In a crucial Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 encounter, East Bengal FC secured a vital 2-0 victory over Hyderabad FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata. This win not only bolstered East Bengal’s playoff aspirations but also highlighted their growing momentum as the season nears its climax.
Pre-Match Context
East Bengal entered the match with a commendable record, having won four of their last five games. Their recent form included a 3-1 victory over Punjab FC, underscoring their attacking prowess. However, despite this positive run, they faced a challenging path to the playoffs, sitting at 24 points from 21 matches. A win against Hyderabad FC was imperative to keep their playoff hopes alive. citeturn0search8
Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, had a mixed record, with two wins and two losses in their previous five matches. They were positioned in the penultimate spot with 17 points from 21 games, making this fixture crucial for their survival in the competition. citeturn0search7
First Half: Tactical Battle
The match commenced with both teams adopting a cautious approach, aware of the high stakes involved. East Bengal dominated possession early on, orchestrating play through midfielders Cleiton Silva and Jeakson Singh. Their intricate passing and movement kept Hyderabad’s defense on their toes.
Hyderabad FC, under interim head coach Shameel Chembakath, employed a defensive strategy, aiming to exploit counter-attacks. Midfielder Issac Vanmalsawma was pivotal in transitioning play, delivering precise passes to forwards like Javier Siverio. However, East Bengal’s defense, marshaled by Alberto Rodríguez, remained resolute, thwarting Hyderabad’s offensive efforts.
Despite East Bengal’s dominance, the first half concluded without any goals, reflecting the tactical discipline of both teams.
Second Half: East Bengal’s Offensive Surge
The second half saw East Bengal intensify their attacking play. In the 60th minute, the breakthrough came when Dimitrios Diamantakos capitalized on a precise cross from Nandhakumar Sekar. Diamantakos’s clinical finish past Hyderabad goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani gave East Bengal a well-deserved lead. citeturn0search8
Hyderabad FC responded by pushing forward, with Siverio and Vanmalsawma testing East Bengal’s defense. However, goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh was in exceptional form, making crucial saves to maintain his clean sheet.
In the 68th minute, East Bengal nearly doubled their lead when Vishnu PV embarked on a dazzling solo run, evading multiple defenders before unleashing a powerful shot that struck the inside of the post and rebounded out. This near-miss highlighted East Bengal’s attacking intent and the individual brilliance within their squad.
As the match progressed, Hyderabad FC’s frustration grew, leading to defensive lapses. In the 75th minute, East Bengal capitalized on a defensive error, with Cleiton Silva pouncing on a loose ball in the box to score, effectively sealing the victory.
Post-Match Analysis
This victory was significant for East Bengal FC, as it kept their playoff hopes alive. The team’s attacking cohesion and defensive solidity were evident, with Diamantakos and Silva playing pivotal roles. The win also demonstrated the tactical acumen of head coach Oscar Bruzon, who has been instrumental in revitalizing the team’s fortunes.
For Hyderabad FC, the loss was a setback in their quest for playoff qualification. Despite moments of promise, they were unable to break down East Bengal’s defense. The team will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies to improve their position in the league standings.
Playoff Implications
With this result, East Bengal FC moved closer to the playoff spots, though their path remains challenging. The top six teams in the ISL advance to the playoffs, with the top two securing direct entry to the semi-finals. East Bengal’s current position necessitates a strong finish to the season, with maximum points from their remaining fixtures. citeturn0search5
Hyderabad FC’s playoff aspirations have been dented by this defeat. They will need to improve their form, especially in away matches, to enhance their chances of securing a playoff berth.
Conclusion
The 2-0 victory over Hyderabad FC was a testament to East Bengal FC’s resilience and quality. As the ISL 2024-25 season progresses, the Red and Gold Brigade will aim to build on this momentum, while Hyderabad FC will seek to rectify their shortcomings to remain competitive in the playoff race.
For a visual recap of the match, you can watch the official highlights below:
