ISL: Ezzejjari’s brace wins it for East Bengal

East Bengal FC fired three second-half goals to beat NorthEast United FC 3-0 and open its Indian Super League campaign on a positive note here on Monday.

New recruit Youssef Ezzejjari struck a brace on his debut before Miguel Ferreira completed the scoring in added time.

The Red and Gold brigade dominated the opening period, employing a high press to mount pressure on the visiting side.

Ezzejjari had an early opportunity to ripple the net but failed to convert from close range.

The home team came close to taking the lead in the 36th minute when a thunderous strike from Mohammed Rashid rattled the crossbar.

Ferreira had a go a few minutes from the end of the first half, but his header sailed over.

The Highlanders relied heavily on counter-attacks but hardly found joy with that tactic.

When the NorthEast side attempted to build attacks through the flanks, it lacked the cutting edge in the final third.

East Bengal finally made the breakthrough in the 65th minute when Bipin Singh delivered a pin-point cross from the left for Ezzejjari to head home.

The Spanish striker doubled the lead five minutes later when substitute Edmund Lalrindika set him up with a clever cut back into the penalty area.

Ferreira added gloss to the scoreline with a fine angular finish, providing the perfect ending for the host.

The result: East Bengal FC 3 (Youssef Ezzejjari 65, 70, Miguel Ferreira 90+2) bt NorthEast United FC 0.