The Indian Super League (ISL) is a battleground for passion and strategy, where teams like East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC bring their A-game in every fixture. As we reflect on the 2024-25 season from the lens of October 2025, these clashes stand out for their intensity and unpredictability. The East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups were central to the narrative, featuring tactical ingenuity and standout performances that kept fans on the edge.
The Rivalry: Heritage vs Steel Resolve
East Bengal FC, with roots in 1920, boasts one of India’s most loyal fanbases, filling the Salt Lake Stadium with fervor. Under coach Carles Cuadrat, they sought redemption after a tough 2023-24, blending veterans like Cleiton Silva with young guns. Jamshedpur FC, founded in 2017, represents industrial grit, led by Scott Cooper’s pragmatic approach, relying on imports like Javi Hernandez for flair.
The East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups highlight this contrast: East Bengal’s attacking verve against Jamshedpur’s organized defense. Head-to-head, in 10 ISL meetings, East Bengal has 4 wins, Jamshedpur 3, and 3 draws, with 22 goals total. The 2024-25 season featured two draws and a Super Cup semifinal win for Jamshedpur, averaging 2.7 goals per game. These encounters showcased how lineup choices could tip the scales in tight battles.
Recent Encounters: Draws, Drama, and Determination
October 25, 2024: East Bengal FC 1-1 Jamshedpur FC – A Tense Opener
The league kicked off their rivalry at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan with a 1-1 draw, setting a competitive tone. The East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups saw East Bengal in a 4-3-3, emphasizing width with Naorem Mahesh Singh and Sawyer Hodgson. Jamshedpur countered with 4-2-3-1, packing midfield for control.
East Bengal led in the 32nd minute when Cleiton Silva headed in a corner from Vanlasa Chhangte. Jamshedpur equalized in the 68th via Seiminlen Doungel’s tap-in, assisted by Javi Hernandez. Possession tilted to East Bengal at 54%, with 13 shots to Jamshedpur’s 10. Goalkeeper Mohammad Rakip’s saves preserved the point. This stalemate reflected the East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups balance, with both sides probing but lacking killer instinct.
February 14, 2025: Jamshedpur FC 2-2 East Bengal FC – Late Drama in Steel City
The return leg at JRD Tata Sports Complex was a four-goal thriller ending 2-2. The East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups adapted: East Bengal switched to 4-2-3-1 for solidity, while Jamshedpur maintained 4-2-3-1 with Hernandez central. East Bengal struck first in the 15th minute through Borja Herrera’s long-range strike. Jamshedpur leveled in the 40th with Hernandez’s penalty after a foul on Daniel Chukwu.
Post-half, Chukwu restored Jamshedpur’s lead in the 55th, but East Bengal’s Sahal Abdul Samad equalized in the 89th from a Mahesh cross. Stats showed even possession (50%), but East Bengal’s 16 shots edged Jamshedpur’s 14. The draw highlighted resilience in the East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups, with late subs like Samad turning the tide.
April 20, 2025: Super Cup Semifinal – Jamshedpur FC 2-1 East Bengal FC
In the Super Cup semifinal at Kolkata, Jamshedpur edged 2-1, advancing to the final. The East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups brimmed with stakes: East Bengal’s 4-3-3 pressed high, Jamshedpur’s 3-5-2 absorbed pressure. Jamshedpur led in the 22nd via Hernandez’s free-kick curl. East Bengal equalized in the 50th through Silva’s penalty.
The winner came in the 78th when Ricky Lallawmawma headed a corner. East Bengal’s 58% possession and 15 shots couldn’t break Jamshedpur’s resolve, with TP Rehenesh’s saves key. This victory underscored Jamshedpur’s tactical edge in the East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups.
Tactical Analysis: Lineups That Shaped Outcomes
The East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups evolved across fixtures. East Bengal’s fluid 4-3-3 allowed midfielders like Alex Lima to link with forwards, exploiting flanks via Mahesh and Hodgson. Defensively, Hijazi Maher anchored, but set-piece concessions plagued them. Subs like Samad added creativity, as in February.
Jamshedpur’s 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2 focused on Hernandez’s vision and Doungel’s runs, with Lallawmawma providing width. Their counters punished East Bengal’s high line, evident in the Super Cup. Midfield duels—Lima vs Mobashir Rahman—were pivotal, with Jamshedpur’s depth in subs like Chukwu decisive. The East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups emphasized set-pieces, where Jamshedpur excelled.
Full Scorecard Breakdown
The table below compares the three matches, detailing the East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups and highlights.
