Chhetri's Injury-Time Penalty Secures Draw for Bengaluru FC Against East Bengal in Kolkata
Diamantakos' Red Card Helps Bengaluru FC Fight Back After Raphael Messi Bouli’s Early Strike to Draw 1-1 at Salt Lake Stadium
BNH NETWORK
Kolkata– Bengaluru FC managed a dramatic comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. A last-minute penalty by Sunil Chhetri canceled out an early goal from Raphael Messi Bouli, leaving both teams with a share of the spoils.
Bouli’s 11th-minute strike gave East Bengal the early advantage, but Bengaluru FC were handed a lifeline when Dimitrios Diamantakos was sent off late in the first half for a headbutt, reducing the hosts to 10 men. The Blues capitalized on their numerical advantage, and Chhetri’s spot-kick in injury time ensured that Bengaluru FC avoided defeat.
Match Highlights:
East Bengal struck first through Bouli’s clinical finish in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a quick counter-attack.
Diamantakos’ red card in the 43rd minute gave Bengaluru FC a one-player advantage, altering the course of the match.
Despite the advantage, Bengaluru FC struggled to break down East Bengal’s defense, with goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill producing some key saves.
Sunil Chhetri leveled the score with a penalty in injury time after Nishu Kumar was penalized for handling the ball in the box.
The result dealt a blow to East Bengal's hopes of qualifying for the Indian Super League playoffs. On the other hand, Bengaluru FC will now focus on their final league match against Mumbai City FC on March 11 at Kanteerava Stadium.
Team Changes:
Bengaluru FC made a couple of significant changes, including recalling Aleksandar Jovanovic to the starting lineup in place of the suspended Rahul Bheke and bringing back Chhetri, who was benched in the previous match against Chennaiyin FC.
East Bengal made tactical shifts as Provat Lakra started in place of Lalchungnunga, and Vishnu PV replaced Nishu Kumar in the starting XI.
Post-Match Reaction: Bengaluru FC coach Gerard Zaragoza praised his team for their resilience after going a goal down early. He emphasized the importance of composure, especially after the red card, and credited the team for pressing hard in the second half.
Meanwhile, East Bengal’s coach Oscar Bruzon lamented the red card and the missed opportunities in the second half, which ultimately led to the draw.
Key Takeaways:
East Bengal’s playoff hopes were effectively dashed with this draw.
Bengaluru FC, now with 32 points, will need a win in their final match against Mumbai City FC to solidify their position in the standings.
