2020–21 SC East Bengal season

{{See also|2019–20 East Bengal F.C. season}}East Bengal officially announced that Balwant Singh had signed a two-year contract with the team on 12 April 2020.{{cite web|title=East Bengal ropes in Balwant Singh from ATK|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/east-bengal-signs-balwant-singh-atk-ileague-indian-football-transfers/article31319441.ece|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412092128/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/east-bengal-signs-balwant-singh-atk-ileague-indian-football-transfers/article31319441.ece|archive-date=12 April 2020|access-date=12 April 2020|work=Sportstar - The Hindu|date=11 April 2020 }} The next day the club signed former fullback Lalramchullova back from arch-rivals Mohun Bagan for the season{{cite web|title=I-League 2020-21: Star defender set to return to East Bengal from Mohun Bagan|url=https://thebridge.in/football/i-league-2020-21-star-defender-return-east-bengal-mohun-bagan/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210141/https://thebridge.in/football/i-league-2020-21-star-defender-return-east-bengal-mohun-bagan/|archive-date=18 January 2021|access-date=14 April 2020|work=The Bridge|date=13 April 2020 }} as well as the services of Hyderabad defender Gurtej Singh.{{cite web|title=I-League: East Bengal likely to sign Gurtej Singh from Hyderabad FC|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/i-league-east-bengal-sign-gurtej-singh-from-hyderabad-fc/l3xevxhaj9t11qztvbdbmjtnb|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018012010/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/i-league-east-bengal-sign-gurtej-singh-from-hyderabad-fc/l3xevxhaj9t11qztvbdbmjtnb|archive-date=18 October 2020|access-date=14 April 2020|work=Goal.com}}

On 18 April, the club announced a triple signing for the season: goalkeeper Rafique Ali Sardar from Jamshedpur, and Wahengbam Angousana and Loken Meitei from TRAU.{{cite web|title=I-League 2020-21: East Bengal announce three new signings|url=https://thebridge.in/football/i-league-2020-21-east-bengal-announce-three-new-signings/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608132318/https://thebridge.in/football/i-league-2020-21-east-bengal-announce-three-new-signings/|archive-date=8 June 2020|access-date=23 April 2020|website=The Bridge|date=19 April 2020 |publisher=P. Divya Rao}} The club announced the signing of three more Indian recruits: winger Bikash Jairu from Jamshedpur and midfielders Cavin Lobo and Sehnaj Singh from Punjab and ATK respectively, each on a two-year contract, on 28 April.{{cite web|title=Facing financial crisis, East Bengal still sign Sehnaj, Jairu, Lobo|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/facing-financial-crisis-east-bengal-still-sign-sehnaj-jairu-lobo/story-lCVlFkMrWs1zBDuNUK7rLN.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428054733/https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/facing-financial-crisis-east-bengal-still-sign-sehnaj-jairu-lobo/story-lCVlFkMrWs1zBDuNUK7rLN.html|archive-date=28 April 2020|access-date=28 April 2020|work=Hindustan Times|date=27 April 2020 }} After being stranded for more than a months due to lockdown all over India, the foreign contingent of the previous season squad started leaving for their home in the first week of May.{{Cite web|date=2020-05-01|title=Mohun Bagan, East Bengal's foreign recruits to return home via bus ride to Delhi|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/mohun-bagan-east-bengal-s-foreign-recruits-to-return-home-via-bus-ride-to-delhi/story-2C5YfgTs6JNeRJaoBjIItM.html|access-date=2021-04-28|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=19 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619082233/https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/mohun-bagan-east-bengal-s-foreign-recruits-to-return-home-via-bus-ride-to-delhi/story-2C5YfgTs6JNeRJaoBjIItM.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Amitabha Das|date=3 May 2020|title=Adios, Kolkata: Spanish members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal homeward-bound|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/spanish-players-mohun-bagan-east-bengal-homeward-bound-i-league-vicuna-beitia-lockdown/article31495177.ece|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-28|website=Sportstar|language=en|archive-date=27 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027183510/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/spanish-players-mohun-bagan-east-bengal-homeward-bound-i-league-vicuna-beitia-lockdown/article31495177.ece}} The club announced four more signings: goalkeeper Sankar Roy from Mohun Bagan, defenders Mohammed Irshad from Gokulam Kerala, Keegan Pereira from Jamshedpur and Girik Khosla from Punjab on 5 May.{{cite web|date=5 May 2020|title=BREAKING: East Bengal FC announce 4 more signings!|url=http://www.badgeb.com/breaking-east-bengal-fc-annouce-4-more-signings/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021214204/https://www.badgeb.com/breaking-east-bengal-fc-annouce-4-more-signings/|archive-date=21 October 2020|access-date=6 May 2020|work=BADGEB.com}} The club announced three more signings on 15 May: midfielders Eugeneson Lyngdoh from Bengaluru, Mohammed Rafique from Mumbai City and Milan Singh from NorthEast United for the season.{{cite web|title=East Bengal sign Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Milan Singh & Md Rafique|url=https://thebridge.in/football/east-bengal-sign-eugeneson-lyngdoh-milan-singh-md-rafique/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210147/https://thebridge.in/football/east-bengal-sign-eugeneson-lyngdoh-milan-singh-md-rafique/|archive-date=18 January 2021|access-date=18 May 2020|work=The Bridge|date=15 May 2020 }} On 18 May, the club announced five more signings for the season: forward C. K. Vineeth from Jamshedpur, right-back Rino Anto from Bengaluru, left-back Pritam Kumar Singh from Kerala Blasters, defenders Anil Chawan from ATK and Vikas Saini from Mohammedan Sporting.{{cite web|title=East Bengal add three more players to roster|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/indian-football/east-bengal-add-three-more-players-to-roster|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530193738/https://www.sportskeeda.com/indian-football/east-bengal-add-three-more-players-to-roster|archive-date=30 May 2020|access-date=18 May 2020|work=Sportskeeda|date=18 May 2020 }}{{Cite web|last=Dey|first=Sayak Dipta|date=2020-05-15|title=East Bengal rope in Eugeneson Lyngdoh, stay active in the transfer market|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/indian-football/east-bengal-rope-in-eugeneson-lyngdoh-stay-active-in-the-transfer-market|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015145626/https://www.sportskeeda.com/indian-football/east-bengal-rope-in-eugeneson-lyngdoh-stay-active-in-the-transfer-market|archive-date=15 October 2020|access-date=2020-12-12|website=Sportskeeda|language=en-us}} Francisco Bruto Da Costa joined East Bengal as the interim assistant manager on 30 July 2020.{{cite web|title=Francisco Bruto Da Costa - 'It is not important whether East Bengal play in ISL or I-League'|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/francisco-bruto-da-costa-it-is-an-honour-and-privilege-to/285z7sdsgobn1j8ec0pnjx1h8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917100851/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/francisco-bruto-da-costa-it-is-an-honour-and-privilege-to/285z7sdsgobn1j8ec0pnjx1h8|archive-date=17 September 2020|access-date=17 September 2020|work=Goal}}{{cite web|title=Newly appointed East Bengal coach Francisco Bruto Da Silva ready for 'great challenge'|url=https://sportscafe.in/football/articles/2020/jul/31/newly-appointed-east-bengal-coach-francisco-bruto-da-silva-ready-for-great-challenge|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210149/https://sportscafe.in/football/articles/2020/jul/31/newly-appointed-east-bengal-coach-francisco-bruto-da-silva-ready-for-great-challenge|archive-date=18 January 2021|access-date=17 September 2020|work=Sports Cafe|date=31 July 2020 }}{{Cite web|date=2020-07-29|title=East Bengal appoints their new coach for the next season|url=https://xtratime.in/east-bengal-appoints-their-new-coach-for-the-next-season/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-29|website=XtraTime|language=en-US|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120058/https://xtratime.in/east-bengal-appoints-their-new-coach-for-the-next-season/}} The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown led to the postponement of India's football season. It was announced that the season would start on 1 August 2020 and would continue until 31 May 2021.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=9 June 2020|title=AIFF announces dates for Indian football season and transfer window|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football-season-dates-announced-transfer-window-isl-ileague/article31787173.ece|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801225322/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football-season-dates-announced-transfer-window-isl-ileague/article31787173.ece|archive-date=1 August 2020|access-date=2020-10-10|website=Sportstar|language=en}}

The club's previous club investor, Quess Corp, announced in Autumn 2019 that they would leave the joint venture at the end of the season.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-01|title=Explained: In 100th year, why is East Bengal teetering on the brink?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/east-bengal-football-team-centenary-year-6533632/|access-date=2021-03-29|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=23 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123054532/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/east-bengal-football-team-centenary-year-6533632/|url-status=live}} In January 2020, arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan entered the Indian Super League (ISL), the new top tier of Indian Football, by merging with the defending ISL champions ATK, adding pressure on the club on top of its financial woes.{{Cite news|last=|first=|date=2020-07-11|title=East Bengal will soon follow rivals Mohun Bagan into ISL: Club official|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/east-bengal-will-soon-follow-rivals-mohun-bagan-into-isl-club-official-120071100960_1.html|url-status=live|access-date=2020-10-30|archive-date=2 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102175152/https://www.business-standard.com/article/sports/east-bengal-will-soon-follow-rivals-mohun-bagan-into-isl-club-official-120071100960_1.html}}{{Cite web|last=|date=16 Jan 2020|title=East Bengal would never sell the club, says senior official|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/mohun-bagan-atk-merger-isl-east-bengal-debabrata-sarkar-ileague-we-will-never-sell-quess-eb-indian-football/article30578903.ece|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Sportstar|language=en|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804055222/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/mohun-bagan-atk-merger-isl-east-bengal-debabrata-sarkar-ileague-we-will-never-sell-quess-eb-indian-football/article30578903.ece}} The club began searching for potential investors. Back in 2018, it chose Quess to participate in the ISL, but that did not materialise. There were rumours the club would merge with the Bhubaneshwar-based ISL club, Odisha FC, but the club owner denied them.{{Cite web|last=|date=13 Feb 2020|title=Odisha FC not interested in tie up with East Bengal, says club owner|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/odisha-fc-east-bengal-tie-up-not-happening-rohan-sharma-isl-ileague-atk-bagan-merger/article30810110.ece|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Sportstar|language=en|archive-date=4 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904151708/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/odisha-fc-east-bengal-tie-up-not-happening-rohan-sharma-isl-ileague-atk-bagan-merger/article30810110.ece}} In March, during the ongoing 2019-20 I-League, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown began halting everything. Quess unilaterally activated the force majeure clause and terminated all players' and staff' contracts a month before the official exit on 1 May 2020.{{Cite web|last=Banerjee|first=Ritabrata|date=29 Apr 2020|title=Did Quess make a mistake by unilaterally activating the 'Force Majeure' clause?|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/quess-east-bengal-fc-force-majeure-mistake-i-league/rjb1vt74o49f1luuke5mwgzv2|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=Goal.com|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126100513/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/quess-east-bengal-fc-force-majeure-mistake-i-league/rjb1vt74o49f1luuke5mwgzv2}} This was the first time the clause was activated in Indian football.{{Cite web|last=Roy|first=Angshuman|date=26 April 2020|title=Force majeure axe on East Bengal contracts|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/force-majeure-axe-on-east-bengal-contracts-during-coronavirus-pandemic/cid/1768351|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=The Telegraph|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024210112/https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/force-majeure-axe-on-east-bengal-contracts-during-coronavirus-pandemic/cid/1768351}} It was rumoured that American consumer goods company Procter & Gamble would be the principal sponsor of the club and with them, EB would play in the ISL.{{Cite web|last=Sarkar|first=Prachyaprachetah|date=2020-04-15|title=BREAKING: East Bengal in talks with possible investors, seek entry into ISL|url=https://thebridge.in/football/breaking-east-bengal-talks-possible-investors-seek-entry-into-isl/|access-date=2021-03-12|website=thebridge.in|language=en|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120051/https://thebridge.in/football/breaking-east-bengal-talks-possible-investors-seek-entry-into-isl/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Goudar|first=Raghavendra|date=2020-04-23|title=East Bengal set to join ISL, RoundGlass Punjab may follow|url=https://www.sportsadda.com/football/news/east-bengal-set-to-join-isl-roundglass-punjab-may-follow|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=SportsAdda|language=en|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120119/https://www.sportsadda.com/football/news/east-bengal-set-to-join-isl-roundglass-punjab-may-follow}}

