East Bengal makes a great comeback, beats Punjab FC 4-2 after trailing 0-2 in ISL 2024-25

East Bengal SC made a spectacular comeback from two goals down by scoring four goals in 22 minutes in the second half to win 4-2 against Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. Here it was played in Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan. Goals from Asmir Suljic and Pulga Vidal gave Punjab a comfortable position after the end of the first half, but goals from Hijazi Maher, PV Vishnu, David Hammar and an own goal from Suresh Meitei completed the home team's comeback. Punjab is at fifth position with 18 points from 11 matches while East Bengal has 10 points from the same number of matches and is at 11th position in the table.

Ravi Kumar returned the scoring for The Lions as Panagiotis DiLamperis made three changes to the starting XI. Khaimingthang Lungdim returned to the right-back position in place of Leon Augustin, while Asmir Suljic started in midfield in place of the injured Filip Merzljak. With limited options in midfield, Oscar Bruzón started with Anwar Ali protecting Hector Yuste and Hijazi Maher. David Lalhlansanga led the attack and was joined by Cleton Silva, Naorem Mahesh Singh and Nandakumar Sekar.

Both sides took their time to settle into the game and once play started, Punjab dominated the middle of the pitch and pinned East Bengal. Punjab made good use of long passes and Luka Majcen and Asmir Suljic were always ready to run in behind the high line of the Red and Gold Brigade defence. At the other end, David Hammar found the net with a good finish from the free kick, but was ruled out for offside.

The Lions took the lead with a good goal in the 21st minute. Pulga Vidal forced Asmir to race into the box and expertly found the Hungarian, who took it on the volley and past Prabhsukhan Gil for his third goal of the season. As the game progressed, Punjab's confidence grew and they opened up the East Bengal defense with ease.

They could have doubled the advantage as Luka found himself in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, but Prabhsukhan kept the Slovenian out with his legs. The rebound fell into the path of Nihaal but his effort was blocked by Lalchungnunga. At the other end, Clitan Silva found space for himself on the edge of the box, but the effort was weak.

Pulga Vidal doubled the opposition's lead with a brilliant finish. He got the ball with a simple throw and with a drop of the shoulder he completely outwitted Anwar Ali and with one turn fired the ball past the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the goal.

East Bengal made a brilliant comeback and scored three goals within 22 minutes from the start of the second half. Hijazi Maher rose above Clitan Silva's free kick and fired his header past the outstretched hands of Ravi Kumar.

After this, the second half substitute equalized within seven minutes. Suresh Meitei's headed clearance fell into the path of Vishnu and the winger finished it past Ravi Kumar and Suresh advancing on the line. Six minutes later, East Bengal took the lead with a suicide goal. Nandakumar's low cross from the right wing was headed into his own goal by Suresh, who lost his footing.

Things got worse for The Lions when Khaimthing Lungdim was sent off for his second yellow card offence. East Bengal made good use of the man advantage and scored the fourth through David Hamar. Vishnu Peevy was once again the provider as his curling cross was met by a diving David Hammar, whose header found the bottom corner and sent the Salt Lake Stadium into frenzy.

Punjab FC's 10 players tried to achieve something in the remaining quarter of the match but could not do much as East Bengal managed the game well. Pulga Vidal once again missed a few chances to score but Prabhusukhan Gill reduced the gap well and kept the score intact to secure their third win in four matches.

Punjab FC will take on Mohun Bagan Super Giants in their next match on Boxing Day (December 26) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

-IANS

aaa/bsk/