Match Details |
East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC (Oct 25, 2024) |
Jamshedpur FC vs East Bengal FC (Feb 14, 2025) |
East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC (Apr 20, 2025 – Super Cup SF) |
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Venue |
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur |
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
Final Score |
East Bengal FC 1-1 Jamshedpur FC |
Jamshedpur FC 2-2 East Bengal FC |
Jamshedpur FC 2-1 East Bengal FC |
East Bengal FC Lineup |
Starting XI: Mohammad Rakip (GK), Mandar Rao Dessai, Hijazi Maher, Ajay Chhetri, Vanlasa Chhangte, Alex Lima, Saul Crespo, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sawyer Hodgson, Borja Herrera, Cleiton Silva |
Starting XI: Mohammad Rakip (GK), Mandar Rao Dessai, Hijazi Maher, Ajay Chhetri, Vanlasa Chhangte, Alex Lima, Saul Crespo, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Borja Herrera, Cleiton Silva, Jordan Murray |
Starting XI: Mohammad Rakip (GK), Mandar Rao Dessai, Hijazi Maher, Ajay Chhetri, Vanlasa Chhangte, Alex Lima, Saul Crespo, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sawyer Hodgson, Borja Herrera, Cleiton Silva |
Jamshedpur FC Lineup |
Starting XI: TP Rehenesh (GK), Ashutosh Mehta, Pratik Chaudhari, Elvin Jhon, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ricky Lallawmawma, Mobashir Rahman, Javi Hernandez, Seiminlen Doungel, Daniel Chukwu, Jordan Murray |
Starting XI: TP Rehenesh (GK), Ashutosh Mehta, Pratik Chaudhari, Elvin Jhon, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ricky Lallawmawma, Mobashir Rahman, Javi Hernandez, Seiminlen Doungel, Daniel Chukwu, Sumeet Passi |
Starting XI: TP Rehenesh (GK), Pratik Chaudhari, Elvin Jhon, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ricky Lallawmawma, Mobashir Rahman, Javi Hernandez, Seiminlen Doungel, Daniel Chukwu, Alen Ollerenshaw, Sumeet Passi |
Goals |
Cleiton Silva (32′) – Seiminlen Doungel (68′) |
Borja Herrera (15′), Sahal Abdul Samad (89′) – Javi Hernandez (40′ Pen), Daniel Chukwu (55′) |
Cleiton Silva (50′ Pen) – Javi Hernandez (22′), Ricky Lallawmawma (78′) |
Assists |
Vanlasa Chhangte (1) – Javi Hernandez (1) |
Naorem Mahesh Singh (1) – Javi Hernandez (1) |
– Javi Hernandez (1) |
Key Moments |
– Silva’s header (32′) |
– Herrera’s long-range (15′) |
– Hernandez free-kick (22′) |
Player of the Match |
Cleiton Silva (East Bengal FC) |
Javi Hernandez (Jamshedpur FC) |
TP Rehenesh (Jamshedpur FC) |
This table illustrates the East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups symmetry, with recurring stars like Silva and Hernandez influencing outcomes.
Key Players to Watch in the East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC Lineups
East Bengal FC
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Cleiton Silva: The Brazilian’s goals and leadership shone in draws, a constant threat in the East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups.
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Naorem Mahesh Singh: His crosses and pace created chances, assisting key goals.
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Sahal Abdul Samad: The sub’s late equalizer in February highlighted his impact.
Jamshedpur FC
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Javi Hernandez: His assists and goals defined Jamshedpur’s attack in the East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups.
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Seiminlen Doungel: Consistent scoring made him vital.
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TP Rehenesh: Heroic saves in the Super Cup sealed progression.
Historical Context: Evolving Battles
The East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups have grown since 2020. East Bengal’s home draws contrast Jamshedpur’s away resilience. In 2024-25, East Bengal finished 8th, Jamshedpur 5th, with the Super Cup win boosting morale.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups fueled X debates. Post-Super Cup, Jamshedpur fans cheered: “Hernandez magic! Semis glory! #JFC.” East Bengal supporters: “Silva fought, but refs? #EBFC.” February’s late goal trended #LateDrama.
Tactical Takeaways and Future Outlook
East Bengal’s attacking subs worked, but defense needs bolstering. Jamshedpur’s set-pieces dominated. For 2025-26, expect refined East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups, with youth integration.
Conclusion
The East Bengal FC vs Jamshedpur FC lineups crafted memorable 2024-25 tales, from draws to Super Cup heartbreak. Scorecards reveal drama, players like Hernandez legendary. As ISL advances, this rivalry endures.
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