After the football season was declared complete, the club signed around 20 players to precontracts for the following season, but all of them were considered void, as the club did not have the sporting rights to compete in any league.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-04|title=East Bengal Club cannot follow Mohun Bagan's path in playing ISL: Kalyan Majumdar XtraTime To get the best and exclusive sporting news, keep watching XtraTime|url=https://xtratime.in/east-bengal-club-cannot-follow-mohun-bagans-path-in-playing-isl-kalyan-majumdar/|access-date=2020-10-31|language=en-US|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120121/https://xtratime.in/east-bengal-club-cannot-follow-mohun-bagans-path-in-playing-isl-kalyan-majumdar/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title='Contracts under old entity' - East Bengal's latest recruits promised 'new' contracts! {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/contracts-old-name-new-east-bengal-players-i-league-indian/1fzun4uwgqi1s17o8auzh8kxyb|access-date=2020-10-31|website=www.goal.com|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108141425/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/contracts-old-name-new-east-bengal-players-i-league-indian/1fzun4uwgqi1s17o8auzh8kxyb|url-status=live}} In June, AIFF asked about the club's ownership status post-Quess separation for club licensing criteria, or East Bengal might not be able to play in any recognised tournament.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-29|title=No ISL or I-League for East Bengal next season?|url=https://thebridge.in/football/no-isl-i-league-east-bengal-next-season/|access-date=2020-10-31|website=The Bridge|language=en-GB|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107090725/https://thebridge.in/football/no-isl-i-league-east-bengal-next-season/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=28 Jun 2020|title=East Bengal's future uncertain as AIFF awaits clarity on ownership after Quess exit|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/east-bengals-future-uncertain-as-aiff-awaits-clarity-on-ownership-after-quess-exit/articleshow/76672847.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225054019/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/east-bengals-future-uncertain-as-aiff-awaits-clarity-on-ownership-after-quess-exit/articleshow/76672847.cms}}{{Cite web|date=2020-06-20|title=East Bengal club faces identity crisis. Find how?|url=https://xtratime.in/east-bengal-club-faces-identity-crisis-find-how/|url-status=live|access-date=2020-10-31|website=XtraTime|language=en-US|archive-date=4 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104032935/https://xtratime.in/east-bengal-club-faces-identity-crisis-find-how/}} The final termination, No Objection Certificate and sporting right transfer was delayed,{{Cite web|last=Bhattacharya|first=Nilesh|date=7 Jul 2020|title=East Bengal can become Liverpool of Indian football, says Quess chairman|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/east-bengal-can-become-liverpool-of-indian-football-says-quess-chairman/articleshow/76825548.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101065726/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/i-league/east-bengal-can-become-liverpool-of-indian-football-says-quess-chairman/articleshow/76825548.cms|archive-date=1 January 2021|access-date=2021-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Banerjee|first=Ritabrata|date=10 Jun 2020|title=East Bengal cannot take part in CFL and IFA Shield unless Quess Corp transfers sporting rights|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/east-bengal-cannot-take-part-cfl-ifa-shield-quess-sporting/1vq0xpudeixup13iljct8qb4hr|url-status=live|access-date=2020-11-12|website=Goal.com|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120053/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/east-bengal-cannot-take-part-cfl-ifa-shield-quess-sporting/1vq0xpudeixup13iljct8qb4hr}} but on 17 July, the joint venture with Quess East Bengal Pvt. Ltd was officially terminated, and the club got back the sporting rights from the firm .{{Cite web|last=Bandyopadhyay|first=Arindam|date=18 Jul 2020|title=Sporting rights back with East Bengal|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/football/sporting-rights-back-with-east-bengal/cid/1786665|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-13|website=The Telegraph|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929132229/https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/football/sporting-rights-back-with-east-bengal/cid/1786665}}{{Cite web|last=Banerjee|first=Ritabrata|date=17 Jul 2020|title=Quess Corp terminate agreement with East Bengal, give back sporting rights to the club|url=https://www.goal.com/en-om/news/quess-corp-terminate-agreement-east-bengal-sporting-rights/1wvwqny01kqat1omv8e1efa9ao|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120122/https://www.goal.com/en-om/news/quess-corp-terminate-agreement-east-bengal-sporting-rights/1wvwqny01kqat1omv8e1efa9ao|archive-date=30 March 2021|access-date=2021-03-13|website=Goal.com}} In the meantime, the former owner of Punjab FC, Ranjit Bajaj, expressed interest in buying the 70% outstanding shares.{{Cite web|date=2020-07-11|title=East Bengal will play in the ISL, says Debabrata Sarkar|url=https://xtratime.in/east-bengal-will-play-in-the-isl-says-debabrata-sarkar/|url-status=live|access-date=2020-10-31|website=XtraTime|language=en-US|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120126/https://xtratime.in/east-bengal-will-play-in-the-isl-says-debabrata-sarkar/}} That month, a Singapore-based company, USEL also showed an interest in the club{{Cite web|date=2020-07-25|title=No place for East Bengal in ISL 2020-21 season?|url=https://xtratime.in/no-place-for-east-bengal-in-isl-2020-21-season/|url-status=live|access-date=2020-10-31|website=XtraTime|language=en-US|archive-date=3 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103130520/https://xtratime.in/no-place-for-east-bengal-in-isl-2020-21-season/}}{{Cite web|last1=Khanna|first1=Rohit|last2=Bhattacharya|first2=Nilesh|date=17 Jul 2020|title=Singapore based USEL shows interest in East Bengal|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/singapore-based-usel-shows-interest-in-east-bengal/articleshow/77018799.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120116/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/singapore-based-usel-shows-interest-in-east-bengal/articleshow/77018799.cms}} but later backed off because of uncertainty of playing in the ISL.{{Cite web|last=Momin|first=Tasirul|date=2020-07-27|title=East Bengal Don't Play ISL Then No Investment Says Prasoon Mukherjee|url=https://allsportspages.com/east-bengal-no-isl-no-investment-prasoon-mukherjee/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=All Sports Pages|language=en-US|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117124642/https://allsportspages.com/east-bengal-no-isl-no-investment-prasoon-mukherjee/}} By the end of July, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), unofficially stated there would be no expansion in the seventh season during a meeting with the ten ISL clubs.{{Cite web|date=26 Jul 2020|title=East Bengal's priority is to support COVID-19 affected people, not to play in ISL: ASEAN Cup winners|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/east-bengals-priority-is-to-support-covid-19-affected-people-not-to-play-in-isl-asean-cup-winners/articleshow/77181734.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-12|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120054/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/east-bengals-priority-is-to-support-covid-19-affected-people-not-to-play-in-isl-asean-cup-winners/articleshow/77181734.cms}} Club officials asked FSDL to consider the club's participation in this season and allow more time for the team to finalise its investors.{{Cite web|date=2020-07-26|title=ISL 2020: East Bengal writes to FSDL requesting them to consider their participation this season|url=https://xtratime.in/isl-2020-east-bengal-writes-to-fsdl-requesting-them-to-consider-their-participation-this-season/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-29|website=XtraTime|language=en-US|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107002819/https://xtratime.in/isl-2020-east-bengal-writes-to-fsdl-requesting-them-to-consider-their-participation-this-season/}} The players of East Bengal's ASEAN Club Championship-winning team wrote to the club saying its priority should be to support COVID-19-affected people and not playing in the ISL. This led to a controversy in the club. After the club's foundation day, AIFF secretary, Kushal Das aroused speculation over EB joining the ISL saying, "I want to say nothing is impossible. What steps East Bengal should take – I think it is very important that you have to change with time, you have to get professional people. You have to have different departments. You need to have a sponsor servicing department. The fact that Quess and East Bengal had to part ways was not a good thing."{{Cite web|date=2020-08-02|title=ISL: 'Nothing is impossible, East Bengal can still enter this season,' says AIFF's Kushal Das|url=https://thebridge.in/football/isl-nothing-impossible-east-bengal-still-enter-this-season-says-aiffs-kushal-das/|access-date=2020-10-30|website=The Bridge|language=en-GB|archive-date=4 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104021959/https://thebridge.in/football/isl-nothing-impossible-east-bengal-still-enter-this-season-says-aiffs-kushal-das/|url-status=live}} On the 1 August, the club's assistant general secretary said on a chat show, "Whenever it is possible, we will play in the ISL. But we cannot say when we can join ISL. It is a legacy club and it has its heritage. But we have to change ourselves a bit and we are trying to reach that point and when that happens we will join ISL. But we cannot say when it will happen.”{{Cite web|last=Banerjee|first=Ritabrata|date=2 Aug 2020|title=Shanti Ranjan Dasgupta - There is no timeframe on East Bengal joining ISL|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/east-bengal-shanti-ranjan-dasgupta-club-change-isl/fegt8l1zq1019znanxqnosi1|url-status=live|access-date=2020-10-31|website=Goal.com|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107172321/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/east-bengal-shanti-ranjan-dasgupta-club-change-isl/fegt8l1zq1019znanxqnosi1}} On 12 August, the expansion of the I-League was announced and AIFF vice-president mentioned 12 teams in the league which included East Bengal. This increased speculation further.{{Cite web|date=12 Aug 2020|title=Sudeva and Sreenidhi granted playing rights in Hero I-League from 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively|url=https://i-league.org/sudeva-and-sreenidhi-granted-playing-rights-in-hero-i-league-from-2020-21-and-2021-22-respectively/|url-status=live|access-date=2020-10-31|website=Hero I-League|language=en-US|archive-date=5 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105174628/https://i-league.org/sudeva-and-sreenidhi-granted-playing-rights-in-hero-i-league-from-2020-21-and-2021-22-respectively/}}

