INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE
Kolkata, Feb 20: East Bengal FC face Sporting Club Delhi at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata, while Jamshedpur FC host Punjab FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur in a double-header on Saturday as part of Gameweek 2 of Indian Super League 2025-26.
The two clashes pitting two newcomers against seasoned opponents will kickstart the weekend fixtures in the new season, in which East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC will hope to continue their winning run.
East Bengal FC vs Sporting Club Delhi
East Bengal FC come into this match after a commanding 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in their season opener at the same venue. Youssef Ezzejjari struck twice, and Miguel Ferreira scored the other to seal the win for the Red and Gold Brigade.
SC Delhi, meanwhile, went down 0-2 to Bengaluru FC on Sunday. They will look to respond with greater defensive solidity and attacking cohesion against a confident East Bengal.
Speaking ahead of the game, SC Delhi head coach Tomasz Tchórz said, “East Bengal are one of the strongest and most organised teams in the league, with experienced Indian players, quality foreigners and a coach who has achieved success in India and Asia. For us, this is not only a big challenge, but also a massive opportunity.
Jamshedpur FC vs Punjab FC
Jamshedpur FC will look to build on their winning start at the Furnace, where an early goal from former Punjab midfielder Madih Talal handed them a 1-0 result against Mohammedan Sporting.Speaking ahead of the match, Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle said,
“We’re very respectful of Punjab because they have quality and real depth across the pitch, especially in the wide areas. We know they can be very dangerous if you switch off for even a moment. That’s why our focus has to be on ourselves – on taking care of the ball, maintaining our concentration for the full game, and being more clinical with the chances we create. If we perform to our maximum, move the ball well, and play with the intensity we expect from ourselves at home, then it’s a game we believe we can win.”Jamshedpur FC defender Stephen Eze added, “Punjab are a strong team, but we will stick to our style, give 100 per cent, and with the fans behind us at home, we will do everything possible to secure the three points.”Punjab FC travel to Jamshedpur aiming to make a positive first impression against a side that have already shown control and defensive solidity at home. (IANS)
