Kolkata, April 11: East Bengal FC sealed a crucial 3–1 victory at the home of the Marina Machans, defeating Chennaiyin FC on Saturday evening at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The first half ended neutral, but in the second half, the Red and Gold secured all three points.
Within the 7th minute Edmund brings the lead for East Bengal FC. However in the 27th minute, Irfan Yadwad equalised the score. He received a through ball from the right flank and, from the eighteen-yard area, chipped the ball over the advancing East Bengal keeper.
Before half-time, in the 43rd minute East Bengal had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but Vishnu slipped away the chance. With the ball, he cut past the defenders and entered the box from the left in a one-on-one situation. He went past Nawaz to create an open net but failed to place the ball into it, as Mandar Rao came in to intercept.
In the second half, Mahesh suffered a knee injury and had to be substituted. Apart from that misfortune, the game’s rhythm remained the same for the Red and Gold, as they continued to play attacking football. In the 67th minute, substitute Ezzejjari missed another close chance, attempting a shot from the mid position of the eighteen yards line, but Nawaz made an impactful save as the ball went out after touching his hand.
Their constant pressing paid off in the 83rd minute. Vishnu, from the left, sent a pinpoint cross into the box, which Bipin Singh placed into the net to bring the lead back.
Before the final whistle, Nandha Kumar added his name to the scoresheet, leaving his mark at the ground he knows well. In the 90+6th minute, Chennaiyin lost possession while attacking, and East Bengal launched a quick counter-attack. Miguel carried the ball forward and, near the edge of the box, passed it to his left for Nandha, who capitalised on the opportunity and unleashed a shot into the bottom of the net to seal the deal at 3–1 victory for the Red and Gold.
With these three crucial points and a plus 2 goal margin, the Kolkata giant moved into third place in the points table. Having played seven matches with 14 points and a plus 14 goal difference, East Bengal FC have not only returned to form but are also firmly in the title race, currently holding the best goal difference.
Chennaiyin FC continue to struggle for a win, and Pritam Kotal lost his winning streak against East Bengal FC, as his team had never previously lost to East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League. With Kerala Blasters securing a victory against Bengaluru FC in the second Saturday clash, Chennaiyin’s situation in the league has become even more unstable.
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