East Bengal FC dashed Punjab FC's playoff aspirations with a convincing 3-1 victory at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. This defeat leaves Punjab languishing at the bottom half of the Indian Super League (ISL) table, putting them at 11th place with just 24 points from 21 matches. Conversely, East Bengal surged up to 10th position, sharing the same points but edging on goal difference.
The match kicked off with an electric start for East Bengal, as Dimitrios Diamantakos capitalized on a defensive error from Punjab, scoring the opener just 15 minutes in with a well-placed left-footed shot following a mishap during clearance by Punjabs Suresh Meitei. East Bengal’s dominance continued, particularly as Raphael Messi Bouli created significant problems for Punjab’s defense.
It was two minutes after halftime when East Bengal tripled their lead. Naorem Mahesh Singh pounced on the rebound after his teammate Vishnu P.V.'s shot was blocked, slotting the ball past Punjab's keeper Ravi Kumar. Punjab found themselves on the back foot, and things took a turn for the worse when Lalchungnunga scored the third goal for East Bengal just nine minutes later, benefiting from poor clearance from the Punjab defense.
Punjab FC, fighting to regain some pride, managed to score late through Ezequiel Pulga Vidal, who unleashed a stunning volley from long range, but it was merely consolation. This match reflects the intensity of the league, with East Bengal now unbeaten in their last three away games.
Meanwhile, at the Fatorda Stadium, FC Goa kept their hopes alive for the League Shield title with a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC. Spanish forward Iker Guarrotxena was once again pivotal for the Gaurs. He netted the first goal just after the interval. Guarrotxena turned provider shortly after, assisting Mohammad Yasir for the second goal, solidifying Goa’s position with 42 points from 21 matches.
With this victory, FC Goa remains competitive, as they chase the leaders, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who currently stand atop the table with 49 points after 21 matches. Mohun Bagan is just one win away from defending their title, making their upcoming match against Odisha FC pivotal. Odisha, sitting seventh with 29 points, are also eyeing the playoffs and hope to dismantle Mohun Bagan’s aspirations.
The tension mounts as the season progresses. Mohun Bagan's coach has emphasized the necessity to maintain their momentum. \"Every match is important; we aim to keep winning until the end,\" the coach reflected, emphasizing the determination of the team. The Mariners could clinch the championship if they earn just three points from their next game, potentially sealing their title even before the match begins if results align strategically with FC Goa.
That said, the ISL remains unpredictable. While Mohun Bagan has previously enjoyed success against Odisha, having won five out of their 12 encounters, they face the challenge of delivering under pressure. This upcoming clash is set to capture fans' attention, with the playoff race quite tight, particularly for teams like Odisha needing wins to boost their standing.
Overall, the Indian Super League is shaping up to be highly competitive as teams scramble for their position with just a few matches left. East Bengal's resurgence aims to push them closer to playoff contention. The imperative for Punjab now focuses on finishing on a high note as they face their last remaining fixtures. With the drama of the season drawing to its close, the excitement of the ISL is palpable and promises more thrilling encounters.