East Bengal FC is set to face Bengaluru FC at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on March 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST, during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, with their playoff dreams on the line. Currently, East Bengal holds the eighth position on the table, sitting with 27 points from 22 games. They are six points behind sixth-placed Mumbai City FC, who have also played 22 matches. The stakes could not be higher for the East Bengal side as they aim for qualification with only two matches remaining.
Head coach Oscar Bruzon is enthusiastic about the challenge against the formidable Bengaluru FC, who have already secured their place in the playoffs. During his pre-match press conference, Bruzon laid out the importance of this clash, stating, “If you ask me, no doubt, we want to make it but it depends on other results. We are not going to stop fighting until our last breath.” The coach acknowledged the challenges posed by the strong unit of Bengaluru FC, led by their ace striker Sunil Chhetri.
Bruzon pointed out the threat posed by Chhetri but emphasized the need to focus on the whole team: “Bengaluru FC has good players all around the team, which is why they’re always in the playoffs situation and challenging for titles.” He added, “We need to understand them as a strong unit,” highlighting the threat of players like Alberto Noguera and Rhys Williams, who could significantly impact the game.
The Red & Gold Brigade enters this match on the back of their best run of form this season, having won three consecutive matches for the first time since the start of the league. A victory against Bengaluru would not only boost their confidence but also keep their playoff hopes alive. Despite playing under pressure, Bruzon urged his players to exhibit determination, declaring, “We need to display intention, purpose, and perseverance.”
East Bengal recently secured victory against Hyderabad FC, with David Lalhlansanga playing a key role. Bruzon praised Lalhlansanga’s contributions as impactful off the bench, stating, “He’s having a brilliant season... Whenever he’s on the pitch, we can use him as an offensive weapon and as energy.” With the depth of their squad, Bruzon will need to make the most of each player to maximize their chances against the Blues.
On the other hand, Bengaluru FC enters the match after securing their playoff berth. Coach Gerard Zaragoza expressed his ambitions for the remaining matches, focusing on winning to finish as high as possible. “Our target right now is to win the next two games,” Zaragoza said. The Blues have shown impressive form, winning their last three matches without conceding a goal. The team has achieved twelve clean sheets this season, showcasing their defensive capabilities.
Bengaluru FC’s players have left their mark on this season, with Chhetri contributing significantly with 11 goals and 2 assists, alongside strong gameplay from foreign players like Alberto Noguera. The team is on track to achieve the feat of completing the league double over East Bengal for the first time, having previously beaten them 1-0 earlier this season.
Both teams have had mixed performances over the past season, and the match-up is anticipated to be fiercely contested. With their playoff spots at risk, every moment of the game will count as East Bengal looks to secure the necessary points and climb the table. It will be equally pivotal for Bengaluru FC as they aim to reinforce their position and momentum as they head off to the playoffs.
This clash, taking place at the Salt Lake Stadium, promises not only to be pivotal for playoff qualifications but also significant for establishing momentum heading toward the playoff phase. The match will be broadcast live on the Sports18 network and Star Sports 3, and fans can stream it via the Jio Cinema app. Football fans across India and beyond will be eagerly watching how these teams perform amid mounting pressure.
With the excitement building, the stage is set for what is likely to be another riveting chapter not only for East Bengal FC but for the entire league itself. Each game brings its own narrative, and for East Bengal, this match could potentially be the turning point they have been striving for all season long.