Chennaiyin FC 5-3 East Bengal: Key Takeaways from the ISL 2026-27 match as CFC run riot at home!

Irfan Yadwad and Brison Fernandes got a brace, as Clifford Miranda’s tactics were spot on.

Two-time Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC are finally up and running in the 2026-27 season. Clifford Miranda’s side came into the game against East Bengal searching for their first win of the season. 

Playing at the Marina Arena in front of their home supporters, Chennaiyin finally broke their scoring curse as Brison Fernandes and Irfan Yadwad scored a brace, with Ramon Tanque also scoring from the penalty spot. 

East Bengal scored three goals of their own through Ake Loba, Dani Ramirez, and David Lahlansanga, but it wasn’t enough for the defending champions as they went down 5-3 in this eight-goal thriller in Chennai. 

Here are the key takeaways from the game.

Clifford Miranda finally leaves with his hands held high! 

Chennaiyin FC played well against Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters over the last two weeks. While they were creating chances, the Marina Machans were unable to find the back of the net, which resulted in a four-game winless streak for CFC.

Though the pressure was mounting, Clifford Miranda remained confident and played a more-or-less similar team and set-up against East Bengal. The CFC coach and their supporters were rewarded for their patience in what eventually turned out to be one of the best nights at home in Chennaiyin’s recent history. 

Madih Talal was substituted early due to an injury. 

Madih Talal is Chennaiyin FC’s creator-in-chief this season, and the attacking midfielder has seemed to improve with every passing game. The Frenchman started well against East Bengal, picking up an assist for Brison’s second goal. 

However, in the 36th minute, Talal was substituted off after picking up an injury. He was seen hobbling off the field with what looks to be a pulled muscle in his leg. This is bad news for Chennaiyin FC, as the player got injured in pre-season as well and was just returning to full fitness.

The upcoming international break should provide some respite to the player and the club. However, Chennaiyin would need Talal back as soon as possible in their midfield as they look to slowly rise up the points table. 

East Bengal’s defence struggled without Anwar Ali!

Anwar Ali walked off injured in East Bengal’s 2-0 loss to Al-Seeb on Tuesday. Sandip Mandi stepped up to replace Anwar against Chennai, but their defence was not up to the mark as they conceded five goals. 

Antonio Habas’ teams have always relied on a strong defence, and the defending champions had conceded just one goal against Inter Kashi and kept a clean sheet against Churchill Brothers, starting their campaign well. 

East Bengal conceded 24 shots against Chennaiyin, of which 11 were on target, something the manager will be looking at ahead of their next game. 

Dani Ramirez continues his goalscoring streak.

Though East Bengal lost, Dani Ramirez got a goal and an assist against Chennaiyin FC. This takes the Spaniards tally in the ISL 2026-27 season to three goals in three games. 

Dani Ramirez alongside Mohammed Rashid were the two bright sparks for the Red and Gold Brigade on the night. The Bengal faithful will be hoping that the player continues his goalscoring run as they look to put the CFC game behind them. 

Brison Fernandes and Irfan Yadwad are ready for the SAFF Championship 2026! 

Chennaiyin FC’s attacking duo of Brison Fernandes and Irfan Yadwad were picked by head coach Naushad Moosa last week to represent the Indian national team in the SAFF Championship 2026. 

The duo will be travelling to Bangladesh ahead of the game against the Maldives on 11th November. Both players scored a brace in the 5-3 game against East Bengal, and this will certainly help their confidence when they pull on the Indian jersey.

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