Kolkata, May 11: East Bengal FC and Punjab FC shared points with a 0–0 draw in a must-win Indian Super League clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Monday evening. The game kept shifting in rhythm, from a slow start to Punjab FC’s attacking surge, before East Bengal turned up the pressure and with hitting the crossbar twice in search of a breakthrough.

The game started very cautiously as both teams were alert not to make any early mistakes. The first threatening moment came around the 30th minute when Miguel sent a long pass to Bipin. Entering the box from the right, Bipin attempted a shot, but Arshdeep came out quickly and closed down the angle to keep the Punjab net untouched.

At the start of the second half, Punjab FC came out with more attacking pressure, and launched back to back three attacks. In the 50th minute Ramirez Attempt a long shot though it was straight to the East Bengal keeper.

In the 52nd minute, Shami almost created a chance inside the box from Effiong’s cross, but Rakip made a crucial interception to stop the danger. A minute later, Luhngdim delivered a cross from the right, and Shami attempted a flying header, but this time Gill stayed alert to make the save.

The pressure continued as Zeljkovias in the 58th minute unleashed a shot from the centre of the box, but Gill denied the certain goal threat with a crucial save.

As the game progressed, East Bengal started controlling possession and launching attacks. But in the 70th minute, the crossbar denied them. From a quick attack down the left flank, Miguel attempted a long-range shot that hit the top corner of the far post.

As the match seemed destined to end goalless, Rashid’s shot gave hope to the Red and Gold Brigade as the deadlock almost broke, but once again the crossbar denied them. In the final minute of regulation time, Rashid unleashed a long-range effort after spotting Arshdeep out of position, but his shot hit the crossbar, East Bengal tried to capitalise on the rebound, but Punjab managed to clear the danger.

East Bengal extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches with this draw, equalling their longest unbeaten run record in the Indian Super League. Though the Red and Gold Brigade failed to secure all three points, the result kept their momentum alive in the title race.

The result also made Punjab FC’s title challenge tougher, as they managed to gain only one point and remain sixth with 19 points, with two games remaining. On the other hand, East Bengal moved to 22 points from 11 matches, which means tomorrow’s Mohun Bagan vs Inter Kashi clash will be crucial for them, while the upcoming derby has now become even more intense.