On December 17, Emami East Bengal FC hosted their Punjab FC fixture at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Two goals down, East Bengal FC made a comeback and ended the match 4-2 with a stellar, dominating second-half performance, securing their third win of the ongoing ISL.
Both teams started the match with an attacking pace. Within 9 minutes, East Bengal FC found the net, but David’s goal was ruled out due to offside. Punjab FC increased their attacking display, and in the 21st minute, the visitors took the lead.
They launched an attack from the right, with Pulga Vidal delivering an accurate cross into the box, which Asmir Suljic expertly connected with to send the ball into the net.
In the 35th minute, Punjab got another great chance. Majcen made a long run down the left and, in a one-on-one situation, took a long powerful strike that the keeper saved. From the rebound, Nihal took another shot, but this time, Prabhsukhan managed to grip the ball securely.
In the 39th minute, Pulga Vidal doubled the lead for the Shers with an artistic goal. Vidal made a brilliant run down the right, and from inside the box, he curled a shot towards the far post, securing the Shers’ second goal.
POWERING THROUGH THE SECOND HALF: EAST BENGAL FC’S DOMINANCE SHINES!
In the early moments of the second half, in the 46th minute, East Bengal narrowed the goal difference. From a set piece on the right, Cleiton Silva delivered a long cross into the box, which Hijazi Maher attempted to head on target.
In the 54th minute, Vishnu leveled the score at 2-2 for East Bengal FC. He had entered the field at halftime, replacing Mahesh. From the right, Rakip delivered a cross that was initially cleared by Punjab FC, but the ball fell to Vishnu on the left, and he calmly sent it into the net.
In the 60th minute, Nanda Kumar’s cross deflected off Punjab’s defender Suresh Meitei and went into the net, securing the third goal for the hosts. In the 64th minute, Punjab was reduced to ten men as Lhungdim committed a rough foul on Vishnu and received his second yellow card of the match.
Within three minutes, East Bengal extended their lead to two goals. Vishnu made a brilliant run down the left and calmly delivered a low cross into the box. David connected with a flying header, scoring the fourth goal for East Bengal.
East Bengal FC shone brightly and made a comeback that took just 45 minutes to change the score from two goals down to 4-2. In their past encounters, Punjab won one match and the other ended in a draw. However, with a dominating performance, East Bengal FC secured a win in their first 2024-25 ISL fixture against the Shers, which will be remarkable.
Key performer of the match: PV Vishnu came onto the pitch after the first half. Within 9 minutes of entering the pitch, he scored a goal that changed the whole momentum of the game and assisted the final and fourth goal for the Red And Gold Brigades.
Next fixtures for both: East Bengal FC will host their next game on December 21, against Jamshedpur FC. Punjab FC will host their next match on December 26, against Mohun Bagan SG.
Match Highlights East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC
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