ISL 2024-25: Chhetri's Late Equalizer Halts East Bengal's Playoff Hopes After 1-1 Stalemate with Bengaluru
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter in the ISL 2024-25, East Bengal FC and Bengaluru FC ended in a 1-1 draw, with Chhetri scoring a late equalizer that dashed East Bengal's playoff hopes. The match showcased intense possession from Bengaluru while East Bengal fought valiantly until the end.
Key Takeaways
- East Bengal FC held an early lead but could not maintain it.
- Chhetri's penalty saved Bengaluru FC from defeat.
- East Bengal's playoff chances are now over.
- Bengaluru FC utilized their one-man advantage effectively.
- The match emphasized the competitive nature of the ISL.
Kolkata, March 2 (NationPress) East Bengal FC fought to a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Sunday. Despite the Blues dominating with an impressive 67.9 percent possession, they required a last-minute effort to secure a point, effectively ending East Bengal FC's playoff ambitions.
The Red and Gold Brigade, currently in eighth place, now stands at 28 points from 23 matches. With just one game left, they could reach a maximum of 31 points, which would still be insufficient to surpass the sixth-placed NorthEast United FC (32 points).
East Bengal FC started strongly, creating significant pressure on the Bengaluru FC defense. They exploited the right flank effectively, with Naorem Mahesh Singh making a dynamic run into the box before passing to Dimitrios Diamantakos.
The striker showcased his skills with a powerful shot that was expertly saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. This setback did not deter the East Bengal frontline, who continued to search for a breakthrough.
The breakthrough arrived courtesy of Saul Crespo, who, despite a momentary loss of balance, laid off a pass to Raphael Messi Bouli. The latter cut in from the right and fired a shot from the center of the box into the bottom left corner in the 11th minute, leaving Sandhu unable to react.
However, the home side was reduced to ten men just before half-time when Diamantakos received a red card following a reckless challenge. The Blues quickly sought to capitalize on their numerical advantage, stretching the East Bengal FC defense with their speed on the wings.
One such well-constructed attack saw Naorem Roshan Singh deliver a swift cross to Edgar Mendez in the box, but Mendez's left-footed attempt soared over the target in the 71st minute.
Alberto Noguera took charge of delivering dangerous crosses, one of which found Aleksandar Jovanovic in the 80th minute. Jovanovic's header struck the right post, and Ryan Williams attempted to score the rebound, only to be thwarted by Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.
Finally, in the dying moments of the match, the momentum shifted in favor of Bengaluru FC when Nishu Kumar handled the ball while marking Sunil Chhetri inside the penalty area. Chhetri stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, securing the draw for the visitors.
East Bengal FC will face NorthEast United FC on March 8, while Bengaluru FC is scheduled to play against Mumbai City FC on March 11.