On 2 September 2020, the club and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced at the state secretariat Nabanna that Kolkata-based firm Shree Cement was the club's new investor.{{Cite web|date=2020-09-05|title=Explained: Mamata has found East Bengal a sponsor; can it help her politically in elections?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mamata-has-found-east-bengal-a-sponsor-can-it-help-her-politically-6582197/|access-date=2021-03-13|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929233452/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mamata-has-found-east-bengal-a-sponsor-can-it-help-her-politically-6582197/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2 Sep 2020|title=Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announces that East Bengal will play ISL this year|url=http://www.uniindia.com/~/bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-announces-that-east-bengal-will-play-isl-this-year/Sports/news/2146787.html|url-status=live|access-date=29 Mar 2021|website=uniindia.com|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120056/https://s7.addthis.com/js/300/addthis_widget.js}}{{cite web|last=Mukherjee|first=Soham|date=2 Sep 2020|title=Shree Cement invests in East Bengal|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/shree-cement-east-bengal-isl-indian-football/19071qm5c9ybz1jmu89b3dbf95|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210142/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/shree-cement-east-bengal-isl-indian-football/19071qm5c9ybz1jmu89b3dbf95|archive-date=18 January 2021|access-date=5 September 2020|work=Goal}} The next day, FSDL invited bids for interested clubs from Delhi, Ludhiana, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Siliguri and Bhopal.{{Cite web|date=4 Sep 2020|title=East Bengal on alert as FSDL invites bid for new team in ISL 2020-21|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/fsdl-east-bengal-indian-football-2020-21-isl/1xxhwou2pya171336pdao9n1tg|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-29|website=Goal.com|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120130/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/fsdl-east-bengal-indian-football-2020-21-isl/1xxhwou2pya171336pdao9n1tg}}{{Cite web|last=Shukla|first=Kaushal|date=28 Sep 2020|title=East Bengal in ISL: New owners, different challenges but the same old zest for football|url=https://scroll.in/field/974265/east-bengal-in-isl-new-owners-different-challenges-but-the-same-old-zest-for-football|url-status=live|access-date=2020-10-31|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128184018/https://scroll.in/field/974265/east-bengal-in-isl-new-owners-different-challenges-but-the-same-old-zest-for-football}} On 15 September, the club officially confirmed that they had submitted their bid papers for entry to the 2020–21 Indian Super League.{{Cite web|title=East Bengal FC submit bid papers to play ISL 2020-21|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/indian-football/east-bengal-fc-submit-bid-papers-to-play-isl-2020-21|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924020017/https://www.sportskeeda.com/indian-football/east-bengal-fc-submit-bid-papers-to-play-isl-2020-21|archive-date=24 September 2020|access-date=18 January 2021|website=sportskeda.com|date=16 September 2020 }} The participation of East Bengal in the ISL was also unofficially confirmed.{{Cite web|title=Explained: How East Bengal can enter ISL this season after finalising investor {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/explained-how-east-bengal-enter-isl-this-season-investor/1nxmo2hu0ydcd1ev2raqgil20o|access-date=2020-10-30|website=www.goal.com|archive-date=6 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106183522/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/explained-how-east-bengal-enter-isl-this-season-investor/1nxmo2hu0ydcd1ev2raqgil20o|url-status=live}} The club was rebranded as Sporting Club East Bengal.{{Cite web|date=17 Oct 2020|title=East Bengal rebranded as Sporting Club East Bengal; new logo unveiled|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/sc-east-bengal-isl-new-logo-indian-football/8k1mrjrpnia41thmqrfytdw63|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026220518/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/sc-east-bengal-isl-new-logo-indian-football/8k1mrjrpnia41thmqrfytdw63|archive-date=26 October 2020|access-date=19 Oct 2020|website=Goal.com}} On 27 September, FSDL announced East Bengal's move from the I-League to the Indian Super League for the 2020–21 season.{{cite web |title=BREAKING: East Bengal all set to join ISL, RoundGlass Punjab may follow |url=https://thebridge.in/football/breaking-east-bengal-all-set-to-join-isl-roundglass-punjab-may-follow/ |website=The Bridge |date=23 April 2020 |publisher=Sagnik |access-date=23 April 2020 |archive-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425112946/https://thebridge.in/football/breaking-east-bengal-all-set-to-join-isl-roundglass-punjab-may-follow/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|date=2020-09-27|title=Nita Ambani officially inducts East Bengal into Indian Super League|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/sports/nita-ambani-officially-inducts-east-bengal-into-indian-super-league-1502926442.html|access-date=2021-03-29|website=The Statesman|language=en-US|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022113219/https://www.thestatesman.com/sports/nita-ambani-officially-inducts-east-bengal-into-indian-super-league-1502926442.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2020-09-27|title=FSDL Founder and Chairperson Nita Ambani Announces East Bengal as 11th Team in Indian Super League|url=https://www.news18.com/news/sports/east-bengal-get-entry-as-11th-team-in-indian-super-league-2912937.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-29|website=News18|language=en|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022221237/https://www.news18.com/news/sports/east-bengal-get-entry-as-11th-team-in-indian-super-league-2912937.html}}{{cite web|title=Nita Ambani: East Bengal's inclusion throws open limitless opportunities for Indian football|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/nita-ambani-east-bengals-inclusion-throws-open-limitless-opportunities-for-indian-football|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010181118/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/nita-ambani-east-bengals-inclusion-throws-open-limitless-opportunities-for-indian-football|archive-date=10 October 2020|access-date=27 September 2020|website=Indian Super League|publisher=ISL Media Team}}

The club announced former India captain Renedy Singh would be the team's new assistant coach{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-renedy-singh-east-bengal-assistant-coachd-indian-super/1n5gui0tt9r2d1irl8mmsbr2q0|title=ISL: Renedy Singh set to join East Bengal as assistant coach|work=Goal|access-date=7 October 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001190307/https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-renedy-singh-east-bengal-assistant-coachd-indian-super/1n5gui0tt9r2d1irl8mmsbr2q0|url-status=live}} and Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler was signed as the team's new head coach on 9 October.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-east-bengal-appoint-robbie-fowler-new-head-coach/1h2fll0owg6bc1s9rye82ehqe6|title=Official: East Bengal appoint Robbie Fowler as their new head coach|work=Goal|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=15 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015195553/https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-east-bengal-appoint-robbie-fowler-new-head-coach/1h2fll0owg6bc1s9rye82ehqe6|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=9 October 2020|title=Robbie Fowler named East Bengal coach|url=https://www.espn.in/football/east-bengal/story/4205023/isl-2020-21-robbie-fowler-named-east-bengal-coach|access-date=9 October 2020|website=ESPN|language=en|archive-date=12 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012203509/https://www.espn.in/football/east-bengal/story/4205023/isl-2020-21-robbie-fowler-named-east-bengal-coach|url-status=live}} He would be assisted by Anthony Grant, who was alongside him at Brisbane Roar last season. The backroom staff would include former Tottenham Hotspurs' goalkeeper Bobby Mimms as the goalkeeper coach, and former Blackpool manager Terry McPhillips as the set-piece coach. Robbie Fowler would be assisted by Michael Harding, the former physio of Newcastle United. Jack Inman, Former sports scientist from Bury, and Joseph Walmsley, an analyst from Preston North End joined management.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-east-bengal-coach-robbie-fowler-backroom-staff/1jf9ayozh07wq1k9vm23390m8v|title=ISL: Who are Robbie Fowler's backroom staff at East Bengal?|work=Goal|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=11 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311074829/https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-east-bengal-coach-robbie-fowler-backroom-staff/1jf9ayozh07wq1k9vm23390m8v|url-status=live}} The team became the first club in India to appoint a set-piece coach.{{Cite web|last=Banerjee|first=Ritabrata|date=10 Oct 2020|title=ISL: East Bengal show the way by hiring a setpiece coach in Terence McPhillips|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-east-bengal-indian-football-setpiece-coach-terence/qu962f2fcsac1jyudaii49urp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210142/https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-east-bengal-indian-football-setpiece-coach-terence/qu962f2fcsac1jyudaii49urp|archive-date=18 January 2021|access-date=10 Oct 2020|website=Goal.com}}

East Bengal announced the signing of Australian defender Scott Neville on loan from Brisbane Roar for the season as their first official signing. He was also to be registered as the Asian foreigner for the Indian Super League campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/scott-neville-joins-east-bengal-isl-indian-football/1nmlofbi1ggc912qw3d7las2g3|title=Scott Neville joins East Bengal on a loan deal from A-League side Brisbane Roar|work=Goal|access-date=16 October 2020|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210230/https://www.goal.com/en/news/scott-neville-joins-east-bengal-isl-indian-football/1nmlofbi1ggc912qw3d7las2g3|url-status=live}} SC East Bengal announced the signing of four more foreigners: Aaron Amadi-Holloway{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-east-bengal-sign-anthony-pilkington-aaron-joshua-amadi/s4to00n0e0j21402ouwkiicu0|title=ISL: East Bengal rope in Anthony Pilkington and Aaron Joshua Amadi-Holloway|work=Goal|access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=19 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019092125/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-east-bengal-sign-anthony-pilkington-aaron-joshua-amadi/s4to00n0e0j21402ouwkiicu0|url-status=live}} from Brisbane Roar, Anthony Pilkington and Danny Fox{{cite web|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl-sc-east-bengal-signs-jeje-lalpekhlua/article32885956.ece|title=Danny Fox, Matti Steinman and Jeje Lalpekhlua sign for SC East Bengal|work=Sportstar|date=18 October 2020 |access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023002147/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl-sc-east-bengal-signs-jeje-lalpekhlua/article32885956.ece|url-status=live}} from Wigan Athletic and Matti Steinmann from Wellington Phoenix. The club announced the signing of the India national football team forward Jeje Lalpekhlua for the season. On 19 October, East Bengal announced the signing of their sixth foreigner, Congolese winger Jacques Maghoma, who had played for EFL Championship side Birmingham City in the previous season.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-east-bengal-sign-midfielder-jacques-maghoma/a9estwcphp301h728yxlp0auu|title=ISL: East Bengal sign former Birmingham City midfielder Jacques Maghoma|work=Goal|access-date=19 October 2020|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020230913/https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-east-bengal-sign-midfielder-jacques-maghoma/a9estwcphp301h728yxlp0auu|url-status=live}} The club announced the signing of former left-back Narayan Das from Odisha.{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-east-bengal-sign-left-back-narayan-das/dghk19vx37op13w7c814puu7i|title=ISL: East Bengal rope in left-back Narayan Das|work=Goal|access-date=19 October 2020|archive-date=21 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021134058/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-east-bengal-sign-left-back-narayan-das/dghk19vx37op13w7c814puu7i|url-status=live}}

During an online interaction on the club's social media, coach Robbie Fowler said: "We will look to develop a competitive team and try and develop Indian talent as well. We all hope the league can get better, the ISL and as management, we think we can better."{{Cite web|date=24 Oct 2020|title=Robbie Fowler - East Bengal have the best fans in Indian football|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/robbie-fowler-east-bengal-fans-best-indian-football/11qy6u0ybddl81f5v78wo1kb5y|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101074806/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/robbie-fowler-east-bengal-fans-best-indian-football/11qy6u0ybddl81f5v78wo1kb5y|archive-date=1 November 2020|access-date=3 Nov 2020|website=Goal.com}} Later, the team management hired sports psychologist Nicola McCalliog to assist the team for the season. McCalliog had previously worked with several English Premier League sides and was also the Head of Player Welfare and Psychology at the Robbie Fowler Academy.{{cite web|title=ISL 7: SC East Bengal rope in psychologist Nicola McCalliog|url=https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/267026527/isl-7-sc-east-bengal-rope-in-psychologist-nicola-mccalliog|access-date=19 November 2020|work=Big News Network|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210142/https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/267026527/isl-7-sc-east-bengal-rope-in-psychologist-nicola-mccalliog|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=ISL 7: SC East Bengal rope in psychologist Nicola McCalliog|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/football/isl-7-sc-east-bengal-rope-in-psychologist-nicola-mccalliog20201119185553/|access-date=2020-12-12|website=ANI News|language=en|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119194212/https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/football/isl-7-sc-east-bengal-rope-in-psychologist-nicola-mccalliog20201119185553/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=20 November 2020|title=ISL 2020-21: SC East Bengal Rope in Psychologist Nicola McCalliog to Ensure Players' Mental Health|url=https://www.news18.com/news/sports/isl-2020-21-sc-east-bengal-rope-in-psychologist-nicola-mccalliog-to-ensure-players-mental-health-3100631.html|access-date=12 December 2020|website=News18 India|language=en|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124072035/https://www.news18.com/news/sports/isl-2020-21-sc-east-bengal-rope-in-psychologist-nicola-mccalliog-to-ensure-players-mental-health-3100631.html|url-status=live}}

{{updated|1 February 2021}}

East Bengal announced their first-team squad on 20 October which included 22 domestic players. They had also signed six foreign players who were registered for the 2020–21 Indian Super League season. The following list consists of the registered players for the Indian Super League season.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/clubs/1102-sc-east-bengal-profile/squad|title=SC East Bengal Squad|work=Indian Super League|access-date=1 November 2020|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101182403/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/clubs/1102-sc-east-bengal-profile/squad|url-status=live}} Danny Fox was announced as the captain{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sc_eastbengal/status/1331835226952065027|title=Danny Fox - Captain|work=SC East Bengal (Twitter)|access-date=26 November 2020|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126054103/https://twitter.com/sc_eastbengal/status/1331835226952065027|url-status=live}} of the side while Anthony Pilkington was announced as his deputy.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sc_eastbengal/status/1331844390185299969|title=Anthony Pilkington - Vice-Captain|work=SC East Bengal (Twitter)|access-date=26 November 2020|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126061714/https://twitter.com/sc_eastbengal/status/1331844390185299969|url-status=live}}

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; width:80%;"

|-

! style="background:#d71a23; color:#ffcd31; text-align:center;"|No.

