ISL 2024-25: East Bengal Stages Remarkable Comeback to Defeat Punjab FC

Kolkata, Dec 17 (NationPress) East Bengal SC executed a remarkable comeback victory, netting four goals in just 22 minutes in the second half to overturn a two-goal deficit and clinch a 4-2 win against Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

The first half saw Asmir Suljic and Pulga Vidal scoring to give Punjab a solid lead, but the home side roared back with goals from Hijazi Maher, P.V. Vishnu, David Hmar, and a deflected effort from Suresh Meitei to complete the comeback. Punjab remains in fifth place with 18 points from 11 matches, while East Bengal has 10 points from the same number of games, sitting in 11th position on the table.

Ravi Kumar returned in goal for The Shers, while Panagiotis Dilmperis made three changes to the starting lineup. Khaimingthang Lhungdim came back as the right-back, replacing Leon Augustine, and Asmir Suljic stepped into midfield for the injured Filip Mrzljak. Oscar Bruzon, facing limited options in midfield, deployed Anwar Ali to safeguard the defense of Hector Yuste and Hijazi Maher. Leading the attack was David Lalhlansanga, supported by Cleiton Silva, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Nandhakumar Sekar.

Both teams took time to find their rhythm, but it was Punjab who initially dominated the midfield. Utilizing long passes effectively, Luka Majcen and Asmir Suljic constantly threatened the backline of East Bengal. Meanwhile, David Hmar had a goal disallowed for offside after a well-timed free kick.

The Shers opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a beautifully constructed goal. Pulga Vidal played a perfect ball to Asmir, who volleyed it past Prabhsukhan Gill, marking his third goal for the season. Punjab's confidence soared as they continued to exploit gaps in the East Bengal defense.

They almost doubled their lead when Luka found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Prabhsukhan made an impressive save. The rebound fell to Nihal, whose effort was blocked by Lalchungnunga. On the other end, Cleiton Silva had a shot from the edge of the box but it lacked power.

Pulga Vidal made it 2-0 with a superb finish, receiving the ball from a throw-in, deceiving Anwar Ali with a quick move, and drilling it into the far corner of the net.

East Bengal then erupted in the second half, scoring three goals in just 22 minutes. Hijazi Maher moved ahead to meet a free kick from Cleiton Silva, heading it past Ravi Kumar.

Just seven minutes later, P.V. Vishnu equalized as he capitalized on a headed clearance from Suresh Meitei and finished past Ravi Kumar. The home side took the lead through an own goal shortly after, as a low cross from Nandhakumar was inadvertently deflected into the net by Suresh.

Things took a turn for the worse for The Shers when Khaimingthing Lhungdim was shown a second yellow card. East Bengal then took advantage of the numerical superiority, scoring a fourth goal from David Hmar, who headed in a curling cross from Vishnu P.V., igniting celebrations in Salt Lake Stadium.

Punjab FC, now down to ten men, attempted to find a way back into the match but struggled to create opportunities as East Bengal managed the game expertly. Pulga Vidal missed a couple of chances to pull one back, but Prabhsukhan Gill kept the score intact, ensuring East Bengal secured their third win in four matches.

Looking ahead, Punjab FC is set to face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their next match on Boxing Day, December 26, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

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