ISL 2024-25: East Bengal FC Challenges Bengaluru FC for Playoff Spot
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Synopsis
Kolkata, March 1 (NationPress) As <b>East Bengal FC</b> targets a playoff spot, they will go head-to-head with <b>Bengaluru FC</b>, who have already secured their place, in the <b>ISL 2024-25</b> at the <b>Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan</b> this Sunday. <b>East Bengal FC</b> trails sixth-placed <b>Mumbai City FC</b> by five points.
Key Takeaways
- East Bengal FC must win their last two matches for playoff chances.
- They are on a historic three-match winning streak.
- Bengaluru FC aims to extend their clean sheet streak.
- Indian players from Bengaluru FC are joint leaders in goals scored this season.
- Both teams are eager for crucial victories in their upcoming fixtures.
Kolkata, March 1 (NationPress) With a playoff spot within reach, debutants East Bengal FC are set to clash against former champions and already playoff-bound Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) this Sunday. Currently, East Bengal sits five points shy of the sixth-ranked Mumbai City FC (32), who have participated in 21 matches. Meanwhile, the Blues have already secured their playoff position, placing East Bengal FC eighth in the standings with 27 points from 22 encounters.
In order to enhance their chances of making the playoffs, the team coached by Oscar Bruzon will aim to accumulate six points from their final two matches. East Bengal FC has displayed impressive form, having achieved a three-match winning streak—something they had never accomplished in ISL history. To advance further in the tournament, they would need to extend this streak to five.
Interestingly, East Bengal FC is among the four teams in the ISL that Bengaluru FC has yet to defeat in a league double, making this match a significant opportunity for the Blues to complete that feat following their 1-0 win in the earlier encounter last September. This season, East Bengal FC has made alterations to their starting lineup in 21 matches, tying for the most changes in the league with Chennaiyin FC.
The Red and Gold Brigade recorded their fourth clean sheet at home in their last outing against Hyderabad FC (2-0), raising their season total to six. They have only surpassed this achievement once before in the 2023-24 season, with seven clean sheets.
Bengaluru FC has triumphed in their last three ISL fixtures while maintaining clean sheets. Securing another shutout victory would mark their longest such streak in the history of the competition.
Indian players from Bengaluru FC have netted 17 goals this season, tying them for the lead with FC Goa. Only Mumbai City FC (27 in 2022-23 and 26 in 2023-24), Bengaluru FC (20 in 2018-19), and Mohun Bagan Super Giant (19 in 2021-22) have recorded more goals by domestic players in a single ISL season.
Head coach Oscar Bruzon of East Bengal FC affirmed that his squad will persist in their quest for a top-six finish until the very end. “Without a doubt, we want to succeed, but it hinges on other results. We will not cease fighting until our last breath,” he emphasized.
In contrast, Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza expressed his team's goals for the remaining matches. “Our focus is on finishing as high as we can. Right now, our objective is to win our next two games,” he stated.