! style="background:#d71a23; color:#ffcd31; text-align:center;"|Name

! style="background:#d71a23; color:#ffcd31; text-align:center;"|{{abbr|Nat.|Nationality}}

! style="background:#d71a23; color:#ffcd31; text-align:center;"|Position(s)

! style="background:#d71a23; color:#ffcd31; text-align:center;"|Date of Birth (Age)

|-

! colspan="5" style="background:#ffcd31; color:#d71a23; text-align:center;"|Goalkeepers

|-

|24

|Debjit Majumder

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|GK

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1988|3|6}}

|-

|32

|Mirshad Michu

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|GK

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1994|2|3}}

|-

|40

|Suvam Sen

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|GK

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1989|11|14}}

|-

|91

|Subrata Paul

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|GK

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1986|11|24}}

|-

! colspan="5" style="background:#d71a23; color:#ffcd31; text-align:center;"|Defenders

|-

|2

|Scott Neville

|{{flagicon|AUS}}

|CB/RB

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1989|1|11}}

|-

|4

|Danny Fox (captain)

|{{flagicon|SCT}}

|CB

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1986|5|29}}

|-

|16

|Rana Gharami

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CB

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1990|10|6}}

|-

|21

|Narayan Das

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|LB

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1993|9|25}}

|-

|27

|Lalramchullova

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|LB/RB

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1996|1|14}}

|-

|31

|Rohen Singh

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CB

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|2003|1|3}}

|-

|47

|Raju Gaikwad

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CB/RB

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1990|9|25}}

|-

|55

|Ankit Mukherjee

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|RB

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1996|7|10}}

|-

|70

|Sarthak Golui

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CB

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1997|11|3}}

|-

! colspan="5" style="background:#ffcd31; color:#d71a23; text-align:center;"|Midfielders

|-

|6

|Matti Steinmann

|{{flagicon|GER}}

|CDM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1995|1|8}}

|-

|8

|Mohammed Rafique

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1991|3|26}}

|-

|14

|Wahengbam Angousana

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1996|2|2}}

|-

|17

|Yumnam Singh

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|LW

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1999|2|1}}

|-

|18

|Eugeneson Lyngdoh

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1986|9|10}}

|-

|19

|Jacques Maghoma

|{{flagicon|DRC}}

|LW/AM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1987|10|23}}

|-

|20

|Aaron Amadi-Holloway

|{{flagicon|WAL}}

|MF

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1993|2|1}}

|-

|22

|Anthony Pilkington (vice-captain)

|{{flagicon|IRL}}

|LW/RW/AM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1988|6|6}}

|-

|23

|Bikash Jairu

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|LW

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1990|11|10}}

|-

|26

|Sehnaj Singh

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CDM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1993|7|29}}

|-

|29

|Surchandra Singh

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|RW

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1994|1|5}}

|-

|33

|Loken Meitei

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|LW

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1997|5|4}}

|-

|35

|Milan Singh

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CDM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1992|5|15}}

|-

|44

|Haobam Tomba Singh

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|2003|2|17}}

|-

|56

|Ajay Chhetri

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CDM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1999|7|1}}

|-

|88

|Sourav Das

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|CM

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1996|6|20}}

|-

! colspan="5" style="background:#d71a23; color:#ffcd31; text-align:center;"|Forwards

|-

|10

|Bright Enobakhare

|{{flagicon|NGR}}

|FW

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1998|2|8}}

|-

|12

|Jeje Lalpekhlua

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|FW

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1991|1|7}}

|-

|15

|Balwant Singh

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|FW

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1986|12|15}}

|-

|28

|Girik Khosla

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|FW

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1995|1|4}}

|-

|30

|C. K. Vineeth

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|FW

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|1988|5|20}}

|-

|34

|Harmanpreet Singh

|{{flagicon|IND}}

|FW

|{{Birth date and age|df=yes|2001|9|2}}

|-

{{Fb_cs_footer|s=[https://www.indiansuperleague.com/clubs/1102-sc-east-bengal-profile/squad SC East Bengal Squad]|date=May 2021}}

Some newly contracted players, and players with existing contracts, were not registered in the first team squad. They are:{{Cite web|title=Full list of East Bengal players who will not be registered for ISL|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-full-list-east-bengal-players-not-registered/1rdd8sag3xmex1o2cnfvqmis93|access-date=19 October 2020|website=Goal.com|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210221/https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/isl-full-list-east-bengal-players-not-registered/1rdd8sag3xmex1o2cnfvqmis93|url-status=live}}

{{updated|19 March 2021}}

File:Fowler, Robbie.jpg

East Bengal signed Indian apparel brand TYKA Sports as the new kit sponsors for the 2020–21 season.{{cite web|url=https://khelnow.com/football/sc-east-bengal-tyka-kit-sponsor|title=SC East Bengal set to bag TYKA as official kit sponsor for 2020-21 season|work=Khel Now|access-date=1 November 2020|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031234758/https://khelnow.com/football/sc-east-bengal-tyka-kit-sponsor|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Shubham|date=10 Nov 2020|title=Sponsors of every Indian Super League Team|url=https://www.indifoot.com/blog/sponsors-of-every-indian-super-league-team|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130102859/https://indifoot.com/blog/sponsors-of-every-indian-super-league-team|archive-date=30 November 2020|access-date=12 December 2020|website=Indifoot|language=en-IN}} On 2 November, the club launched all three sets of kits for the 2020–21 season, each one depicting a symbol for the club and Bengal. The home colours are the iconic red and gold and the kit depicts the flames of the Torch or "Mashal", the club's emblem. The away colours are blue and white, depicting the scales of Hilsa or "Ilish", the fish which is associated with the Bangal family. It also shows the rivers and waters that flow between and connect the Eastern and Western parts of Bengal, providing life to the people. The third kit is black with golden stripes, symbolising the Sunderbans and its famous inhabitant, the Royal Bengal Tiger.{{cite web|date=2 Nov 2020|title=ISL 2020-21: East Bengal launch home, away and third kit|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-2020-21-east-bengal-launch-home-away-third-kit/1syn4ppytbwm81r2bbnupwvc3f|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102161323/https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-2020-21-east-bengal-launch-home-away-third-kit/1syn4ppytbwm81r2bbnupwvc3f|archive-date=2 November 2020|access-date=3 November 2020|work=Goal}}{{Cite web|date=2 Nov 2020|title=ISL 2020-21: SC East Bengal launches kits, retains iconic jersey colours for home games|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-2020-21-sc-east-bengal-kits-jerseys-red-and-gold-jeje-danny-fox/article33005105.ece|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120164405/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-2020-21-sc-east-bengal-kits-jerseys-red-and-gold-jeje-danny-fox/article33005105.ece|archive-date=20 November 2020|access-date=12 Dec 2020|website=Sportstar|language=en}}

East Bengal and coach Robbie Fowler along with his coaching staff arrived at Goa on 16 October for pre-season preparation.{{Cite web|date=12 Oct 2020|title=Hero ISL clubs arrive in Goa, begin preparations for 2020-21 season|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/hero-isl-clubs-arrive-in-goa-begin-preparations-for-2020-21-season|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210158/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/hero-isl-clubs-arrive-in-goa-begin-preparations-for-2020-21-season|archive-date=18 January 2021|access-date=12 December 2020|website=Indian Super League|language=en}} Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India, the team spent 14 days in quarantine in the team's hotel before beginning pre-season training.{{cite web|date=15 Oct 2020|title=ISL: Fowler, Indian players to arrive in Goa on Friday for pre-season training|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/isl-fowler-indian-players-to-arrive-in-goa-on-friday-for-pre-season-training/articleshow/78684977.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218072722/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/isl-fowler-indian-players-to-arrive-in-goa-on-friday-for-pre-season-training/articleshow/78684977.cms|archive-date=18 December 2020|access-date=30 October 2020|work=Times of India}}{{Cite web|last=Sen|first=Abhimanyu|date=18 November 2020|title=How Does the Bio-Bubble for the Indian Super League Function?|url=https://www.thequint.com/sports/football/how-does-the-bio-bubble-in-indian-super-league-2020-function|access-date=12 December 2020|website=The Quint|language=en|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125134703/https://www.thequint.com/sports/football/how-does-the-bio-bubble-in-indian-super-league-2020-function|url-status=live}} The first practice session under Fowler began on 30 October 2020, with just four weeks to prepare before the season opener against ATK Mohun Bagan. East Bengal management acquired the Sesa Football Academy ground for the season as their home base for training.{{cite web|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/sc-east-bengal-head-coach-robbie-fowler-wants-to-put-pressure-on-atk-mohun-bagan-in-kolkata-derby-hero-isl/article32985160.ece|title=SC East Bengal coach Fowler: Let's put pressure on ATK Mohun Bagan|work=Sportstar|access-date=31 October 2020|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101005858/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/sc-east-bengal-head-coach-robbie-fowler-wants-to-put-pressure-on-atk-mohun-bagan-in-kolkata-derby-hero-isl/article32985160.ece|url-status=live}}

On 10 November, East Bengal faced the Kerala Blasters in their first pre-season practice game and won 3–1 courtesy of a brace from Anthony Pilkington in the first half, which put the Red and Gold brigade 2–0 ahead at half time. In the second half, Gary Hooper pulled one back for the Blasters, but Yumnam Singh scored the third for East Bengal, who won 3–1.{{Cite web|date=19 Nov 2020|title=ISL 2020-21 news: All pre-season friendlies, results and goal-scorers|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-news/isl-2020-21-news-preseason-matches-results-goa-mumbai-city-kerala-blasters-atk-mohun-bagan-east-bengal/article33127651.ece|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210206/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-news/isl-2020-21-news-preseason-matches-results-goa-mumbai-city-kerala-blasters-atk-mohun-bagan-east-bengal/article33127651.ece|archive-date=18 January 2021|access-date=13 Dec 2020|website=Sportstar|language=en}}

{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Draw|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=

|date = 10 November 2020

|round = Friendly

|time = 16:00 IST

|team1 = East Bengal

|score = 3–1

|report = https://thebridge.in/football/isl-pre-season-friendlies-sc-east-bengal-beat-kerala-blasters-all-results-fixtures/

|team2 = Kerala Blasters

|goals1 = * Pilkington {{goal||pen}} {{goal}}

• Yumnam {{goal}}

|goals2 = Hooper {{goal}}

|location = Goa

|stadium = Peddem Sports Complex

|attendance =

|result = W

|motm =

|referee =

}}

{{Fb overview

|c=1

|c1=Indian Super League

|w1=3|l1=9|d1=8|f1=22|a1=33

|u=27 February 2021

}}

{{Main|2020–21 Indian Super League season}}

File:Tilak Maidan Stadium.jpg in 2014]]

