East Bengal FC snapped their eight-match winless run against NorthEast United FC to register their first victory in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season.

The Red and Gold Brigade demonstrated their never-say-die attitude, inheriting with collective fighting spirit to seal a win against the upbeat Highlanders.

Currently placed in the third spot, Juan Pedro Benali's men were neutralized by East Bengal FC's stubborn defense line as NorthEast United FC failed to score for the first time in the league this season, drawing an end to their 13-game scoring run.

Greek talisman Dimitrios Diamantakos netted the solitary goal for the hosts in the opening half, setting up the stage for their elusive first win.

Oscar Bruzon's men orchestrated numerous attacking moves as they created nine chances throughout the game, showcasing their offensive flair, but they fell short of doubling their lead.

Despite both teams finishing the game with one man short following Mohammed Ali Bemammer and Lal Chungnunga's red cards, the Red and Gold Brigade's unwavering determination propelled them to take three points after seven games.

After the match, Saul Crespo was caught up with indiansuperleague.com, where the midfielder reflected on East Bengal FC's first win in the league this season.

"Yes, it's a good win. We have been playing five matches in a row without losing. We are in a good moment," he said.

After succumbing to six straight defeats since the season's opening, East Bengal FC opened their points tally with a resilient draw against Mohammedan SC in the Kolkata Derby.

Prior to that, the Kolkata giants displayed commendable performances in the AFC Challenge League, where they topped the group stage unbeaten to qualify for the knockout round.

Speaking in context, Captain Crespo remarked, "It's very important in the ISL. We start to change our dynamic. It's true that in the AFC Challenge League we changed before, but now we're starting to change in the ISL. (We want to) keep going and go for the three points against Chennaiyin FC."

East Bengal FC suffered three consecutive defeats in their opening ISL fixtures and fifth overall across competitions, which saw Oscar Bruzon take charge of the club, replacing Carles Cuadrat. Since the arrival of Spaniard Bruzon at the helm, East Bengal FC have not only returned to winning ways but also seen demonstrating gritty, promising performances in the recent matches.

While quizzed about Bruzon's impact on the team's current form, Crespo answered, "Yes, of course (Bruzon is the reason behind East Bengal FC's turnaround)."

"Every coach is different. Now with Oscar (Bruzon), we are following him. I hope that the results continue like this," the Spanish midfielder signed off.

This win gives us a boost: Madih Talal

East Bengal FC's playmaker Madih Talal registered another assist to his name as he placed an inch-perfect cross for Diamantakos, resulting in the deciding goal of the match.

With that, Talal registered his ninth assist in the ISL since the start of 2024, the outright most by any player in the league during this calendar year.

The French creative midfielder also acknowledged their positive performance in the continental tournament last month played a pivotal role in changing the team's dynamics and bringing back the positive momentum.

"I think the wins in the AFC Challenge League give us a boost. And also, to keep the draw against Mohammedan SC with only 9 players, it was a positive thing for us," Talal acknowledged.

"So, I hope we will continue like that for the next game," he added.

Talal believed that the team lacked mental confidence in the opening matches, which resulted in a challenging start to the 2024-25 season.

"No, it's not about fitness; it was only about mental (spirit). Like, we cannot change players for only two weeks or one month. It was (the) mentality; we were not in a good mood," he opined.

"So now this win, they give us a boost. So, everyone changed their mind. And this gives us the boost to play games like that," Talal concluded.

Related tags:

East Bengal FCNorthEast United FC2024-2025 Madih TalalSaul Crespo