East Bengal emulate Arsenal as they break Mohun Bagan hearts to become India's new football champions

East Bengal FC have been crowned Indian Super League (ISL) champions for the first time, ending a 22-year wait for a top-tier league title. The Red and Golds sealed the title after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Inter Kashi at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on  Thursday.

The title battle went down to the final day of the season, with East Bengal entering the match level on points with Mohun Bagan Super Giant but ahead on goal difference. However, East Bengal held their nerve to complete the job and lift the trophy, rendering Mohun Bagan's win in their final league game meaningless.

This victory carries a historic weight for the club, which last won a top-tier domestic league title in the 2003-04 season of the National Football League (now known as I-League). It was their third NFL title and second in a row. Since then, they had endured years of near misses in the I-League before joining the ISL in 2020.

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East Bengal’s long wait also ended at the same time as Arsenal’s drought in English football. Before this season, Arsenal’s last Premier League title came in 2003-04, and they had waited 22 years to return to the top. Similarly, East Bengal have finally ended their 22-year wait to become champions again in the same year.

What happened in the title-deciding match? 

As far as the match is concerned, Inter Kashi struck early to hand a big shock to the East Bengal fans, who had gathered in large numbers to support the side. Alfred scored a brilliant first-time goal in the 14th minute to make it 1-0. The first 45 minutes ended with a few missed chances from both ends.

However, Oscar Bruzon's team made a sensational comeback in the second half with an equaliser in the 50th minute through Youssef Ezzejjari, who had missed a golden chance earlier in the game. The winning goal came in the 73rd minute when Rashid scored after a quick attacking move to make it 2-1.

East Bengal players fell to the ground as soon as the final whistle was blown, while tens of thousands of fans invaded the pitch. Some players were even seen getting emotional, while others celebrated with the fans. The players and support staff were then handed the trophy after the game.