East Bengal officially joined the Indian Super League as the 11th team after the FSDL accepted their bid documents. This is the first time the team has played in the ISL. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020–21 Indian Super League season was held entirely at Goa under a secured bio-bubble.{{cite news|date=16 August 2020|title=ISL to be held in three venues in Goa: Organisers|work=Hindustan Times|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/isl-to-be-held-in-three-venues-in-goa-organisers/story-GKP0J8PKtCgwKezhgvefxO.html|url-status=live|access-date=5 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301002811/https://www.hindustantimes.com/football/isl-to-be-held-in-three-venues-in-goa-organisers/story-GKP0J8PKtCgwKezhgvefxO.html|archive-date=1 March 2021}}{{cite news |title=Goa gets a thumbs up to stage Hero Indian Super League 2020-21 |url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/goa-gets-a-thumbs-up-to-stage-hero-indian-super-league-2020-21 |access-date=5 November 2020 |work=Indian Super League |date=16 August 2020 |archive-date=29 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029052014/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/goa-gets-a-thumbs-up-to-stage-hero-indian-super-league-2020-21 |url-status=live }} The club was allotted the Tilak Maidan Stadium as their home ground for the season.{{cite news |last1=Mergulhao |first1=Marcus |title=ISL opts for league standings to decide groups and home grounds |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/isl-opts-for-league-standings-to-decide-groups-and-home-grounds/articleshow/77601617.cms |access-date=5 November 2020 |work=The Times of India |archive-date=6 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206141756/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/isl-opts-for-league-standings-to-decide-groups-and-home-grounds/articleshow/77601617.cms |url-status=live }}

East Bengal made their debut in the Indian Super League on 27 November against their arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa. However, the Red and Gold brigade suffered a 0–2 defeat in their opening game courtesy of strikes from Roy Krishna and Manvir Singh for ATK Mohun Bagan.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/krishna-and-manvir-help-atk-mohun-bagan-beat-sc-east-bengal-in-hero-isls-first-kolkata-derby|title=Krishna and Manvir help ATK Mohun Bagan beat SC East Bengal in Hero ISL's first Kolkata derby|work=Indian Super League|date=27 November 2020|access-date=28 November 2020|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127201045/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/krishna-and-manvir-help-atk-mohun-bagan-beat-sc-east-bengal-in-hero-isls-first-kolkata-derby|url-status=live}}

East Bengal faced Mumbai City in their second game campaign at the GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, on 1 December and were defeated 3–0, with Adam Le Fondre scoring two goals and Hernan Santana scoring the third for the Islanders. East Bengal captain Danny Fox sustained a groin injury in the second minute of the game and had to leave the field. Le Fondre scored the first from a counter-attack in the 20th minute as Hugo Boumous set him up in front of an open net. The second goal came just after the restart from a penalty as Debjit Majumder took down Le Fondre inside the box. The third goal came in the 58th minute from a set-piece movement as Hernan Santana scored unmarked from inside the penalty area.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/le-fondre-and-boumous-shine-as-mumbai-city-fc-beat-sc-east-bengal|title=Le Fondre and Boumous shine as Mumbai City FC beat SC East Bengal|work=Indian Super League|date=1 December 2020|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201164958/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/le-fondre-and-boumous-shine-as-mumbai-city-fc-beat-sc-east-bengal|url-status=live}}

In the third match, the club faced NorthEast United on 5 December at the Tilak Maidan Stadium and suffered a hat-trick of losses as they went down 2–0. Controversially, the red and gold brigade were denied a penalty{{Cite web|date=5 Dec 2020|title=ISL: NorthEast defeat East Bengal 2-0 but disallowed penalties steal the show|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/specials/sports/isl-2020-2021/isl-northeast-defeat-east-bengal-2-0-but-disallowed-penalties-steal-the-show-1.5258236|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205160121/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/specials/sports/isl-2020-2021/isl-northeast-defeat-east-bengal-2-0-but-disallowed-penalties-steal-the-show-1.5258236|archive-date=5 December 2020|access-date=3 January 2021|website=Mathrubhumi|language=en}} early in the first half when Ashutosh Mehta tripped Jacques Maghoma inside the box, with Ashutosh already on a yellow, but referee Santosh Kumar ignored the calls. The opening goal came in the 33rd minute when a cross from the right flank struck Surchandra Singh and went into his net for an own goal. The second goal came in the dying minutes of the game against the run of play from a counter-attack as Rochharzela tapped in from close range to make it 2–0 for the Highlanders—a third consecutive defeat for the East Bengal team, who had yet to score a goal in the campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/northeast-united-continue-their-unbeaten-start-with-win-over-sc-east-bengal|title=NorthEast United continue their unbeaten start with win over SC East Bengal|work=Indian Super League|access-date=6 December 2020|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205170239/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/northeast-united-continue-their-unbeaten-start-with-win-over-sc-east-bengal|url-status=live}}

On 10 December, East Bengal next faced Jamshedpur in their fourth match of the campaign at the Tilak Maidan Stadium. Their first match in the Indian Super League was a hard-fought goalless draw, having played more than 70 minutes with only 10 men. Eugeneson Lyngdoh, who got his first start for East Bengal, was sent off with double bookings in the 25th minute of the game. The 10-man East Bengal team kept a clean sheet at the back, with Mohammed Irshad being awarded Hero of the Match for his excellent defensive display.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/sc-east-bengal-earn-first-points-of-the-season-after-hard-fought-draw-with-jamshedpur|title=SC East Bengal earn first points of the season after hard-fought draw with Jamshedpur|work=Indian Super League|access-date=10 December 2020|archive-date=10 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210164743/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/sc-east-bengal-earn-first-points-of-the-season-after-hard-fought-draw-with-jamshedpur|url-status=live}}

East Bengal played Hyderabad FC on 15 December in their fifth game at the Tilak Maidan Stadium and suffered yet another defeat as they went down 3–2. It was Jacques Maghoma who scored the first-ever goal for East Bengal in the Indian Super League in the 26th minute to put them ahead. Hyderabad had a chance to equalise in the dying minutes of the first half as they were awarded a penalty kick, but Debjit Majumder saved Aridane Santana's spot-kick to keep the lead at halftime. Hyderabad rallied back in the second half, however, as Aridane Santana scored two goals within 54 seconds to take the lead in the 56th minute. In the 69th minute, Halicharan Narzary tapped in the third for Hyderabad after Liston Colaco dribbled past the East Bengal defence to square it to him for the finish and take a two-goal lead. Jacques Maghoma did score another with a glancing header off Anthony Pilkington's set-piece in the 81st minute, but it was not enough as East Bengal suffered their fourth loss in five matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/santana-inspires-hyderabad-to-a-comeback-win-against-sc-east-bengal|title=Santana inspires Hyderabad to a comeback win against SC East Bengal|work=Indian Super League|access-date=16 December 2020|archive-date=15 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215165553/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/santana-inspires-hyderabad-to-a-comeback-win-against-sc-east-bengal|url-status=live}}

East Bengal announced their eighth foreign signing for the season. English defender Calum Woods joined the side in Goa. However, he was not registered into the ISL squad immediately but kept as a backup option. The club faced Kerala Blasters next on 20 December at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim, and shared points after Kerala Blasters scored in the dying minutes to make it 1–1. East Bengal took the lead in the 13th minute after Mohammed Rafique's low grounder went inside the net, having been deflected off Kerala Blasters' defender Bakary Kone as an own goal. East Bengal had a few more chances to bury the game but failed to utilise them. Kerala Blasters equalised in the 95th minute of the game, with Jeakson Singh scoring a header from inside the box. The red and gold brigade moved up a place to 10th after earning a single point from the game.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/jeakson-singh-heads-in-late-equaliser-for-kerala-blasters-to-secure-a-point-against-sc-east-bengal|title=Jeakson Singh heads in late equaliser for Kerala Blasters to secure a point against SC East Bengal|work=Indian Super League|access-date=21 December 2020|archive-date=20 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220170727/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/jeakson-singh-heads-in-late-equaliser-for-kerala-blasters-to-secure-a-point-against-sc-east-bengal|url-status=live}}

On 26 December, East Bengal faced Chennaiyin at the Tilak Maidan Stadium and came from behind twice to draw 2–2 courtesy of a brace from German midfielder Matti Steinmann. Chennaiyin FC took the lead early in the 13th minute after Lallianzuala Chhangte scored from a fast counter-movement. East Bengal equalised in the second half in the 59th minute as Matti headed in from a corner-kick by Bikash Jairu. Chennaiyin FC once again took the lead just five minutes later in the 64th minute, with Rahim Ali finishing from close range to make it 2–1. However, once again, Matti Steinmann tapped home a rebound from Danny Fox's header from another corner by Bikash Jairu in the 68th minute. East Bengal remained win-less after seven matches in the Indian Super League with just three points.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/steinmann-brace-helps-sc-east-bengal-earn-a-point-against-chennaiyin-fc|title=Steinmann brace helps SC East Bengal earn a point against Chennaiyin FC|work=Indian Super League|access-date=27 December 2020|archive-date=26 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226165043/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/steinmann-brace-helps-sc-east-bengal-earn-a-point-against-chennaiyin-fc|url-status=live}}

On 1 January, East Bengal announced the signing of 22-year-old Nigerian U-23 forward Bright Enobakhare, who last played for the Greek side AEK Athens. On 2 January, the team announced the double signing of Indian defenders Ankit Mukherjee from ATK Mohun Bagan and Raju Gaikwad, who played for Kerala Blasters last season. Jaime Santos, the only foreigner from the previous season with long term contract was released and he joined Palmaflor in January. Lalrindika Ralte was not registered for the ISL squad and in joined I-League side, Real Kashmir after being released from the club.

The first game of 2021 was against Odisha, on 3 January at the Tilak Maidan Stadium and grabbed their first win of the campaign with a score of 3–1. Anthony Pilkington opened the scoring for East Bengal in the 12th minute as he headed in from a long throw-in by Raju Gaikwad. Jacques Maghoma doubled the lead in the 39th minute with a left-footed finish as he scored his third goal of the season. In the second half, debutant Bright Enobakhare scored the third in the 88th minute to seal the victory for the red and gold brigade. An own goal by Danny Fox was a consolation for Odisha in the 92nd minute and East Bengal got all three points for the first time in the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/sc-east-bengal-beat-odisha-to-pick-up-first-win-of-the-season|title=SC East Bengal beat Odisha to pick up first win of the season|work=Indian Super League|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=3 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103155244/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/sc-east-bengal-beat-odisha-to-pick-up-first-win-of-the-season|url-status=live}}

