ISL: Defending champions East Bengal Churchill Brothers 4-0

Defending champions East Bengal FC (EBFC) got their Indian Super League campaign off to a resounding start with a dominant 4-0 victory over Churchill Brothers in Fatroda on Sunday (October 18, 2026).

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Goals from Dani Ramirez, Edmund Lalrindika and substitute Bipin Singh (2) sealed the points for Antonio Habas’ side.

EBFC took the lead in the second minute through a stunning free-kick from Ramirez. The midfielder struck with his left foot from outside the penalty area, curling the ball into the top-left corner.

Churchill Brothers responded with urgency, creating opportunities to get back into the contest. They came close to finding an equaliser and even struck the woodwork, but East Bengal remained defensively organised to preserve their advantage.

EBFC doubled their lead towards the end of the first half with a well-worked attacking move as David Hmar received the ball on the left, held it up before picking out Edmund, who made a timely run into the box to finish past Sayad Kadir.

Both teams created chances in the early exchanges of the second half. However, the hosts struggled to make their opportunities count in the final third, while East Bengal remained composed with a two-goal advantage.

Habas introduced Bipin Singh in the second half, and the move paid off in the 85th minute as the winger scored a superb curling effort into the top corner to make it 3-0.

Bipin struck again five minutes later to complete his brace.

The defending champions have made a strong statement at the start of their campaign. Churchill Brothers, who began their season with a 1-0 win over Mumbai City FC, will look to bounce back when they face Punjab FC in a week's time.