East Bengal FC played out a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC in an Indian Super League 2024-25 match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. As a result, their playoff hopes came to an end. The Red and Gold Brigade now sit eighth with 28 points from 23 games. Even if they win their final match, they will reach only 31 points, which is still lower than sixth-placed NorthEast United FC (32).
East Bengal FC Starts Strong
From the beginning, East Bengal FC looked sharp. They launched quick attacks and found space on the right side of Bengaluru FC’s defense. Soon after, Naorem Mahesh Singh made a determined run into the box and passed to Dimitrios Diamantakos. The striker displayed excellent footwork and unleashed a powerful shot. However, Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu reacted quickly and made a crucial save.
Undeterred, East Bengal FC kept pushing forward. Their persistence paid off in the 11th minute. Saul Crespo briefly lost his balance but still managed to pass the ball to Raphael Messi Bouli. Without hesitation, Bouli cut inside and fired a shot into the bottom left corner. Sandhu couldn’t stop it, and East Bengal FC took the lead.
Red Card Shifts Momentum
However, things took a turn just before halftime. Dimitrios Diamantakos received a red card for a reckless challenge, leaving East Bengal FC with only 10 men. Consequently, Bengaluru FC gained control and looked to capitalize on their numerical advantage.
After the break, Bengaluru FC increased the pressure. They used quick wing play to stretch East Bengal FC’s defense. In the 71st minute, Naorem Roshan Singh delivered a pinpoint cross to Edgar Mendez inside the box. Unfortunately for Bengaluru FC, Mendez’s left-footed shot sailed over the crossbar.
Ten minutes later, Alberto Noguera sent a dangerous cross to Aleksandar Jovanovic. His header struck the right post, and Ryan Williams rushed for the rebound. However, goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill reacted swiftly and made a crucial save in the bottom left corner.
Chhetri’s Late Penalty Secures Draw
Finally, Bengaluru FC found the equalizer in the 90th minute. While marking Sunil Chhetri, Nishu Kumar handled the ball inside the box. The referee immediately awarded a penalty. Without hesitation, Chhetri stepped up and confidently slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.
In the end, the match finished in a 1-1 draw. East Bengal FC’s playoff dreams ended, while Bengaluru FC walked away with a hard-earned point.