The team faced Goa at the Fatorda Stadium on 6 January and shared points with a 1–1 draw, even after playing with 10 men for more than 40 minutes in the second half. East Bengal had the better chances in the game, but Danny Fox and Matti Steinmann failed to convert the opportunities. Fox was given a straight red card in the 56th minute for dangerous play, but again it was the red and gold brigade who created more chances. In the 79th minute, Nigerian forward Bright Enobakhare, who had his first start for the team, scored a goal after dribbling past five Goa players to finish the ball and put East Bengal ahead.{{Cite web|date=7 Jan 2021|title=Watch: A sensational solo goal in the Indian Super League by East Bengal's Bright Enobakhare|url=https://scroll.in/field/983346/watch-a-sensational-solo-goal-in-the-indian-super-league-by-east-bengals-bright-enobakhare|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107024045/https://scroll.in/field/983346/watch-a-sensational-solo-goal-in-the-indian-super-league-by-east-bengals-bright-enobakhare|archive-date=7 January 2021|access-date=7 Jan 2021|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}} However, Goa equalised the score a minute later with a Devendra Murgaonkar header. Bright Enobakhare put the ball inside the net once more, but it was ruled off for a foul.{{Cite web|title=East Bengal to lodge complaint against refereeing after draw against Goa Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-east-bengal-lodge-complaint-refereeing-fc-goa-match/1dptaofz3019k1l5usksmbbxsp|access-date=7 January 2021|website=www.goal.com|archive-date=7 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107000218/https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-east-bengal-lodge-complaint-refereeing-fc-goa-match/1dptaofz3019k1l5usksmbbxsp|url-status=live}} East Bengal managed to hold the Goans for the final minutes and shared points. They remain unbeaten in their last four matches with seven points on the table from nine games.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/fc-goa-held-to-1-1-draw-by-10-man-sc-east-bengal|title=FC Goa held to 1-1 draw by 10-man SC East Bengal|work=Indian Super League|access-date=7 January 2021|archive-date=6 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106170131/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/fc-goa-held-to-1-1-draw-by-10-man-sc-east-bengal|url-status=live}}

East Bengal played Bengaluru on 9 January at the Fatorda Stadium in their last game of the first leg of the 2020–21 ISL and secured their second win of the campaign by a 1–0 margin. East Bengal had the red card decision on Danny Fox overturned by the disciplinary committee and EB captain started the game.{{cite web|date=9 January 2021|title=Danny Fox's red card overturned, SCEB skipper to be available against BFC|url=https://www.sceastbengal.co/post/aiff-rectifies-referee-s-on-field-decision-overturns-fox-s-red-card|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109081537/https://www.sceastbengal.co/post/aiff-rectifies-referee-s-on-field-decision-overturns-fox-s-red-card|archive-date=9 January 2021|access-date=9 January 2021|work=sceastbengal.co}} The solitary strike came in the 20th minute as Matti Steinmann flicked in Narayan Das's low cross from close range. East Bengal remained unbeaten in five matches with this win and reached 10 points from as many games played.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/sc-east-bengal-seal-hard-fought-victory-after-first-half-goal-from-steinmann|title=SC East Bengal seal hard-fought victory after first-half goal from Steinmann|work=Indian Super League|access-date=9 January 2021|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109171914/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/sc-east-bengal-seal-hard-fought-victory-after-first-half-goal-from-steinmann|url-status=live}}

On 11 January, East Bengal signed United's goalkeeper Suvam Sen as a replacement for Rafique Ali Sardar, who went on loan to Mohammedan Sporting. The team also announced the signing of the defensive midfielder Ajay Chhetri from Bengaluru on loan for the rest of the season.{{cite tweet|user=bengalurufc|title=Blues' midfielder Ajay Chhetri has completed a loan move to SC East Bengal until the end of this season, the club can confirm. We're wishing the boy the very best! |number=1349952252425900032|date=15 January 2021}}

The team played Kerala Blasters in the return fixture at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on 15 January and scored a last-minute equaliser to earn a 1–1 draw. Raju Gaikwad was injured during the warm-up and had to be replaced by Rana Gharami. The first half remained goalless, but it was Kerala Blasters who took the lead in the 56th minute as Jordan Murray scored past Debjit following a long ball from goalkeeper Albino Gomes. East Bengal found the equaliser in the dying moments at the 94th minute when Scott Neville headed into the net from Bright Enobakhare's corner kick. East Bengal managed to keep their undefeated run alive and grab a point from the game.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/nevilles-last-gasp-header-helps-sc-east-bengal-rescue-a-point-against-kerala|title=Neville's last-gasp header helps SC East Bengal rescue a point against Kerala|work=Indian Super League|access-date=16 January 2021|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115171349/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/nevilles-last-gasp-header-helps-sc-east-bengal-rescue-a-point-against-kerala|url-status=live}}

The club played Chennaiyin on 18 January at the GMC Stadium and managed to keep their unbeaten run ongoing with a 0–0 draw even after going down to 10 men in the 30th minute. Ajay Chhetri, who got his first start for the team, was given red card right after the half-hour mark after a double booking. East Bengal still managed to hold on with Hero of the Match Debjit Majumder making some vital saves late in the second half as East Bengal grabbed a point and remained undefeated in seven matches in a row.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/ten-man-sc-east-bengal-hold-chennaiyin-fc-to-a-goalless-draw|title=Ten-man SC East Bengal hold Chennaiyin FC to a goalless draw|work=Indian Super League|access-date=19 January 2021|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118165547/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/ten-man-sc-east-bengal-hold-chennaiyin-fc-to-a-goalless-draw|url-status=live}}

Two players from the previous season, Samad Ali Mallick and Abhishek Ambekar and new recruit Mohammed Irshad were de-registered and parted ways from the club. Samad Ali Mallick and Mohammed Irshad joined Punjab; Abhishek Ambekar joined the new I-League entrants, Sudeva Delhi. Brandon Vanlalremdika was loaned out to another I-League club, Aizawl.

The team played table-toppers Mumbai City on 22 January next at the Tilak Maidan Stadium and in a tightly contested game, succumbed to a 0–1 defeat courtesy of a solitary goal from Mumbai defender Mourtada Fall in the 27th minute. The red and gold brigade went all out in the second half as Danny Fox came close to equalising the score but failed. East Bengal's seven-match undefeated streak came to an end with this defeat.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/falls-header-the-difference-as-mumbai-city-overcome-sc-east-bengal|title=Fall's header the difference as Mumbai City overcome SC East Bengal|work=Indian Super League|date=2021-01-22|access-date=2021-01-26|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122173442/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/falls-header-the-difference-as-mumbai-city-overcome-sc-east-bengal|url-status=live}}

On 26 January, East Bengal announced the signing of veteran goalkeeper Subrata Paul on loan from Hyderabad. The deal was a swap loan deal with Sankar Roy joining Hyderabad until the end of the season on loan.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/hyderabad-fc-sign-goalkeeper-sankar-roy-on-loan-from-east-bengal|title=Hyderabad FC sign goalkeeper Sankar Roy on loan from East Bengal|work=Indian Super League|date=2021-01-26|access-date=2021-01-26|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205222636/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/hyderabad-fc-sign-goalkeeper-sankar-roy-on-loan-from-east-bengal|url-status=live}}

East Bengal played FC Goa on 29 January at the Fatorda Stadium and managed to secure another 1–1 draw after trailing in the first half. Igor Angulo put Goa ahead in the 39th minute after Anthony Pilkington squandered a spot-kick early in the second minute of the game. Skipper Danny Fox equalised for East Bengal in the 65th minute from a set-piece movement. Goa was down to 10-men in the 66th minute after Edu Bedia was showrn red card for double booking, but East Bengal failed to capitalise on the opportunity and shared the points with yet another draw.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/ten-man-fc-goa-hold-sc-east-bengal-to-a-1-1-draw|title=Ten-man FC Goa hold SC East Bengal to a 1-1 draw|work=Indian Super League|date=2021-01-29|access-date=2021-02-01|archive-date=29 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129164248/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/ten-man-fc-goa-hold-sc-east-bengal-to-a-1-1-draw|url-status=live}}

On 1 February, transfer deadline day, East Bengal announced the double signing of defender Sarthak Golui and midfielder Sourav Das from Mumbai City. Next day, East Bengal played Bengaluru at the Tilak Maidan Stadium and suffered a 0–2 defeat. Brazilian forward Cleiton Silva put Bengaluru ahead in the 12th minute with a left-footed finish. The blues doubled their lead in the 45th minute when Parag Shrivas hit the ball onto the sidebar, only to rebound and struck Debjit Majumder's legs to go in for an own goal. Bengaluru could have increased their lead in the second half as Sunil Chhetri hit the crossbar. This was the sixth defeat of the season for East Bengal, as they remained on 13 points from 15 matches.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/bengaluru-brush-aside-sc-east-bengal-to-end-eight-match-winless-run|title=Bengaluru brush aside SC East Bengal to end eight-match winless run|work=Indian Super League|date=2021-02-02|access-date=2021-02-04|archive-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202171910/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/bengaluru-brush-aside-sc-east-bengal-to-end-eight-match-winless-run|url-status=live}}

Coach Robbie Fowler was handed a four-match ban and a fine by the tournament committee for making alleged "insulting remarks" about match officials of the Goa game in a post-match interview.{{cite web|author=|first=|date=2021-02-03|title=ISL: East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler suspended for 4 games, fined|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/isl-east-bengal-coach-robbie-fowler-suspended-for-4-games-fined-207450|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203171910/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/sports/isl-east-bengal-coach-robbie-fowler-suspended-for-4-games-fined-207450|archive-date=3 February 2021|access-date=2021-02-04|work=The Tribune}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 Feb 2021|title=ISL Suspends Robbie Fowler For Four Games For Insulting Referees|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/isl-suspends-robbie-fowler-for-4-games-for-insulting-referees-2362630|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209075447/https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/isl-suspends-robbie-fowler-for-4-games-for-insulting-referees-2362630|archive-date=9 February 2021|access-date=2021-02-08|website=NDTVSports.com|language=en}}

East Bengal faced Jamshedpur on 7 February at the Fatorda Stadium and won 2–1. Matti Steinmann put East Bengal ahead in the 65th minute with a header off a Narayan Das's corner. Anthony Pilkington doubled the lead in the 68th minute with a shot after Steinmann played him inside the box. Peter Hartley pulled one back for Jamshedpur in the 83rd minute, but the Red and Gold brigade managed to hold on to the lead and grab their third win of the campaign and move to ninth place.{{cite web|date=2021-02-07|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/sc-east-bengal-snap-five-match-winless-run-after-beating-jamshedpur-fc|title=SC East Bengal snap five-match winless run after beating Jamshedpur FC|work=Indian Super League|access-date=2021-02-09|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207142551/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/sc-east-bengal-snap-five-match-winless-run-after-beating-jamshedpur-fc|url-status=live}}

On 12 February, EB faced Hyderabad at the Tilak Maidan Stadium and drew 1–1 to share points. Bright Enobakhare put East Bengal ahead in the 59th minute after being played through by Anthony Pilkington with a headed flick. Aridane Santana equalised for Hyderabad in injury time to deny East Bengal all three points. Bright Enobakhare had a genuine spor-kick turned down after being taken down by Laxmikant Kattimani inside the box.{{Cite web|last=|date=13 Feb 2021|title=ISL 7: Grant blames poor refereeing for draw against Hyderabad|url=https://telanganatoday.com/isl-7-grant-blames-poor-refereeing-for-draw-against-hyderabad|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-28|website=Telangana Today|language=en-US|archive-date=23 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223094227/https://telanganatoday.com/isl-7-grant-blames-poor-refereeing-for-draw-against-hyderabad}} With eight draws and three wins, The team remained in ninth place with 17 points.{{cite web|date=2021-02-12|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/sc-east-bengal-and-hyderabad-fc-play-out-draw-atk-mohun-bagan-qualify-for-the-semis|title=SC East Bengal and Hyderabad FC play out draw; ATK Mohun Bagan qualify for the semis|work=Indian Super league|access-date=2021-02-12|archive-date=12 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212171944/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/sc-east-bengal-and-hyderabad-fc-play-out-draw-atk-mohun-bagan-qualify-for-the-semis|url-status=live}}

