Daijiworld Media Network - Fatorda

Fatorda, Oct 18: Defending champions East Bengal FC made a resounding start to their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign, registering a dominant 4-0 victory over Churchill Brothers at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Sunday.

Goals from Dani Ramírez, Edmund Lalrindika and substitute Bipin Singh, who scored twice, sealed the points for Antonio Habas’ side in what was the biggest win of the season so far.

East Bengal, popularly known as the Torchbearers, took the lead as early as the second minute through a stunning free-kick from Dani Ramírez. The midfielder struck with his left foot from just outside the penalty area, curling the ball into the top-left corner.

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

The visitors doubled their lead towards the end of the first half with a well-worked attacking move. David Hmar received the ball on the left, held it up before picking out Edmund Lalrindika, who made a timely run into the box and finished past Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Sayad Kadir.

The goal ensured East Bengal went into the half-time break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

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

Habas introduced Bipin Singh in the second half, and the substitution paid off in the 85th minute when 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. PV Vishnu delivered a cross from the left, which Singh converted to extend East Bengal’s lead and seal an emphatic victory.

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