In a scintillating display of skill and precision, East Bengal showcased its best performance in the Indian Super League (ISL) during a remarkable 5-0 victory over NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday.
Dominant Performance:
East Bengal left an indelible mark on ISL-10, securing a resounding win over NEUFC, making it their most memorable outing in the league. The team’s attacking prowess and clinical finishing were on full display as they blanked their opponents with a comprehensive 5-0 scoreline.
Goal Scorers Shine:
The heroics of Cleiton Silva and Nandhakumar Sekar stole the spotlight as they each found the target twice. The scoring spree began with Borja Herrera, who provided the lead with a spectacular left-footer in the 14th minute. Silva and Sekar continued the onslaught, with Saul Crespo’s creative ‘rabona kick’ proving effective in setting up key moments.
This victory catapulted East Bengal to the seventh spot in the ISL standings, accumulating eight points from seven matches. The win comes as a significant boost, marking only their second triumph of the season.
Clinical Execution:
From the start, East Bengal pressed for the lead, and the opening goal in the 14th minute set the tone for their dominance. The team displayed clinical execution, with Silva doubling the lead in the 24th minute, courtesy of a sharp lob from Mandar Rao Desai.
The second half saw East Bengal intensify its assault, tripling the lead in the 62nd minute through Nandhakumar Sekar, who replaced P.V. Vishnu. Silva’s second goal in the 66th minute further solidified East Bengal’s commanding position.
Nandhakumar’s Impact:
Nandhakumar Sekar continued to make his presence felt, assisting Silva in the 66th minute and securing his own goal in the 81st minute. The attacking left-winger’s contributions were pivotal in East Bengal’s resounding triumph.
Missed Opportunities for NorthEast United FC:
Despite NorthEast United FC’s efforts, the day did not favor them, as evidenced by a squandered penalty opportunity in injury time (90+4 minutes). East Bengal goalkeeper K. Mirshad denied Nestor Albiach’s left-footed shot from the spot, preserving East Bengal’s clean sheet.
East Bengal’s 5-0 victory over NorthEast United FC is a testament to their attacking prowess and collective effort. The team’s climb in the standings reflects a resurgence, and fans can look forward to more exciting performances in the remainder of ISL-10.