On 19 February, in the return leg of the Kolkata Derby and the team suffered another defeat as the game ended 3–1. Roy Krishna put ATK Mohun Bagan ahead in the 15th minute with a solo finish grabbing onto a long ball from Tiri. East Bengal equalised in the 41st minute as Tiri headed inside his net for an own goal from a Raju Gaikwad's long throw. In the second half, David Williams put ATK Mohun Bagan ahead again following an error by East Bengal skipper Danny Fox in the 72nd minute. Substitute Javi Hernandez doubled their lead in the 89th minute with a header as they secured a victory.{{cite web|date=2021-02-19|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/roy-krishna-stars-in-kolkata-derby-as-atk-mohun-bagan-do-the-double-over-sc-east-bengal|title=Roy Krishna stars in Kolkata derby as ATK Mohun Bagan do the double over SC East Bengal|work=Indian Super League|access-date=2021-02-20|archive-date=19 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219170545/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/roy-krishna-stars-in-kolkata-derby-as-atk-mohun-bagan-do-the-double-over-sc-east-bengal|url-status=live}}

The club faced NorthEast United next on 23 February in their penultimate game of the season and suffered another defeat as the game ended 2–1 in favour of the Highlander brigade. V.P. Suhair scored the opening goal for NorthEast United in the 48th minute before Sarthak Golui put the ball inside his net for an own goal in the 55th minute and NorthEast United doubled their lead. Sarthak Golui scored the consolation for the Red and Gold brigade in the 87th minute from a header of a dead-ball situation, however, it was not enough to save a defeat.{{cite web|date=2021-02-23|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/northeast-stay-on-course-for-top-four-berth-after-narrow-win-over-sc-east-bengal|title=NorthEast stay on course for top-four berth after narrow win over SC East Bengal|work=Indian Super League|access-date=2021-04-22|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422155515/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/northeast-stay-on-course-for-top-four-berth-after-narrow-win-over-sc-east-bengal|url-status=live}}

In the last game of the season, East Bengal played Odisha and suffered their ninth defeat of the season in a high-scoring encounter which ended 6–5 for Odisha. Paul Ramfangzauva and Jerry Mawihmingthanga scored a brace while Lalhrezuala Sailung and Diego Maurício scored one each of Odisha's six goals while Aaron Amadi-Holloway netted twice with Anthony Pilkington and Jeje Lalpekhlua finding the back of the net along with an own goal from Ravi Kumar as EB ended their season with an all-time low, letting in six goals for the second time in domestic competition since independence.{{Cite web|date=28 Feb 2021|title=ISL: East Bengal let in six goals|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/isl-east-bengal-let-in-six-goals/cid/1808060|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-28|website=The Telegraph|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429141302/https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/isl-east-bengal-let-in-six-goals/cid/1808060}} The match became the highest scoring match in league history. East Bengal ended their ISL inaugural campaign with 17 points finishing in ninth place.{{cite web|date=2021-02-27|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/odisha-fc-get-the-better-of-sc-east-bengal-after-goal-fest-in-bambolim|title=Odisha FC get the better of SC East Bengal after goal-fest in Bambolim|work=Indian Super League|access-date=2021-04-22|archive-date=22 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422155520/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/news/odisha-fc-get-the-better-of-sc-east-bengal-after-goal-fest-in-bambolim|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=27 Feb 2021|title=Odisha FC Edge Out SC East Bengal To Win Highest-Scoring Match In ISL History|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/odisha-fc-edge-out-sc-east-bengal-to-win-highest-scoring-match-in-isl-history-2380178|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227174634/https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/odisha-fc-edge-out-sc-east-bengal-to-win-highest-scoring-match-in-isl-history-2380178|archive-date=27 February 2021|access-date=13 Mar 2021|website=sports.ndtv.com}}

After the last match of the season, Fowler stated, "The planning has already started. As soon as the season ends, we automatically start planning for the next season. We just did not have enough time this year in terms of preparation. With the right recruitment and the right time frame on the training pitches, and with my ideas and methods of the way we want to play, we can do better."{{Cite web|last=Nag|first=Utathya|date=28 February 2021|title=Tale of two giants: East Bengal fizzle out with record ISL loss as ATK Mohun Bagan soar|url=https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/east-bengal-isl-2020-21-odisha-fc-robbie-fowler-highest-score-indian-football/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-30|website=Olympic Channel|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330120119/https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/east-bengal-isl-2020-21-odisha-fc-robbie-fowler-highest-score-indian-football/}}

{{2020–21 Indian Super League points table|showteam=EAB}}

{{Fb_rs|hw=1|hd=5|hl=3|hgf=9|hga=12|aw=2|ad=3|al=6|agf=13|aga=21|dp=}}

{{Fb rs footer|s = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/ indiansuperleague.com]|u=27 February 2021|date=May 2021}}

{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b

|header = Round

|label1 = Ground

| res1 = H/A/A/H/A/A/H/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A

|label2 = Result

| res2 = L/L/L/D/L/D/D/W/D/W/D/D/L/D/L/W/D/L/L/L

|label3 = Position

| res3 = 11/11/11/11/11/10/10/10/9/9/9/9/10/10/10/9/9/9/9/9

|text_H=Home|text_A=Away

|color_W=green2|text_W=Win

|color_D=yellow2|text_D=Draw

|color_L=red2|text_L=Loss

|color_1=1st|color_2=2nd|color_3=3rd

|source=[https://www.indiansuperleague.com/ indiansuperleague.com]

|updated=27 February 2021

}}

The season fixtures for the first 10 matches{{efn|The rest of the fixtures were announced after the AFC competitions' calendar was published.{{Cite web|title=Hero ISL embarks upon a unique season with unprecedented 115 games|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/hero-isl-embarks-upon-a-unique-season-with-unprecedented-115-games|access-date=2020-12-01|website=Indian Super League|language=en|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128140905/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/press-releases/hero-isl-embarks-upon-a-unique-season-with-unprecedented-115-games|url-status=live}}|name=|group=}} were released on 30 October. East Bengal began their campaign against rivals ATK Mohun Bagan on 27 November 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/static-resources/pdfs/HeroISLFixtures2020-21.pdf?v=2.77|title=Hero ISL 2020-21 Fixtures|work=Indian Super League|access-date=2 January 2021|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210156/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/static-resources/pdfs/HeroISLFixtures2020-21.pdf?v=2.77|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-news/isl-2020-season-7-goa-schedule-fixtures-starting-date-match-timings-venues-atk-mohun-bagan-east-bengal-bengaluru-chennaiyin-kerala-blasters-mumbai-city/article32909453.ece|title=ISL 2020-21 complete fixtures: Full ISL schedule, match timings in IST, teams and venues|work=Sportstar|access-date=30 October 2020|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101003815/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/isl/isl-news/isl-2020-season-7-goa-schedule-fixtures-starting-date-match-timings-venues-atk-mohun-bagan-east-bengal-bengaluru-chennaiyin-kerala-blasters-mumbai-city/article32909453.ece|url-status=live}} The rest of the fixtures were announced on 2 January 2021.{{Cite web|last=Muralidharan|first=Ashwin|date=2 Jan 2021|title=ISL 2020-21 second phase fixtures: Kolkata derby on February 19, full fixtures, match timings and more|url=https://www.goal.com/en-sa/news/isl-2020-21-second-phase-full-fixtures-match-timings-more/kvpl2gax9x3313xyaoaad0tvk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210201/https://www.goal.com/en-sa/news/isl-2020-21-second-phase-full-fixtures-match-timings-more/kvpl2gax9x3313xyaoaad0tvk|archive-date=18 January 2021|access-date=2021-01-02|website=Goal.com}}{{Cite web|title=ISL 7: Schedule for second-leg announced, play-off dates to be released later|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/football/isl-7-schedule-for-second-leg-announced-play-off-dates-to-be-released-later20210102160948/|access-date=2021-01-02|website=ANI News|language=en|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118210202/https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/football/isl-7-schedule-for-second-leg-announced-play-off-dates-to-be-released-later20210102160948/|url-status=live}}

{{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFFFCC|Draw|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#FFCCCC|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#CCCCCC|Void|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend2|#CCCCCC|Postponed|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=SCEBvATKMB

|date = 27 November 2020

|round = 1

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = East Bengal

|score = 0–2

|report = https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36479-sc-east-bengal-vs-atk-mohun-bagan

|team2 = ATK Mohun Bagan

|goals1 =

• Balwant {{yel|22}}
• Maghoma {{yel|53}}
• Narayan {{yel|72}}

|goals2 =

• Rane {{yel|45}}
• Krishna {{goal|49}}
• Kotal {{yel|70}}
• Manvir {{goal|85}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|result = L

|motm = Carl McHugh (ATK Mohun Bagan)

|attendance = 0{{efn|name=COVID}}

|referee = C. R. Srikrishna

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=MCFCvSCEB

|date = 1 December 2020

|round = 2

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = Mumbai City

|score = 3–0

|report = https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36484-mumbai-city-fc-vs-sc-east-bengal

|team2 = East Bengal

|goals1 =

• Rakip {{yel|10}}
• Le Fondre {{goal|20||48|pen}}
• Borges {{yel|36}}
• Fall {{yel|44}}
• Jahouh {{yel|53}}
• Santana {{goal|58}}
• Rao Dessai {{yel|62}}

|goals2 =

• Angousana {{yel|58}}
• Rafique {{yel|90}}

|location = Bambolim, Goa

|stadium = GMC Athletic Stadium

|result = L

|motm = Hugo Boumous (Mumbai City)

|attendance = 0{{efn|name=COVID}}

|referee = Tejas Nagvenkar

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=NEUFCvSCEB

|date = 5 December 2020

|round = 3

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = NorthEast United

|score =2–0

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36488-northeast-united-fc-vs-sc-east-bengal

|team2 = East Bengal

|goals1 =* Mehta {{yel|2}}

• Surchandra {{goal|33|og}}
• Rochharzela {{goal|90}}

|goals2 =* Lyngdoh {{yel|84}}

• Sehnaj {{yel|89}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|result =L

|motm =Benjamin Lambot (NorthEast United)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =Santosh Kumar

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=JFCvSCEB

|date = 10 December 2020

|round = 4

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = East Bengal

|score =0–0

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36494-sc-east-bengal-vs-jamshedpur-fc

|team2 = Jamshedpur

|goals1 =* Lyngdoh {{sent off|2|21|25}}

• Rafique {{yel|79}}
• Angousana {{yel|83}}

|goals2 =* Jadhav {{yel|10}}

• Renthlei {{sent off|2|58|90}}
• Monroy {{yel|90}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|attendance =0{{efn|name=COVID}}

|result =D

|motm =Mohamed Irshad (East Bengal)

|referee =Rahul Kumar Gupta

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=HFCvSCEB

|date = 15 December 2020

|round = 5

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = Hyderabad

|score = 3–2

|report = https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36500-hyderabad-fc-vs-sc-east-bengal

|team2 = East Bengal

|goals1 =

• Aridane {{goal|56||56}}
• Narzary {{goal|68}}

|goals2 =

• Maghoma {{goal|26||81}}
• Irshad {{yel|49}}
• Steinmann {{yel|74}}
• Ambekar {{yel|83}}
• Das {{yel|90}}
• Holloway {{yel|90}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|result = L

|motm =Aridane Santana (Hyderabad)

|attendance = 0{{efn|name=COVID}}

|referee = Ajit Kumar Meitei

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=KBFCvSCEB

|date = 20 December 2020

|round = 6

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = Kerala Blasters

|score = 1–1

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36506-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-sc-east-bengal

|team2 = East Bengal

|goals1 =* Praveen {{yel|13}}

• Koné {{yel|58}}
• Jeakson {{goal|90}}

|goals2 =* Koné {{goal|13|og}}

• Haobam {{yel|35}}
• Surchandra {{yel|72}}
• Fox {{yel|83}}
• Neville {{yel|90}}

|location = Bambolim, Goa

|stadium = GMC Athletic Stadium

|result = D

|motm = Anthony Pilkington (East Bengal)

|attendance = 0{{efn|name=COVID}}

|referee = Tejas Nagvenkar

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=SCEBvCFC

|date = 26 December 2020

|round = 7

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = East Bengal

|score = 2–2

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36510-sc-east-bengal-vs-chennaiyin-fc

|team2 = Chennaiyin

|goals1 =* Steinmann {{goal|59}}, {{goal|68}}

• Maghoma {{yel|90}}

|goals2 =* Chhangte {{goal|13}}

• Ali {{goal|64}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|result =D

|motm =Matti Steinmann (East Bengal)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =Harish Kundu

