East Bengal FC produced a second-half comeback to defeat Mumbai City FC 2-1 in the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Tuesday.
The visitors recovered after conceding an early goal to secure all three points and move to the top of the standings with 21 points from 10 matches. Mumbai City FC slipped to fifth place with 19 points from 11 matches and suffered their first home defeat of the season.
Mumbai City FC made the stronger start and found the breakthrough in the eighth minute. A long throw from left-back Akash Mishra created confusion inside the penalty area before Brandon Fernandes reacted quickest to fire a left-footed shot into the top left corner.
The Islanders continued to threaten during the opening half. Vikram Pratap Singh made several dangerous runs down the right flank and saw one attempt blocked by Jeakson Singh. Lallianzuala Chhangte also came close, while Vikram missed an opportunity after receiving a lofted ball from Joni Kauko.
© Emami East Bengal FCEast Bengal struggled initially to create openings in the attacking third but gradually settled into the contest. Mohammed Rashid tested goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa in the 28th minute, while Edmund Lalrindika and captain Saúl Crespo failed to convert half chances before the break.
Mumbai City FC retained their attacking intent and Brandon Fernandes forced another save from goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill before half-time.
East Bengal head coach Óscar Bruzón made key changes at the interval, introducing Miguel Figueira, Youssef Ezzejjari and Souvik Chakrabarti. The substitutions changed the momentum of the game as East Bengal began pressing higher and attacking with greater urgency.
The equaliser came in the 58th minute after East Bengal were awarded a penalty following a challenge by Joni Kauko inside the box. Ezzejjari converted from the spot with a powerful strike into the bottom corner despite Lachenpa diving the right way.
Mumbai City attempted to regain control immediately after conceding. Chhangte forced a sharp save from Gill in the 61st minute, but East Bengal’s defence remained compact.
The winning goal arrived around the 71st minute. Miguel Figueira initiated the move before substitute Nandha Kumar cut in from the left and struck from the edge of the area. The effort took a slight deflection off defender Bijay Chhetri before beating Lachenpa and finding the net.
Mumbai City FC pressed aggressively in the closing stages in search of an equaliser. Jorge Ortíz tested Gill from distance, while Chhangte delivered a dangerous cross that saw substitute Gyamar Nikum strike the woodwork in stoppage time.
Kauko and Ortíz also came close late in the match, but East Bengal defended resolutely to preserve their advantage until the final whistle.
© AIFF MediaEast Bengal centre-back Kevin Leonel Sibille was named the Player of the Match for his defensive performance during the comeback victory.
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