ISL 2025-26: East Bengal FC and FC Goa Play Out Goalless Draw in a Cagey Encounter

East Bengal FC and FC Goa played out a goalless draw in Match 22 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The Gaurs are provisionally third in the table with eight points from four matches while The Red and Gold Brigade are a place below with seven points from four matches. Miguel Ferreira was adjudged as the Player of the Match.

Match Summary

Team	Score	Points	Position
East Bengal FC	0	7 from 4 matches	4th
FC Goa	0	8 from 4 matches	3rd (provisional)

Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Match: ISL 2025-26, Match 22
Player of the Match: Miguel Ferreira

Team News

Óscar Bruzón made two changes to the East Bengal starting eleven, handing the first starts of the season to Mohamad Rakip and Naorem Mahesh Singh in place of Jay Gupta and Anton Søjberg, while FC Goa head coach Manolo Márquez named an unchanged side.

First Half

The visitors had the first look at goal when Ishan Pandita ran in behind the defenders to reach a lobbed pass from Dejan Dražić, but centre back Anwar Ali made a crucial recovery tackle to deny the striker a shot. East Bengal then controlled possession of the ball in midfield as Goa were content to play on the counter attacks.

Ezzejjari Misses Golden Chance — 15th Minute

The first real chance of the match came at the quarter-hour mark for East Bengal. Naorem Mahesh Singh played a perfectly weighted pass to Bipin Singh on the left wing. The winger delivered a pinpoint cross into the box for Youssef Ezzejjari, who was unmarked, but the striker skied his attempt over the crossbar.

Goa’s Best Period

On the other end, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill expertly saved Brison Fernandes’ shot after the visitors carved open the defence with a slick move involving Ayush Dev Chhetri and Boris Singh. Moments later, Boris’ right-footed effort hit the post and came back as Goa enjoyed their best period of attack in the first half.

Rashid Hits Crossbar

The home side also came close to scoring when Mohamad Rashid hit the crossbar with a long-range effort. The midfielder’s powerful attempt went through the hands of the goalkeeper before striking the crossbar. Despite the attempts on goal, both teams went into the half-time break with the score reading 0–0.

First-Half Chances	Detail
Pandita	Denied by Anwar Ali recovery tackle
Ezzejjari (15′)	Unmarked, skied over crossbar
Gill save	Denied Brison Fernandes’ shot
Boris Singh	Right-footed effort hit post
Rashid	Long-range effort hit crossbar

Second Half

The second half turned out to be a cagey affair, with chances at a premium as both teams solidified their defence, making it difficult for the attackers to create attempts on goal. Fresh legs were introduced by both coaches, but it did not change the way both teams approached the second half.

FC Goa came closest to scoring after Abdul Rabeeh set up fellow substitute Raynier Fernandes at the edge of the box. The midfielder’s right-footed attempt sailed over the crossbar.

In the end, both teams had to settle for a point each. East Bengal piled on the pressure in added time, but FC Goa held their composure to ensure the match ended in a first ever stalemate between both the sides.

FAQs

What was the final score of East Bengal vs FC Goa?

The match ended 0-0 in a goalless draw at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on March 5, 2026.

Who was named Player of the Match?

Miguel Ferreira was adjudged as the Player of the Match despite the goalless draw.

What were the best chances in the match?

Youssef Ezzejjari skied an unmarked attempt over the crossbar (15′), Boris Singh’s right-footed effort hit the post, and Mohamad Rashid’s long-range strike hit the crossbar.

What changes did the coaches make?

Óscar Bruzón made two changes, giving first starts of the season to Mohamad Rakip and Naorem Mahesh Singh (replacing Jay Gupta and Anton Søjberg). Manolo Márquez named an unchanged FC Goa side.