ISL: East Bengal knock Bengaluru out of playoff race

Kolkata: East Bengal FC beat Bengaluru FC 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 here on Sunday night.

A goal in each half by Saul Crespo and Cleiton Silva ensured that the penalty by Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri went in vain as the Red & Gold Brigade broke into the sixth spot in the standings. 

East Bengal have 24 points from 21 matches as a consequence of this result, helping them edge past Chennaiyin FC on goal difference. Bengaluru, with 22 points from 21 games, are out of contention to qualify for the playoffs. 

Chennaiyin, who have a game in hand, are set to clash with NorthEast United FC on Tuesday.

The lively Naorem Mahesh Singh was brought down on the left side of the Bengaluru box by the latter’s 19-year-old midfielder Lalremtluanga Fanai. It was a straightforward spot-kick, which Saul converted by slotting the ball on the bottom right corner in the 19th minute to draw first blood. 

Bengaluru has often had skipper Chhetri to look up to whenever things have gone off track for them over the years. Even tonight, it was the striker who gave them a slight glimmer of hope at the hour mark of the game. Sprinting with the ball inside the box, Chhetri took it deep near the goal-like on the left side before attempting a cheeky cross that hit the hands of East Bengal defender Harmanjot Khabra. A spot-kick was subsequently handed to the Blues, and Chhetri netted it with ease . 

 However, it was the former Bengaluru star Silva whose strike bit the Blues in the end. East Bengal full-back Nishu Kumar carried the ball forward and chipped in a cross for Silva who was stationed just in front of Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Silva rose and headed home the winner.

(With inputs from ISL Media)