The final day of matchday 4 saw East Bengal begin their home campaign against Chennai City FC in a top-of-the-table clash.
After not featuring on matchday 3, East Bengal would like to continue their winning run after two successive away wins against NEROCA FC and Shillong Lajong FC.
Chennai City, who have played an extra game, have two wins against Indian Arrows and Gokulam Kerala and were held by Churchill Brothers last week. After collecting seven points, a point more than East Bengal, from three games, Chennai sit at the top of the table.
East Bengal FC vs Chennai City FC
East Bengal FC (4-4-2)
Alejandro Menendez in his first home bow made two alterations to the side that started the win over Shillong Lajong. Samad Ali Mallick replaced Lalramchullova and Brandon Vanlalremdika was relegated to the bench with Yami Longvah getting a look in.
Chennai City FC (4-2-3-1)
Pedro Manzi passed a late fitness test as Akbar Nawas stuck to the same lineup that prevailed over Gokulam Kerala in a five-goal thriller last week.
It was a tame first half as both teams began in a scrappy manner. No clear cut chances as both sides were struggling to get a foothold of the game. Chennai City were a tad better in possession but didn’t create any noteworthy chances.
Chennai’s efforts were rewarded late into injury time. Sandro, from around 30 yards out curled in a freekick from his left foot that looped over the wall and went into the corner of the net, past Dagar.
Chennai City walked out at halftime buoyed by a goal but that lead was short-lived after the change of ends, thanks to Enrique Esqueda.
After that, East Bengal's scrappy football meant it was no surprise that Chennai City got the winner in the dying embers of the game.
Ajithkumar Kamaraj released Pravitto Raju on the run and Dagar came out to bring him down inside the box. Nestor Gordillo did not fail to convert from six yards as the fans started leaving early with the fate of their side sealed. First loss of the season for the home side who would have been disappointed with their lacklustre display.
Up next for the table toppers Chennai City is a trip to Aizawl on November 16, while second placed East Bengal will not feature again for the second time in three matchday. Their next fixture will also be in Aizawl on November 24.
