East Bengal Begin Title Defence With 4-0 Win Over Churchill Brothers

Defending champions East Bengal FC got their Indian Super League campaign off to a resounding start with a dominant 4-0 victory over Churchill Brothers on Sunday. Goals from Dani Ramirez, Edmund Lalrindika and substitute Bipin Singh, who scored twice, sealed all three points for Antonio Habas' side. East Bengal took the lead in just the second minute through a stunning free-kick from Ramirez. The midfielder curled a left-footed effort from outside the penalty area into the top-left corner. Churchill Brothers responded with urgency and created several opportunities to get back into the contest. They came close to equalising and even struck the woodwork, but East Bengal remained defensively organised to preserve their advantage.

The visitors doubled their lead towards the end of the first half with a well-worked move. David Hmar received the ball on the left flank, held it up and picked out Edmund, who timed his run perfectly before finishing past Sayad Kadir.

Both teams created chances in the early stages of the second half. However, Churchill Brothers struggled to convert their opportunities in the final third, while East Bengal remained composed with a two-goal cushion.

Habas introduced Bipin Singh in the second half, and the substitution paid immediate dividends. In the 85th minute, the winger curled a superb effort into the top corner to make it 3-0.

Bipin struck again five minutes later to complete his brace and cap an emphatic victory for the defending champions.

East Bengal have made a strong statement at the start of their title defence. Churchill Brothers, who opened their season with a 1-0 win over Mumbai City FC, will look to bounce back when they face Punjab FC next week.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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