It has been almost a year since East Bengal fans roared in jubilation, celebrating a moment they had waited 12 long years. The iconic Kolkata giants broke their trophy drought by clinching the 2024 Indian Super Cup, defeating Odisha FC in a thrilling final. For a fanbase accustomed to dominance in Indian football, the victory was more than just a trophy; it was a declaration of their resurgence after years of languishing in the lower half of the Indian Super League standings since their move in 2020.
Under the guidance of Carles Cuadrat, the Spaniard who brought tactical discipline and a distinctive style of play to the team, East Bengal finally showcased a cohesive and attacking brand of football. Cuadrat’s philosophy revolved around structured defenses paired with rapid transitions, which proved effective in the Super Cup campaign. His influence gave the team a renewed identity, and fans approached the most recent summer transfer window with anticipation, hoping to see the club build on its success.

East Bengal made a resounding statement in the transfer market by announcing the arrivals of Dimitrios Diamantakos from Kerala Blasters and Madih Talal from Punjab FC—last season’s ISL Golden Boot winner and top assister, respectively. Diamantakos, with his lethal finishing and ability to thrive under pressure, was expected to lead the attack. At the same time, Talal’s creativity and precision in midfield promised to unlock defenses and elevate the team’s attacking potential.
The club’s ambitions became even more evident with the signing of Anwar Ali, a move that sent shockwaves through Indian football. Snatching the defensive lynchpin from arch-rivals Mohun Bagan SG, Ali brought stability, leadership, and defensive acumen to East Bengal’s backline. Additionally, the Red and Gold Brigade answered their midfield concerns with the signing of the much sought-after Jeakson Singh from Kerala Blasters. His transfer strengthened the squad and symbolized East Bengal’s intent to outshine their rivals and challenge for top honors this season.
Halfway through the 2024–25 season, East Bengal navigates a campaign of stark contrasts. Despite the flashes of promises and the high-profile summer transfer window, the fans are left perplexed at the duality of East Bengal’s season so far. The club finds itself 11th in the league halfway through the season. Despite the team showing some flashes of revival under Oscar Bruzón, their performances in the AFC Challenge League might be their only saving grace this season.

A Troubled Start: East Bengal’s ISL Campaign
East Bengal began the 2024–25 Indian Super League season with high hopes under head coach Carles Cuadrat. Still, their opening fixtures exposed significant issues that set the tone for a rocky start. Despite entering the season with a rejuvenated squad, the team failed to live up to expectations, suffering a streak of defeats that left them bottom of the table by late October.
In their opening game against Bengaluru FC, East Bengal struggled to find their rhythm, falling to a narrow 1–0 defeat. Defensive lapses during set pieces proved costly, as Vinith Venkatesh capitalized on a poorly marked corner. Cuadrat’s 4-2-3-1 system lacked fluidity, and with Anwar Ali absent from the lineup, the central defensive pairing of Yuste and Maher seemed disjointed. The team’s attack, spearheaded by Dimitrios Diamantakos, managed only two shots on target, highlighting a lack of creativity in midfield.
The second game against Kerala Blasters showed marginal improvement but ended in a 2–1 defeat. P.V. Vishnu’s goal was a rare moment of brilliance in an otherwise disjointed performance, with midfield cohesion completely absent from their game. Kerala’s high press forced errors in East Bengal’s defensive transitions, leading to decisive chances. The team’s inability to adapt tactically to intense pressure underscored a growing concern about Cuadrat’s approach.
A 3–2 loss to FC Goa deepened the crisis. While the team showed attacking promise with Madih Talal and David Lalhlansanga’s goals, defensive vulnerabilities reached a breaking point. Goa’s Borja Herrera ran riot, scoring a hat-trick by exploiting gaps in the Red and Gold Brigade’s defensive lines, especially on counters. Tactical indecision was evident, with the team caught between a high-pressing approach and a deep defensive block, failing to execute either effectively.

The Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan Super Giants on October 19 proved to be a breaking point. A 2–0 loss before a packed Salt Lake Stadium extended their winless streak and intensified scrutiny on Cuadrat’s tenure. Mohun Bagan dominated midfield battles, exposing East Bengal’s lack of creative options. Fans and pundits alike questioned the squad’s discipline and cohesion as yellow cards and missed opportunities piled up.
By October 22, following a 2–1 defeat to Odisha FC, East Bengal had suffered five consecutive league losses. The team conceded 10 goals across these games while scoring only 4, a dismal statistic that underscored both defensive fragility and attacking inefficiency. Carles Cuadrat’s tenure ended unceremoniously as the club sought fresh leadership to salvage the season.
AFC Challenge League: A Different Narrative
While their ISL campaign unraveled, East Bengal found solace in the AFC Challenge League. The continental competition served as a platform for the team to regroup and rebuild confidence under interim coach Bino George.
In their opening match against Paro FC, East Bengal displayed attacking promise, but defensive fragility remained a concern. A 2–2 draw, featuring goals from Dimitrios Diamantakos and Madih Talal, reflected the team’s struggles to maintain leads and defensive focus. However, the attacking synergy between Talal and Diamantakos emerged as a positive takeaway.

The second match against Bashundhara Kings marked a significant turnaround. A 4–0 victory showcased improved tactical discipline, with East Bengal controlling possession and creating chances through wide play. Nandhakumar Sekar and Saúl Crespo were instrumental in stretching the opposition’s defense.
The team’s transition play and pressing game, particularly in midfield, proved decisive. Diamantakos continued his rich vein of form while Madih Talal pulled the strings in attack, delivering key passes and unlocking the opposition’s defense.
What to expect next?
East Bengal’s 2024–25 season has been a narrative of turbulence and transformation, marked by the early departure of head coach Carles Cuadrat and the subsequent appointment of Oscar Bruzón.
Under Cuadrat, East Bengal’s tactical setup primarily featured a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing structured defense and counter-attacks. However, this approach faltered as the team struggled with defensive cohesion and offensive creativity, managing only three goals while conceding six in the initial matches. Disciplinary issues further compounded their woes, with the team accumulating multiple yellow cards, reflecting a lack of composure under pressure.

The appointment of Oscar Bruzón signaled a shift in tactical philosophy. Bruzón implemented a 4-3-3 system, focusing on midfield dominance and high pressing to disrupt opponents’ build-up play. This change aimed to enhance both defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. Bruzón has his team shift to a 4-4-2 while defending to increase the pressure in midfield and win back possession quickly. Under his guidance, East Bengal achieved a remarkable comeback victory against Punjab FC, overturning a two-goal deficit to win 4-2.
Despite these positive developments, disciplinary challenges persisted, with the players picking up 5 red cards so far this season. East Bengal’s aggressive pressing and intense playing style has led to many bookings, which have occasionally left the team undermanned during crucial phases of matches. Addressing these disciplinary issues remains critical for maintaining consistency in performance.
In the second half of the season, fans can anticipate a more cohesive and strategically flexible East Bengal. The team is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the ISL standings in domestic competitions, leveraging Bruzón’s tactical acumen to secure vital points. On the continental stage, East Bengal’s participation in the knockout stages of the AFC Challenge League, the club’s first appearance in the knockouts of a continental competition since 2013, allows them to test their mettle as they take on FK Arkadag in the quarter-finals.
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