New Delhi: Punjab FC dashed East Bengal's hopes with a 4-1 win in their final match of ISL 2023-24 here on Thursday night. The result also took Chenniayin FC in to the playoffs.
Both East Bengal and Punjab finished with 24 points. Chenniayin, who have 27 points and have a game remaining, joined Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, FC Goa, Odisha FC and Kerlaa Blasters in the playoffs.
In their final game of the season, Punjab had their famed attacking trio getting their name on the scoresheet as Wilmar Jordan Gil’s brace was accompanied by a strike each by Madih Talal and Luka Majcen. The Staikos Vergetis-coached side outplayed East Bengal FC on the flanks and sent lethal deliveries into the box that were lapped upon by their efficient forwards.
In reply, East Bengal, for whom this was a must-win encounter, could only reply with a solitary goal by Sayan Banerjee in the 25th minute of the game.
Wilmar started the onslaught as Tekcham Singh broke through the left side of the East Bengal defence to cut back a cross for the striker that he converted with absolute ease. Sayan restored parity with a shot from distance.
Talal ensured that Punjab FC went into the break with their lead in their hand though. Manglenthang Kipgen found ways past the East Bengal backline but he trusted the goal-scoring instincts of Talal by launching a delivery towards him on a tight angle. The Frenchman didn’t disappoint, showing razor sharp accuracy to hammer the ball on the high centre of the goal.
Talal then turned the provider from the scorer in the second half, embarking on another one of his blazing runs on the wing before breaking into the centre and delivering a pass for Gil that the striker converted with extreme efficiency.
In search of the equaliser, East Bengal had exposed spaces in their backline that Punjab pounced upon a fast counter-attack. Their final goal that was netted by Majcen came as a result of some brilliant one-two passing between him and Talal on the right side of the goal.
(With inputs from ISL Media)