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Packed gallery is not a concern for Altyn Asyr coach

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Shubham Mandal: Carles Cuadrat’s revenge match! Are you thinking, why? Then you have to go back six long years ago. The year was 2018, Bengaluru FC lost both legs of the AFC Cup inter-zonal semi-final against Altyn Asyr. At that time their head coach was Carles Cuadrat. Only the team has changed this time. He is now the head coach of East Bengal. This time also in that AFC Cup, his opponent is Altyn Asyr. Also in 2018, Yazguly Hojageldyyew was the head coach of Altyn Asyr. And he is still in charge of the team.

After setting foot in Calcutta, Altyn Asyr had his first practice in Yuva Bharati on this day. Altyn Asyr head coach said a lot about the East Bengal team while giving an interview to Ray Sportz after the practice. Here is the conversation:

Q: There are no foreigners in the team. Is that a problem for you?

Hojageldyyew: Not having foreigners in the team is not a big deal. It has been in our team for a long time. The current footballers have been the asset of this team for the last few years. So we are not worried about this.

Q: Have you been playing the same team for the last few years?

Hojageldyyew: Most of the footballers in this team have been playing together for several years. So all footballers are well aware of their responsibilities.

Q: Do you have any idea about the East Bengal team?

Hojageldyyew: There are quite a few good foreigners in the East Bengal team. Not only that, they have got some good quality Indian footballers in their team this season. They have won their last two matches. We have already seen the video of that match. Footballers know that the match is going to be tough.

Q: Are you stressed when playing in front of a packed gallery?

Hojageldyyew: Not at all! This is not the first time we will be playing an AFC match in front of a packed gallery for the opposition. So I don’t think there will be any extra pressure on the boys.

East Bengal

ISL 2025/26: Historic Kolkata Derby Ends in East Bengal’s 7–0 Rout

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Ray Sportz Web Desk: In what will be remembered as one of the most one-sided encounters in recent Kolkata derby history, East Bengal produced a stunning performance to defeat Mohammedan Sporting Club 7–0 in today’s match.
From the opening whistle, East Bengal looked dominant, controlling possession and dictating the tempo with confidence and precision. Their attacking intent paid off early, setting the tone for a relentless display that left Mohammedan struggling to recover.
The goal-scoring spree was led by a brilliant brace each from Anwar Ali and Youssef Ezzejjari, with the latter calmly converting two penalties. Additional goals from Saúl Crespo, Vishnu PV, and Nandha Kumar completed the rout, showcasing East Bengal’s depth and attacking versatility.
Mohammedan Sporting endured a difficult outing throughout the match. Their defensive structure repeatedly broke down under pressure, and the situation worsened after they were reduced to ten men, making any comeback virtually impossible.
Statistically, the match reflected total domination. East Bengal enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and created numerous scoring opportunities, registering a remarkable number of shots compared to their opponents’ minimal attempts.
This emphatic victory not only boosts East Bengal’s morale but also marks one of the biggest winning margins in the derby’s history. For Mohammedan Sporting, however, it is a result that calls for serious reflection and regrouping in the matches ahead.
As the final whistle blew, the East Bengal supporters erupted in celebration, witnessing a performance that will be talked about for years to come.


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East Bengal

ISL 2025-26: Red & Gold Storm Past Highlanders in Commanding Home Victory

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Ray Sportz Web Desk: East Bengal FC began their Indian Super League campaign in emphatic fashion with a dominant 3–0 win over NorthEast United FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday evening.
After a tightly contested first half, East Bengal shifted gears in the second period. Spanish forward Youssef Ezzejjari broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a clinical finish before doubling the lead just five minutes later, capitalising on a defensive lapse by the visitors.
NorthEast United attempted to respond but struggled to penetrate a well-organised East Bengal defence. The hosts sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Miguel Figueira added a third goal, sending the home supporters into celebration.
The convincing result not only handed East Bengal three valuable points but also signalled their intent for the season ahead, while NorthEast United will look to regroup after a disappointing outing.

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East Bengal

East Bengal Storm Into Super Cup Final With Convincing Win Over Punjab FC

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Ray Sportz Web Desk: East Bengal marched into the AIFF Super Cup final with a commanding 3–1 victory over Punjab FC in the semi-final held at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. Displaying composure, sharp attacking intent, and superior tactical discipline, the Kolkata giants ensured their place in the tournament’s summit clash.
The match began at a brisk pace, with East Bengal taking an early lead through Mohamad Bashim Rashid in the 12th minute. The midfielder timed his run perfectly to slot home after a well-constructed move, putting Punjab FC immediately on the back foot.
Punjab, however, clawed back into the contest when Daniel Ramirez converted a penalty in the 34th minute, restoring parity and briefly shifting the momentum. But just as the match seemed to head into halftime evenly poised, East Bengal struck a crucial blow. Defender Kevin Sibille rose highest during added time (45+3′) to head in a powerful effort, giving his side a 2–1 lead before the break.
The second half saw Punjab attempt to press higher and regain control, but East Bengal’s midfield and defensive organisation left them frustrated. The final nail came in the 71st minute when Saul Crespo pounced on a loose ball near the box and unleashed a crisp finish, extending the lead to 3–1 and effectively sealing the match.
While Punjab FC entered the semi-finals unbeaten from the group stage, they struggled to match East Bengal’s intensity and precision in decisive moments. The Kolkata side, buoyed by experience and consistency, showcased maturity in handling pressure and capitalising on weaknesses.
With this win, East Bengal advance confidently to the Super Cup final, one step away from lifting the prestigious trophy. Punjab, despite the defeat, can take pride in their maiden semi-final appearance — a sign of their progression and rising competitiveness in Indian football.
East Bengal now await their final opponents, carrying strong momentum and growing belief that this could be their year.

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