For East Bengal fans, the arrival of Oscar Bruzon has brought a much-needed glimmer of hope. The Spaniard has become the catalyst for change after months of frustration, reinvigorating the Red-and-Gold brigade and giving supporters reasons to dream again.
East Bengal’s season began on a nightmarish note, going winless in their first six games, leaving the team languishing at the bottom of the ISL table. As they travelled to Bhutan for the AFC Challenge League, expectations were low, and skepticism loomed large. However, Bruzon and his team defied the odds, passing the test with flying colors and securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the prestigious tournament.
“From day one, East Bengal was at the bottom of the table,” Bruzon said in a press conference. “It was frustrating, tough, and difficult to digest for everyone associated with the club.”
In the ISL, the turning point came against Mohammedan SC, where despite being reduced to nine men, Bruzon’s side displayed remarkable resilience to earn a point. The breakthrough followed shortly after, with East Bengal securing their first ISL win of the season against a formidable North East United side featuring stars like Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Jithin MS.
And then came the statement victory – a 2-0 triumph over Chennaiyin FC in their own backyard. It wasn’t just a win; it was a message that Bruzon’s tactical brilliance and leadership were transforming East Bengal into a team capable of overcoming hurdles.
The first half against Chennaiyin was a cautious affair, with East Bengal prioritising defensive solidity. “The idea in the first stages was to hold them, stay compact, and attract them into our half,” Bruzon explained. “We knew we couldn’t sustain 1v1 duels for 90 minutes, so the plan was to frustrate them early on.”
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The breakthrough came in the second half, thanks to a square pass from Saul Crespo that found PV Vishnu, who slotted home. Later, there was a sensational piledriver from Jeakson Singh, who scored his first goal in East Bengal colors.
Bruzon’s tactical adjustments shone through as East Bengal adopted a compact 4-4-2 shape, forcing Chennaiyin to play on the wings, a strategy that neutralised their strengths. “In the second half, the tactical discipline of my players was brilliant,” he said. “We frustrated Chennaiyin with our compact shape, forcing them to play in areas they didn’t want to.”
The victory against Chennaiyin marked East Bengal’s second consecutive win and clean sheet, lifting them to 11th place in the standings. For the first time this season, the team is climbing upward, and the mood in the camp is buoyant as they gear up for three crucial home games.
“We have to be ambitious and hungry because these three games carry a lot of meaning,” Bruzon emphasised. “If we can capitalise on the home advantage, we’ll keep climbing and get closer to the top six. We have a chance to make history with three consecutive wins, but we must keep our feet on the ground.”
Bruzon’s leadership has sparked a resurgence for East Bengal. His tactical acumen, coupled with the team’s growing confidence, has given fans renewed hope. As East Bengal aim to capitalise on their momentum, Bruzon’s vision of turning the tide may finally be coming to fruition.
The road ahead is challenging, but with Bruzon at the helm, East Bengal supporters can dare to dream once more.
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