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=SCEBvOFC

|date = 3 January 2021

|round = 8

|time = 17:00 IST

|team1 = East Bengal

|score = 3–1

|report = [https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36516-sc-east-bengal-vs-odisha-fc Report]

|team2 = Odisha

|goals1 =

• Milan {{yel|3}}
• Pilkington {{goal|12}}
• Maghoma {{goal|39}}
• Enobakhare {{goal|88}}

|goals2 =

• Sarangi {{yel|82}}
• Fox {{goal|90|og}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|result = W

|motm = Anthony Pilkington (East Bengal)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee = Crystal John

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=SCEBvFCG

|date = 6 January 2021

|round = 9

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = East Bengal

|score = 1–1

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36520-sc-east-bengal-vs-fc-goa

|team2 = Goa

|goals1 =* Gaikwad {{yel|31}}

• Mukherjee {{yel|54}}
• Fox {{sent off|0|56}}
• Holloway {{yel|67}}
• Maghoma {{yel|73}}
• Enobakhare {{goal|79}}
• Neville {{yel|90}}

|goals2 =* Fernandes {{yel|45}}

• Murgaonkar {{goal|81}}
• Noguera {{yel|82}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|result =D

|motm =Bright Enobakhare (East Bengal)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =Rowan Arumughan

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=BFCvSCEB

|date = 9 January 2021

|round = 10

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = Bengaluru

|score =0–1

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36523-bengaluru-fc-vs-sc-east-bengal

|team2 = East Bengal

|goals1 =* Ajith {{yel|20}}

• Delgado {{yel|21}}
• Paartalu {{yel|40}}

|goals2 =* Steinmann {{goal|20}}

|location = Margao, Goa

|stadium = Fatorda Stadium

|result =W

|motm =Debjit Majumder (East Bengal)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =Harish Kundu

}}{{football box collapsible

|id=SCEBvKBFC

|date = 15 January 2021

|round = 11

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = East Bengal

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36725-sc-east-bengal-vs-kerala-blasters-fc

|team2 = Kerala Blasters

|goals1 =

• Milan {{yel|34}}
• Neville {{goal|90}}

|goals2 =

• Jeakson {{yel|4}}
• Murray {{goal|64}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|result = D

|motm = Sahal Abdul Samad (Kerala Blasters)

|attendance = 0{{efn|name=COVID}}

|referee = Harish Kundu

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=CFCvSCEB

|date = 18 January 2021

|round = 12

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = Chennaiyin

|score =0–0

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36729-chennaiyin-fc-vs-sc-east-bengal

|team2 = East Bengal

|goals1 =* Sabia {{yel|56}}

• Sylvestr {{yel|86}}

|goals2 =* Chhetri {{sent off|2|22|31}}

• Narayan {{yel|89}}

|location = Bambolim, Goa

|stadium = GMC Athletic Stadium

|result =D

|motm =Debjit Majumder (East bengal)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =Rahul Kumar Gupta

}}{{football box collapsible

|id=SCEBvMCFC

|date = 22 January 2021

|round = 13

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = East Bengal

|score =0–1

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36733-sc-east-bengal-vs-mumbai-city-fc

|team2 = Mumbai City

|goals1 =* Fox {{yel|5}}

|goals2 =* Jahouh {{yel|23}}

• Fall {{goal|27}}
• Boumous {{yel|73}}
• Dessai {{yel|75}}
• Ogbeche {{yel|67}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|result =L

|motm =Mourtada Fall (Mumbai City)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =C. R. Srikrishna

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=FCGvSCEB

|date = 29 January 2021

|round = 14

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = Goa

|score =1–1

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36741-fc-goa-vs-sc-east-bengal

|team2 = East Bengal

|goals1 =* Angulo {{goal|39}}

• Bedia {{sent off|2|64|66}}
• Gama {{yel|60}}

|goals2 =*Pilkington {{penmiss}} 2'

• Fox {{goal|65}} {{yel|90}}
• Neville {{yel|74}}

|location = Margao, Goa

|stadium = Fatorda Stadium

|result =D

|motm =Bright Enobakhare (East Bengal)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =Harish Kundu

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=BFCvSCEB

|date = 2 February 2021

|round = 15

|time = 19:30 IST

|report=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36746-sc-east-bengal-vs-bengaluru-fc

|team1 = East Bengal

|score =0–2

|team2 = Bengaluru

|goals1 =* Pilkington {{yel|90}}

|goals2 =* Silva {{goal|12}} {{yel|65}}

• Majumder {{goal|45|og}}
• Bheke {{yel|90}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|result =L

|motm =Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =C. R. Srikrishna

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=JFCvSCEB

|date = 7 February 2021

|round = 16

|time = 17:00 IST

|team1 = Jamshedpur

|score =1–2

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36751-jamshedpur-fc-vs-sc-east-bengal

|team2 = East Bengal

|goals1 =* Hartley {{goal|83}} {{yel|90}}

• Valskis {{yel|90}}

|goals2 =* Steinmann {{goal|6}}

• Pilkington {{goal|68}}

|location = Margao, Goa

|stadium = Fatorda Stadium

|result =W

|motm =Matti Steinmann (East Bengal)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =Crystal John

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=SCEBvHFC

|date = 12 February 2021

|round = 17

|time = 19:30 IST

|report=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36757-sc-east-bengal-vs-hyderabad-fc|team1 = East Bengal

|score =1–1

|team2 = Hyderabad

|goals1 =* Gaikwad {{yel|56}}

• Enobakhare {{goal|59}}
• Paul {{yel|89}}

|goals2 =* Victor {{yel|54}}

• Santana {{goal|90}}
• Yasir {{sent off|0|90}}

|location = Vasco da Gama, Goa

|stadium = Tilak Maidan Stadium

|result = D

|motm = Akash Mishra (Hyderabad)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =Ajit Kumar Meitei

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=ATKMBvSCEB

|date = 19 February 2021

|round = 18

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = ATK Mohun Bagan

|score =3–1

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36765-atk-mohun-bagan-vs-sc-east-bengal

|team2 = East Bengal

|goals1 =* Krishna {{goal|15}}

• McHugh {{yel|30}}
• Jhingan {{yel|64}}
• Williams {{goal|72}} {{yel|88}}
• Hernandez {{goal|89}}

|goals2 =* Enobakhare {{yel|18}}

• Tiri {{goal|41|og}}
• Pilkington {{yel|62}}
• Maghoma {{yel|68}}
• Mukherjee {{yel|90}}
• Fox {{yel|90}}

|location = Margao, Goa

|stadium = Fatorda Stadium

|result =L

|motm =Roy Krishna (ATK Mohun Bagan)

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}|referee =Tejas Nagvenkar

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id = SCEBvNEUFC

|date = 23 February 2021

|round = 19

|time = 19:30 IST

|team1 = East Bengal

|score = 1–2

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36771-sc-east-bengal-vs-northeast-united-fc

|team2 = NorthEast United

|goals1 =

• Gaikwad {{sentoff|2|45|71}}
• Neville {{yel|45}}
• Rafique {{yel|69}}
• Mukherjee {{yel|84}}
• Golui {{goal|87}}

|goals2 =

• Suhair {{goal|48}}
• Golui {{goal|55|o.g.}}

|location = Margao, Goa

|stadium = Fatorda Stadium

|result = L

|motm = V.P. Suhair (NorthEast United)

|attendance = 0{{efn|name=COVID}}

|referee = Rahul Kumar Gupta

}}

{{football box collapsible

|id=OFCvSCEB

|date = 27 February 2021

|round = 20

|time = 17:30 IST

|team1 = Odisha

|score =6–5

|report =https://www.indiansuperleague.com/matchcentre/36773-odisha-fc-vs-sc-east-bengal

|team2 = East Bengal

|goals1 =* Sailung {{goal|33}}

• Ramfangzauva {{goal|49}} {{goal|66}}
• Jerry {{goal|51}} {{yel|63}} {{goal|67}}
• Rai {{yel|57}}
• Mauricio {{goal|69}}

|goals2 =* Pilkington {{goal|24}} {{yel|45}}

• Ravi {{goal|37|og}}
• Fox {{yel|51}}
• Holloway {{goal|60}} {{goal|90}}
• Lalpekhlua {{goal|74}}

|location = Bambolim, Goa

|stadium = GMC Athletic Stadium

|result =L

|motm =Diego Mauricio (Odisha)

|note=This match became the highest scoring match in ISL history{{Cite web|date=27 Feb 2021|title=Odisha FC Edge Out SC East Bengal To Win Highest-Scoring Match In ISL History|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/odisha-fc-edge-out-sc-east-bengal-to-win-highest-scoring-match-in-isl-history-2380178|url-status=live|access-date=13 Mar 2021|website=sports.ndtv.com|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227174634/https://sports.ndtv.com/indian-super-league/odisha-fc-edge-out-sc-east-bengal-to-win-highest-scoring-match-in-isl-history-2380178}}

|attendance=0{{efn|name=COVID}}

|referee =Harish Kundu

}}

Players with no appearances not included in the list.

{{updated|match played on 27 February 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/clubs/1102-sc-east-bengal-profile|title=SC East Bengal Profile|work=Indian Super League|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109150606/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/clubs/1102-sc-east-bengal-profile|url-status=live}}

{{updated|matches played till 27 February 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/stats/202-138-goals-player-statistics|title=Player Stats - Goals|work=Indian Super League|access-date=4 January 2021|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208174139/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/stats/202-138-goals-player-statistics|url-status=live}}

{{updated|match played on 27 February 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/stats/202-153-assists-player-statistics|title=Player Stats - Assists|work=Indian Super League|access-date=4 January 2021|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128093848/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/stats/202-153-assists-player-statistics|url-status=live}}

{{updated|match played on 27 February 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/stats/202-141-clean-sheets-player-statistics|title=Player Stats - Clean Sheets|work=Indian Super League|access-date=4 January 2021|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129052150/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/stats/202-141-clean-sheets-player-statistics|url-status=live}}

{{updated|match played on 27 February 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/stats/202-143-yellow-cards-player-statistics|title=Player Stats - Yellow Cards|work=Indian Super League|access-date=4 January 2021|archive-date=28 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128203508/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/stats/202-143-yellow-cards-player-statistics|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/stats/202-144-red-cards-player-statistics|title=Player Stats - Red Cards|work=Indian Super League|access-date=4 January 2021|archive-date=11 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311074857/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/stats/202-144-red-cards-player-statistics|url-status=live}}

{{notelist-ua}}

This is awarded weekly to the player chosen by fans voting at the Indian Super League website.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiansuperleague.com/goal-of-the-week|title=Fans' Goal of the Week|work=Indian Super League|access-date=7 January 2021|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108083455/https://www.indiansuperleague.com/goal-of-the-week|url-status=live}}

• 2020–21 in Indian football

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.sceastbengal.co/ Official website]

{{East Bengal F.C.}}

{{2020–21 in Indian football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2020-21 East Bengal F.C. season}}

Category:East Bengal Club seasons

East Bengal