'Waited so long': Fans left emotional after East Bengal’s historic ISL win
East Bengal defeated Inter Kashi by 2-1 to claim the ISL 2025-26 title.
After a wait of 22 years, East Bengal have returned to the summit of Indian football, completing a memorable Indian Super League (ISL) campaign and ending one of the longest title droughts in the club’s modern history.
East Bengal’s triumph was built on consistency across the season and the ability to deliver in decisive moments. The champions finished the campaign at the top of the table with 26 points from 13 matches, recording seven wins, five draws and just one defeat, while also finishing with an impressive goal difference of +19.
Reactions pour in from everyone as East Bengal get their much-awaited victory
This title race, however, was far from straightforward. The ISL season produced one of its closest finishes in recent years, with as many as five teams remaining mathematically alive heading into the final round of fixtures. East Bengal entered the closing stages knowing there was little room for error and managed to hold their nerve under immense pressure.
At the centre of this achievement stands Óscar Bruzón. Under his leadership, East Bengal developed into one of the league’s most balanced and consistent sides, combining attacking quality with defensive solidity to sustain a title challenge throughout the season.
For a club with East Bengal’s stature and history, expectations never disappear. Generations of supporters have waited years to see the Red and Gold Brigade lift the top-division crown again. And here is how the Indian football community reacted to the feat
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Balancing her medical studies with a strong passion for Indian football, Preethi has been a dedicated follower of the sport. Her speciality is covering and discovering stories, talking to players, conducting their interviews, and drafting articles. She particularly covers Hyderabad FC and other stories from the ISL and I-League.