East Bengal edge past wasteful Bengaluru FC 1-0

The goalscorer, Avinash Ruidas

Bengaluru FC’s goal misses cost them three crucial points in their third game of the Hero I-League. Bengaluru FC dominated the entire game but failed to find the back of the net even though they got a number of opportunities. Subhashish Roy Chowdhury also denied the Federation Cup champions on several occasions. Avinash Ruidas punished the visiting side in the beginning of the second half when he scored the all-important goal from Ranti Martins’ pass.

Bengaluru got their first chance as early as in the 4th minute when Joshua Walker created a chance for Robin Singh. The India International hesitated to take the shot and Milan Susak cleared the ball.

Armando Colaco’s side played defensive football throughout the first half. The game was mostly going on in East Bengal’s half. Around the 14th-minute mark, Joshua Walker dribbled passed one East Bengal defender and took a blinder of a shot. Thankfully for East Bengal, Subhashish pulled off a brilliant save and restricted Bengaluru from taking an early lead. Subhashish Roy Chowdhury made another fantastic save this time denying Egueneson Lyngdoh.

East Bengal, on the other hand, persisted with their dull long ball style of football. Ranti Martins was alone in the opponent’s half. John Johnson and Curtis Osano did not face any hassle in stopping the Nigerian.

East Bengal improved in the second half

East Bengal began the second half on a better note. They looked more positive in their approach. Their attacking mindset yielded them their all-important goal in the 53rd minute. Deepak Mondal ran down the flank and dribbled passed Keegan Perreira and crossed the ball inside the penalty box. Ranti Martins received the ball and passed it to young Avinash Ruidas who converted.

The goal gave the home side confidence. They started attacking and maintained ball possession better than Bengaluru FC.

The last 20 minutes of the game was entirely dominated by Bengaluru FC. Subhashish Roy Chowdhury yet again came to rescue for East Bengal when he saved Beikhokhei’s shot in the 71st minute.

East Bengal continued to be Bengaluru FC’s jinx as they maintained their all-win record against the latter. East Bengal bagged crucial three points to remain at the top half of the league table, while the defending champions struggle at the bottom half of the table without a single victory from the first three matches.