Kolkata, February 8: East Bengal FC lost a crucial match against Chennaiyin FC tonight at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in the ongoing ISL, suffering a 3-0 defeat. With only five matches left, Oscar Bruzon faces a tough challenge in the playoff race, especially as East Bengal dropped to 11th in the table and the upper half looks stronger as the season nears its end. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin moved up to 10th with 21 points, having played one more match than their opponent.
The visitors took a two-goal lead in the first half. In the 13th minute, Wilmar Gill played the ball to Connor Shields inside the right side of the box. Shields back minus it, but a defensive lapse saw Nishu Kumar’s attempted clearance deflect into the net, resulting in an own goal. In the 21st minute, Chennaiyin FC doubled their lead. From the right flank, Irfan Yadwad passed the ball to Wilmar Gil, who calmly slotted it into the net without any resistance from the East Bengal FC defense.
In the 27th minute, East Bengal FC earned a free kick after Chennaiyin FC’s defense brought down PV Vishnu with a rough challenge, outside of the box. Mahesh took the free kick from outside the right side of the box but sent the ball over the crossbar. In the first half, Chennaiyin FC’s defense appeared just as alert as their attack.
From the start of the first half, East Bengal FC played attacking football. In the 48th minute, substitute Provat Lakra delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left side into the box towards the far post for Diamantakos. However, he failed to make proper contact with the ball, resulting in a missed golden opportunity.
In the 56th minute, Vishnu earned a free kick on the left. Nishu Kumar delivered a perfectly placed ball towards the far post, but Saul Crespo failed to convert it into a goal. Two minutes later, from Nunga’s through ball, Richard Celis attempt a shot from one on one situation with the Keeper, but was off target. In the 75th minute, again Richard Celis unleashed a powerful long-range shot from midfield, but keeper Nawaz gathered it in his safe hand.
Chennaiyin FC defended resolutely until the final quarter, with East Bengal FC attempting more than ten shots during this period, four of which were on target. However, in the 90+4th minute, Nunga was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for fouling Irfan Yadwad. But the Marina Machans didn’t stop there. In the dying moments, at 90+9th minute, substitute Chima Chukwu scored their third and final goal. After a missed opportunity by Richard Celis, Kiyan Nassiri gained possession and headed it down for Chukwu, who set off a long solo run before slotting it past the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation.
It’s hard for both teams to think about the playoffs from this position. However, with that, Owen Coyle holds onto their top-six hopes as Chennaiyin reaches 21 points.
NEXT FIXTURES: East Bengal have their next fixtures against Mohammedan SC on February 16. Chennaiyin will host their next fixtures against Punjab FC, on February 15.
Watch match highlights East Bengal FC vs Chennaiyin FC
Image Gallery
Read more about ISL
