East Bengal Launch IFA Shield Campaign With Commanding 4-0 Victory Over Sreenidi Deccan

The Red and Gold Brigade made an emphatic statement in the opening match of the 2025 IFA Shield, dismantling I-League side Sreenidi Deccan FC 4-0 at the Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday afternoon. The comprehensive victory showcased East Bengal’s attacking prowess and set the perfect tone for their campaign in the 125th edition of India’s third-oldest football tournament.

Under the guidance of head coach Oscar Bruzon, East Bengal dominated proceedings from start to finish, with goals from Joy Gupta, Saul Crespo, Hamid Ahdad, and Jickson Singh ensuring maximum points in their Group A opener. The match, which kicked off at 3 PM IST with free entry for all spectators, witnessed the Kolkata giants reclaim their status as the tournament’s most successful club with 29 titles to their name.

First Half Dominance Sets the Tone

East Bengal wasted little time asserting their authority over Sreenidi Deccan. While the I-League outfit initially adopted a cautious, defensive approach, the Red and Gold Brigade gradually assumed complete control of the midfield and began creating scoring opportunities with regularity.

Goal Timeline – First Half

The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute when left-back Joy Gupta found the back of the net, providing his team with the crucial opening goal. For a defender to score in the tournament’s inaugural match was particularly significant, injecting vital confidence into the squad.

The visitors had little time to regroup before East Bengal struck again. Fifteen minutes after Gupta’s opener, Spanish midfielder Saul Crespo doubled the advantage with a clinical header from a Miguel Figueroa corner kick in the 36th minute. The precise delivery and Crespo’s positioning proved too much for the Sreenidi Deccan defense to handle.

Before the breakthrough, East Bengal had already signaled their intentions, creating several clear-cut chances that went begging. Players like Bipin Singh and Miguel Figueroa came close to scoring but couldn’t convert their opportunities. One goal was even disallowed for offside in the opening exchanges, demonstrating the home side’s aggressive intent from the first whistle.

Second Half: Turning Dominance Into Demolition

If the first half belonged to East Bengal, the second period saw them elevate their performance to another level. Coach Bruzon’s tactical instructions were executed flawlessly as the Red and Gold Brigade continued their relentless pressure on the Sreenidi Deccan goal.

The third goal arrived early in the final quarter of the match when Moroccan forward Hamid Ahdad capitalized on excellent build-up play. Receiving a well-timed pass from Bipin Singh, Ahdad made no mistake with his finish, effectively putting the contest beyond Sreenidi Deccan’s reach.

Goal Timeline – Second Half

Just two minutes after Ahdad’s strike, East Bengal won yet another corner kick. This time, Crespo turned provider, floating a perfect delivery into the penalty area where Indian midfielder Jickson Singh rose highest to power a header past the helpless goalkeeper, making it 4-0.

Strategic Substitutions and Squad Depth

With victory assured and a commanding four-goal cushion, Oscar Bruzon made strategic changes to preserve key players and give others valuable match time. These substitutions highlighted the depth and quality available in the East Bengal squad.

Key Substitutions

The introduction of Argentine defender Kevin Sibille and Indian players Souvik Chakraborty, David Lalhlansanga, and Edmund Lalrindika demonstrated Bruzon’s faith in his entire squad. While the substitutes made the team even more attack-minded, Sreenidi Deccan’s defense held firm to prevent any further damage, keeping the final scoreline at 4-0.

Tournament Context and Historical Significance

The IFA Shield holds special significance in Indian football history. Founded in 1893, it stands as the fourth-oldest football competition globally and the third-oldest in India, following only the Durand Cup and Trades Cup. The tournament’s return after a three-year hiatus has rekindled excitement among football enthusiasts across the nation.

East Bengal’s connection to this prestigious tournament runs deep. With an unprecedented 29 championships, no club in IFA Shield history can match their dominance. The Red and Gold Brigade has become synonymous with success in this competition, and their opening performance suggests they’re determined to add a 30th title to their collection.

IFA Shield 2025 Group Stage Format

The 125th edition features six teams divided into two groups of three. East Bengal shares Group A with Sreenidi Deccan and Namdhari FC, while arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant headline Group B alongside Gokulam Kerala and United SC. The group winners will face each other in the final scheduled for October 18.

Recent Form and Momentum

East Bengal entered this tournament carrying mixed fortunes from recent competitions. In the Durand Cup earlier this season, they reached the semi-finals before falling to Diamond Harbour FC by a narrow 2-1 margin. However, the team has shown resilience and maintained competitive standards throughout.

Adding to their confidence was their recent Calcutta Football League triumph. The Kolkata giants clinched the 2025 CFL title, with the Calcutta High Court officially awarding them last season’s trophy as well. This winning momentum translated perfectly into their IFA Shield opener against Sreenidi Deccan.

The two teams had previously met in the 2024 Kalinga Super Cup group stage, where East Bengal secured a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Javier Siverio and Hijazi Maher. This latest encounter proved far more one-sided, suggesting significant improvement in East Bengal’s attacking coordination and defensive solidity.

Tactical Analysis and Key Performers

Assistant coach Bino George emphasized before the tournament that East Bengal would field a full-strength squad featuring experienced internationals, young domestic talent, and the overseas contingent. This promise was fulfilled as the starting eleven showcased the perfect blend of youth and experience.

Standout Performances:

Joy Gupta: The left-back’s goal demonstrated his ability to contribute in attack while maintaining defensive responsibilities. His positioning and finishing highlighted the modern full-back’s dual role.

Saul Crespo: The Spanish midfielder controlled the tempo of the match, scored one goal, and assisted another. His vision and set-piece delivery proved instrumental in breaking down Sreenidi Deccan’s resistance.

Hamid Ahdad: The Moroccan forward’s clinical finishing and movement off the ball created constant problems for the opposition defense. His goal exemplified his predatory instincts inside the penalty area.

Miguel Figueroa: Though he didn’t find the scoresheet, his creative play and corner kick delivery for Crespo’s goal showcased his importance to the team’s attacking structure.

What This Victory Means

The 4-0 triumph accomplishes multiple objectives for East Bengal. First, it secures three crucial points in Group A, putting them in pole position to advance to the final. Second, it sends a clear message to rivals that they remain the team to beat in this competition. Third, the comprehensive nature of the victory provides an immense psychological boost heading into subsequent matches.

For Sreenidi Deccan, the defeat represents a challenging start to their IFA Shield campaign. The I-League side, which finished as runners-up in the 2023-24 season and has shown promise in recent years, struggled to cope with East Bengal’s intensity and quality. They’ll need to regroup quickly as they continue their group stage fixtures.

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