Red & Gold End 22-Year Wait for National Glory Under Oscar Bruzon
Kolkata, Thursday:
Historic moments returned to the red-and-gold half of Indian football as East Bengal FC scripted a dramatic comeback victory over Inter Kashi to clinch the Indian Super League title on a nerve-wracking final day of the season.
Trailing early in the title-deciding encounter, East Bengal showed remarkable resilience and fighting spirit to turn the match around and secure a 2-1 victory, eventually lifting the prestigious national trophy after a painful wait of 22 years. The triumph marked a defining chapter in the club’s rich history and sparked emotional celebrations from Stadium to every corner of Bengal.
Under Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon, East Bengal produced a campaign filled with determination, belief, and attacking football. For many supporters, the victory felt like “poetic justice” considering the consistency and intensity with which the team performed throughout the season.
Bruzon also etched his name into East Bengal folklore by becoming the first foreign coach since legendary Subhash Bhowmick to guide the club to a major all-India trophy. The long-standing drought and repeated heartbreaks finally came to an end as the Red & Gold brigade reclaimed national supremacy.
The final day of the ISL witnessed extraordinary drama, with four clubs — East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Punjab FC, and Mumbai City FC — all mathematically in contention for the title.
At the same time in Kolkata, Mohun Bagan also staged a comeback win, defeating Delhi 2-1 after trailing earlier in the match. Both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan finished the season level on 26 points from 13 matches. However, East Bengal emerged champions on superior goal difference. A massive 7-0 victory over Mohammedan SC earlier in the campaign ultimately proved decisive in the title race, helping East Bengal edge past the two-time defending champions Mohun Bagan, who finished runners-up.
Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC defeated Punjab FC 2-0 to secure third place in the standings.
For East Bengal supporters, the triumph carried emotions beyond football. Years of ridicule, frustration, and near misses disappeared in one unforgettable night. The club’s famous fighting spirit once again stood tall — proving that a wounded East Bengal is often at its most dangerous.
From the refugee roots of the club to the undying passion of its supporters, the victory symbolised resilience, identity, and the refusal to surrender. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, East Bengal’s return to the summit of Indian football has reignited the dreams of millions of fans across the country.