East Bengal defeated Inter Kashi 2-1 on the final matchday to clinch the title. | Photo Credit: East Bengal Media

East Bengal ended its 22-year wait for the men’s top-flight title, clinching the Indian Super League (ISL) title at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday.

The Red-and-Gold Brigade needed a win to secure the trophy, but Inter Kashi almost denied it when Alfred Planas opened the scoring in front of a packed away stand.

However, Oscar Bruzon’s men refused to lay down their arms, making a comeback in stunning fashion. Youssef Ezzejjari equalised five minutes after the restart before Mohammed Rashid poked in the winner in the 73rd minute, sparking pandemonium among the visiting fans with a 2-1 victory.

When the full-time whistle blew, fans stormed onto the field – agony for decades had finally turned into joy.

The last time East Bengal won the top-flight was way back in 2004, with Bhaichung Bhutia scoring the opener in its 3-0 victory over Indian Bank. Two decades later, the  Sikkim Sniper, now an older man, sat restlessly in his sporting arena in Siliguri.

He no longer had the boots on his feet, but his heart still had the red-and-gold crest.

“It was very, very tense because there were 4-5 teams in the title race. I was watching with my son and a few friends. We were all rooting for East Bengal and (we were) very nervous,” Bhutia tells  Sportstar.

The former India captain spent nearly nine seasons at East Bengal, winning 19 trophies with the Red-and-Gold Brigade. It’s been 11 years since he last wore the team’s jersey as a player. But he still refers to East Bengal as ‘we’.

“We were down one goal and came back strongly. I think the players showed character in coming back because in these kinds of matches, there is so much pressure in playing in Kolkata, and then if you go down, it becomes even more difficult in the first half,” Bhaichung adds.

The former East Bengal striker heaped praise on Bruzon. The Spaniard took over East Bengal in October 2024 when it was at the bottom of the standings. Nineteen months later, it is the champion of India.

“Oscar has done a great job with the team. I think he must be very, very proud that he has won the National League after many, many years and (I am) very happy as an East Bengal fan,” Bhaichung added.

“I think clubs like East Bengal have to be there every season, winning it or running for the title. We have missed out for a long time, but I think the entire management, everybody in the club, has played a big role in getting this trophy.”

East Bengal, one of India’s most decorated football clubs, joined the ISL in 2020, but had struggled to make a mark until this season. Over the last five seasons, its highest finish was ninth. Two decades adrift, Bhaichung feels his East Bengal finally looks like a club that belongs at the summit again.

“The first one (ISL title) is always difficult, and I think they have done this. From next year, we will be there as a top club to fight for the championship,” he said.

Published on May 21, 2026