to find the net easily.
However, unlike in previous matches, East Bengal did not crumble. The team showed resilience and fought back, with their midfield and attacking players showing more activity. If Nandhakumar and Mahdi Talal had been a bit more clinical, East Bengal could have scored as many as four goals within the first 10 minutes. Saul Crespo even found the back of the net early on, but his goal was ruled offside, a decision that left the East Bengal players visibly frustrated.
For the rest of the match, though, Bruzon’s men struggled to create meaningful chances. Their defensive frailties remained a major concern. In the 75th minute, Prabir Lakra received a second yellow card for a reckless foul, leaving East Bengal with 10 men and putting them in an even more precarious position.
Before that, East Bengal had managed to equalize in stoppage time of the first half. A penalty was awarded after Talal’s shot struck Odisha defender Thoiba’s hand inside the box. Top ISL scorer Dimitrios Diamantakos converted the penalty without hesitation, leveling the score at 1-1. However, despite this lifeline, East Bengal couldn’t build momentum in the second half.
Odisha regained their lead in the 69th minute when Mourtada Fall headed in Ahmed Jahouh’s free kick. Down to 10 men, East Bengal found it increasingly difficult to fight back, and despite some heroic saves from goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill, the team was unable to equalize again.
Gill made several crucial saves to prevent a larger defeat, but Bruzon’s side showed disorganization after conceding the second goal. The defensive pairings, particularly Anwar and Hira Mondal, struggled with communication, a weakness that was evident throughout the match.
The Road Ahead for Bruzon:
Oscar Bruzon faces a tough challenge in turning East Bengal’s fortunes around. The defense is a clear area of concern, with repeated errors costing the team valuable points. While the midfield and attack showed some improvement, the team must work on finishing opportunities in the opponent’s box if they want to avoid further setbacks. Most importantly, East Bengal players need to regain their self-belief and strengthen their on-field chemistry. The aggressive start in the first 10 minutes showed promise, but sustaining that intensity throughout the match is crucial.