East Bengal FC drew 1-1 with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League 2024-25 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata. Bengaluru FC dominated possession with 67.9% but needed a late equalizer to secure a point. This result ended East Bengal FC’s playoff hopes. They now sit in eighth place with 28 points from 23 matches. Even with a win in their final game, they can only reach 31 points, which is still behind NorthEast United FC’s 32.

A Strong Start by East Bengal FC

Right from the beginning, East Bengal FC showed intent. They attacked Bengaluru FC’s defense aggressively and focused on the right side. Naorem Mahesh Singh made a determined run into the penalty box and passed to Dimitrios Diamantakos. The striker showed excellent footwork and struck a powerful shot. However, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a crucial save at the center of the goal.

East Bengal Takes the Lead

Despite the miss, East Bengal FC kept pushing forward. Their persistence paid off in the 11th minute. Saul Crespo moved inside the penalty area and briefly lost balance. However, he managed to pass the ball to Raphael Messi Bouli. Bouli cut in from the right and fired a low shot into the bottom left corner. Sandhu could not stop it, giving East Bengal FC the lead.

A Major Setback Before Halftime

Just before halftime, East Bengal FC faced a setback. Dimitrios Diamantakos received a red card for a reckless challenge. As a result, they had to play with ten men for the rest of the match. Bengaluru FC took advantage of their numerical superiority, stretching East Bengal’s defense with attacks from the flanks.

Bengaluru FC Pressures for an Equalizer

In the 71st minute, Bengaluru FC created a great opportunity. Naorem Roshan Singh sent a cross from the left wing to Edgar Mendez. Mendez attempted a left-footed shot but sent it over the target. Alberto Noguera kept creating chances. In the 80th minute, he crossed the ball to Aleksandar Jovanovic. Jovanovic’s header hit the right post. Ryan Williams tried to score from the rebound, but Prabhsukhan Singh Gill made a crucial save in the bottom left corner.

A Dramatic Late Equalizer

Finally, Bengaluru FC found their equalizer in the 90th minute. Nishu Kumar handled the ball inside the box while marking Sunil Chhetri. The referee awarded a penalty. Chhetri stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, securing a draw for Bengaluru FC.

Key Performer of the Match

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC) played a crucial role. He completed 16 out of 19 passes, made one tackle and three clearances, and scored the equalizer.

What’s Next?

East Bengal FC will face NorthEast United FC on March 8. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC will take on Mumbai City FC on March 11.