East Bengal’s ISL Campaign Ends in Defeat Against Punjab FC

Sayak Banerjee / 11-04-2024

East Bengal had never before clinched back-to-back victories in the ISL, making their recent achievement a groundbreaking moment in their campaign. With aspirations high for a strong finish in the final stretch of six matches, East Bengal faced Punjab FC with the imperative to secure a win. However, their ambitions were swiftly dashed as Punjab FC dealt a decisive blow with a 4-1 victory, sealing the fate of the red-and-gold brigade.

Punjab FC, newcomers to the ISL this season, had caught attention from the outset. In their recent outings, they narrowly lost to Mohun Bagan by a single goal, but this time they convincingly outplayed another Kolkata powerhouse, East Bengal, in a crucial match. Wilmer Jordan put Punjab FC ahead in the 19th minute, leveling the score after Sayan Banerjee’s goal for East Bengal in the 25th minute. However, Punjab FC regained control before halftime with Madi Talla’s goal, taking a 2-1 lead. The second half saw Punjab FC dominate completely, capitalizing on East Bengal’s defensive vulnerabilities exacerbated by key player absences due to disciplinary issues.

The match concluded with Punjab FC securing a 4-1 victory, leaving East Bengal reeling and reflecting on what could have been in a season of ups and downs. Despite the disappointment, East Bengal will now look to regroup and plan for future campaigns in the ISL, aiming to learn from this season’s challenges and emerge stronger in the seasons ahead.