ISL 2025-26: "I believe my boys played really well today" Oscar Bruzon shares optimism after East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan SG clash

East Bengal FC hold Mohun Bagan SG to a 1-1 draw

The points were shared at the VYBK after what was an end-to-end encounter between the two Kolkata giants, East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG, in the epic Kolkata Derby of the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL)

The Indian Super League 2025-26 title will be decided on the final day as the Mariners and their arch-rivals, the Torchbearers played out a 1-1 draw at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday.

Edmund Lalrindika scored a stunning 85th minute goal for East Bengal, meanwhile Mohun Bagan SG saw Dimi Petratos set up Jason Cummings for a superb 90th minute equaliser.

It was a fascinating game that saw plenty of action at both ends. The draw leaves East Bengal atop the ISL table (ahead of Mohun Bagan on goal difference) and in prime position to break their long, long national league trophy drought. 

After the high-voltage Kolkata Derby, East Bengal FC head coach Oscar Bruzon addressed the media.

Here is a detailed report of the post-match press conference of Oscar Bruzon between after East Bengal FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant clash.

Analysis of the match and missed chances

Oscar Bruzon made a thorough analysis of the Kolkata Derby after the game in the post-match press conference and urged his players to be more attentive during the set-pieces.

Oscar stated: “Yes right, going to the analysis of the game. In the first 20 minutes Mohun Bagan was creating a lot of pressure in our defence line, they were playing high pressing football as well. But slowly when the intensity of the game went down a little bit, we came into the game and created a lot of open chances but missed our opportunity to score one from there. We knew that today’s game will be a longer one, beyond 90 minutes so we have to be patient.”

“Again, in the second half, the game was one-sided, it was in our control. We played at one side of the ground only and Edmund’s goal gave us the lead. But once again I am not satisfied with how defended the set-pieces this season. Even in the Kerala match and today, lapse of concentration caused us the goal. We could have won these matches and be the Champions now. It’s good that we got the one point and now it’s in our hands we would like to win our last match, win the Championship and celebrate with our fans.”

“I think football is not about luck, it’s about how you approach and the chances you create. I believe my boys played really well today; I am proud of them. We’re the best team today on the field for sure, but it happens in the game of football.”

“And yes, Edmund’s red card was unfortunate. We would have use him again in the next game in the second half, but now we have to think differently. Even with Vishnu, and Bipin they were brilliant, all the boys played with same intensity in these humid conditions, kudos to them. Yes, Bipin is okay, he was a bit dehydrated. We are now at the last game week of the season, so now we have to think about the solutions and not about the problems.”

Bruzon thinks Kolkata Derby is a spectacle for Indian football

Oscar Bruzon also said that today’s Kolkata Derby was a spectacle for everyone in the Football fraternity, and it proves one thing that ‘Indian Football is still alive.’

Bruzon said: “I think that the game of today was fantastic. It was a spectacle, for everyone. Everyone on the field gave their best. Both the teams played so well and were desperate for a victory. I think this match was the best match or Derby of the ISL so far. Not only because of the game intensity, but because of the intensity outside the field. A huge number of people gathered from every corner of the city to watch this game, it was wonderful to watch. Absolutely a good sight for Indian Football.”

“This match proved again that Indian Football is alive, and everyone should rethink how it can move from here on. It was a spectacle, world class game for Indian Football and World Football. For both the people watching it from the ground and their home, it was a match that they will remember forever.”

On defensive performance

The Spaniard stated: “I think the main plan to go with four full backs was to minimize the threat of their wings, for me Mohun Bagan’s wing play is the main threat, and also Maclaren to some extent. In that context Vishnu, Bipin, Kevin, Rakip, Anwar, Jay, even Rashid played their part really well. They were very good in the transitions as well. But we were not fully accurate, after we scored the goal, and that moment we had conceded from a set-piece. We need to improve in our skills in set-pieces and have to be more compact in converting the goals”

“Now I think all the top five teams are in the contention of winning the league, it is not about only two teams. But definitely East Bengal is in an advantageous position for sure”, he added.

Gameplan against the Mariners

East Bengal FC head coach, Oscar Bruzon explained why he went with four full backs against a strong attacking line of Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Kolkata Derby.

Oscar Bruzon said: “The characteristics of the Mohun Bagan defenders, is they like positional players and not vertical players. In that context our gameplan worked really well with Anton, we created a lot problems for their defenders with a lot of vertical openings. Youssef came in a moment when their players were not tired but they had to go with Mehtab there. Youssef came in a moment where he could have scored one, but he failed today. I can assure that he will definitely score one in the next match.”

“The game was so open, I didn’t see any lack of energy. Only in case of Vishnu he was a bit tired and they were attacking through his side, surpassing Jay, so we made that change with Edmund who brings some extra pace and energy into the game. But Vishnu and Anton both were playing so well today and creating a lot of chances for us as well, the substitutions were not necessary but we did to introduce some extra energy into the field. Everyone in the bench today was ready to take on the field, Nandha, Nunga, but the game was so open I didn’t think of any other substitutions there”, he added.

Confident of winning the ISL title

Oscar Bruzon is very much confident and optimistic of winning the ISL title this year after the thrilling draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Mega Kolkata Derby. He also said that he was very satisfied with Prabhsukhan Singh Gill’s performance under the goalpost in a crucial Derby match like this.

The Spanish Gaffer explained: “I am very satisfied with Gill’s performance today. He not only saved that last shot from Maclaren but throughout the game he was very confident. He is growing as player day by day. In the first half he was having some problems with the long goal kicks, but in the break we gave him the confidence and in the second half he was more fluent with the diagonal goal kicks.”

“I am very satisfied with today’s game. Everyone now depends on us, it is an advantage for us. It also depends on us, I think we will win against Inter Kashi, and it is difficult for Mohun Bagan to win the match against SC Delhi with 6 or 7 goals. So for us it’s easy but we have to carry this momentum and score those goals from the chances we create. If we win on 21st, our dream will be completed with the ISL title win.”

Takeaways from the season

Oscar Bruzon explained the takeaways for East Bengal from the 2025-26 ISL season so far, and praised every stakeholder associated with the club.

Oscar said: “I think we played one of the best season so far. East Bengal is club with a lot of rich history, legacy and a huge fanbase. There is always a place of criticism, but I have told you guys that what East Bengal needs to change. Now I don’t want talk about all these things. But I am happy finally that everyone in the club, the officials, the investors, the management, the players, the fans, the coaching staff all are united and in the same page. Everyone’s mission is to now win the Championship and end the trophy drought of 22 years. We want to close this chapter with a bright future ahead for East Bengal FC.”

Message for the Amago fans

Oscar Bruzon had requested the fans of East Bengal to come and back the team on Thursday against Inter Kashi at Kishore Bharati Krirangan, like they have done throughout the season.

Bruzon stated: “They were brilliant throughout the season. I would again request them to come in large numbers on Thursday. But I don’t know about the ticket distribution system as it is an away game for us in Kishore Bharati Stadium. I would request the home side Inter Kashi to open the gates for everyone on that day at Kishore Bharati Stadium. The stadium is small and the capacity is also less in comparison to Salt Lake, but the noise will be more from the Amago fans on that day for sure. The localities near Kishore Bharati have more East Bengal fan base households so it will be a spectacle again. We would like to complete the dream at Kishore Bharati on Thursday which we couldn’t do it at the Salt Lake stadium”

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