East Bengal climbed up to sixth with a win in their last home game of the league stage against Bengaluru FC. The Red and Gold now need Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United not to better their points tally to qualify for the playoffs for the first time. Meanwhile, the Blues' chances of making back-to-back playoff become slender with this defeat.
The visitors though started well in the direct battle for the playoffs with Sivasakhti Narayan forcing an important save out of Prabhsukhan Gill in the first 10 minutes of the match. However, East Bengal took control soon after with the man at the moment, Saul Crespo giving the lead in the 18th minute from a calmly taken spot-kick after Mahesh was fouled by Lalremtluanga Fanai. Carles Cuadrat's side went to half-time with a goal lead.
Bengaluru brought on Sunil Chhetri off the bench in the second half and he provided his impact. The skipper tucked away the penalty for the equalizer although it came from a controversial decision from the referee. Despite that, East Bengal kept the pressure on with Cleiton Silva eventually heading the winner in the 73rd minute from a Nishu Kumar cross.
Gill was called into action again to preserving his side's lead by denying Monirul Molla at the near post. Aman then failed to finish even with an open infront of me with his slip allowing Gurpreet to make the save. However, nothing could have stopped East Bengal to take all three points in a roaring Salt Lake ground. They head to Delhi to face Punjab FC in their final league match while Bengaluru FC welcome the other Kolkata side in ISL, Mohun Bagan Super Giant at Kanteerava.
Here are the match facts of the ISL match between East Bengal and Bengaluru FC:
Empty
Bengaluru FC have not won a single game away from home in ISL this season, the worst record in the league. In the 11 available matches, they have managed just three draws and suffered losses in the rest.
Unwanted
Bengaluru FC could become only the fourth side in ISL history to go an entire season without an away win. Even Hyderabad FC's only win this season has come in an away match.
Nemesis
Cleiton Silva has scored in all four meetings against his former club Bengaluru FC in ISL. All of them has been winners.
Relief
Cleiton Silva broke his longest goal drought in ISL having failed to scored in last six matches.
Marksman
Saul Crespo is the best scoring season with three in the ISL having not scored more than twice in his entire career prior.
Milestone
Sunil Chhetri made his 175th appearance for Bengaluru FC. He also netted his 71st for the club and the 61st strike in the ISL overall.
