Unbeaten sides East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC will go head-to-head at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata as both sides will aim to secure a third consecutive victory to push forward in the Indian Super League on Friday.
East Bengal heads into the fixture sitting at the top of the table on the back of a commanding 4-1 victory against Sporting Club Delhi in its previous encounter. Goals from Edmund Lalrindika, Miguel Figueira, and a brace from Youssef Ezzejjari ensured a comfortable victory for the Red and Gold Brigade.
With both East Bengal and Jamshedpur tied on six points from their opening two games, the winners of this clash will move into top of the table temporarily.
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Speaking on the necessity of maintaining its winning form and the weight of home expectations, East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon emphasised his team’s focus. “The most important objective is to secure the three points, but we will do it our way by respecting our pattern of play and performing at our highest level. Jamshedpur are strong in transitions, dangerous on set-pieces and very well organised, so we must stay concentrated and disciplined for the full 90 minutes.”
East Bengal midfielder Saul Crespo said, “They are a strong team. We know some of their players and their quality. We also know their coach. It will be a difficult game, but we are confident as a team this season. We started very well. We are in a great moment and we want to continue in the same way with the help of the fans.”
Jamshedpur FC, meanwhile, arrive in Kolkata sitting behind the host in fourth place, separated only by goal difference. The Men of Steel secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Punjab FC in their last outing, courtesy a 78th-minute strike by Vincy Barretto, and a second consecutive clean sheet. It will aim to carry this defensive organisation against its opponent, which has started the season brilliantly on the attacking front.
Acknowledging the home support of the East Bengal fans at the VYBK, and the need to convert defensive resilience into actual points, Jamshedpur head coach Owen Coyle views the pressure as a vital developmental tool for his side.
“It’s a huge game away in Kolkata against East Bengal. They are a fantastic club with a proud history and heavy investment this season. Oscar Bruzon is a good friend and an excellent coach, but during the match both of us will do everything to win. They have quality with strong Indian internationals and talented foreigners. We must be at our very best to compete and try to secure three points”, said Coyle.
“It’s not always about scoring three or four goals; it’s about discipline, hard work, and getting the result. Six points from two games with two clean sheets shows the character and commitment of this group,” Coyle noted.
Jamshedpur midfielder Pronay Halder said, “The morale inside our dressing room is extremely high. We believe in each other, we trust our coaching staff, and we are united as a team. If we continue with this mentality and fighting spirit, we can achieve something special this season.”
East Bengal will look to control dictate tempo in front of their home fans while Jamshedpur aims to stay compact and capitalise on transitions. With three important points to be won, the match promises to be an interesting contest.
Published on Feb 26, 2026
