East Bengal defeated NorthEast United FC 1-0 for their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season as the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Friday. (Points Table | Fixtures | Football News)
Dimitrios Diamantakos' 23rd-minute goal helped the Red and Gold Brigade to their first win under new manager Óscar Bruzón.
East Bengal FC were off the blocks quickly as Jeakson Singh caught the NorthEast United FC backline off guard with a vicious cross from the right flank. The cross reached PV Vishnu in space in the penalty area but Gurmeet Singh kept out his tame subsequent effort in goal.
The Red and Golds came close to scoring once again from a freekick from close range when Madih Talal struck the target but was kept out by an outstretched Gurmeet diving to his left.
Minutes later, the Highlanders almost grabbed the lead when Parthib Gogoi was through on goal. Just when he was about to slot it home, Lalchungnunga came with a fantastic block to keep the scores level.
With both the teams taking the attack to each other, it certainly turned into a feisty affair with plenty of tackles flying in.
Eventually, East Bengal FC's early pressure and persistence in attack paid dividends as Diamantakos headed them into the lead in the 23rd minute following a beautifully weighted ball from Talal.
The result saw The Red and Gold Brigade gather their first points of the season whereas the Highlanders remain third in the table.
(With PTI inputs)
