ISL: East Bengal FC beat Punjab FC 3-1 as playoff race heats up- Talking points

East Bengal FC continued their resurgence with a 3-1 victory over Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, on Saturday.

Goals from Dimitrios Diamantakos, Naorem Mahesh Singh, and Lalchungnunga secured the crucial three points for the Red and Gold Brigade, while Punjab FC’s Ezequiel Vidal managed a consolation strike.

This result extends East Bengal’s unbeaten run in away games to three, keeping their slim mathematical hopes of making the playoffs alive.

They are now 10th in the table with 24 points from 21 games, level with Punjab FC, who have dropped to 11th. However, both teams are still eight points behind sixth-placed Mumbai City FC with only three games remaining, making a playoff berth an uphill battle.

Here are five key talking points from the match:

#5 Dimitrios Diamantakos breaks his goal drought

The Greek forward finally ended his nine-game scoring drought with a much-needed goal in the 15th minute. His early strike, East Bengal’s first in the opening 15 minutes of a match this season, came from a shot that went through the legs of Punjab FC goalkeeper Ravi Kumar. Diamantakos last found the net in December against Jamshedpur FC, and his return to scoring form could be crucial for East Bengal in their remaining fixtures.

#4 Raphael Messi Bouli runs the show

Cameroonian attacker Raphael Messi Bouli was instrumental in East Bengal FC’s win, playing a part in all three goals. His physical presence and creativity helped unlock Punjab FC’s defense multiple times. He assisted Mahesh Singh’s goal, played a role in the build-up for Lalchungnunga’s strike, and created three key chances. His five accurate crosses showcased his ability to influence proceedings, making him the standout performer on the night.

#3 Punjab FC’s defensive lapses prove costly

Despite showing promise in attack, Punjab FC’s backline struggled to handle East Bengal’s high press and set-piece threats. Poor marking and hesitation allowed Mahesh Singh and Lalchungnunga to capitalize on loose balls inside the box. Punjab FC goalkeeper Ravi Kumar’s mistake for the first goal only added to their woes. Defensive errors have haunted Punjab FC throughout the season, and this match was another example of their inability to maintain composure under pressure.

#2 Playoff chances all but over for both teams

With just three games left, both East Bengal FC and Punjab FC are stuck at 24 points—eight behind the final playoff spot. Even if they win all their remaining matches, they would still need teams above them to drop points significantly. Their inconsistent performances earlier in the season have left them in this predicament, and the playoffs now seem out of reach barring a dramatic sequence of results.

#1 East Bengal FC’s best away run in the ISL era

For a club known for its struggles on the road, East Bengal’s current unbeaten streak of three consecutive away games marks a significant improvement. While their home form has been inconsistent, their ability to grind out results on difficult away trips provides some encouragement. However, they need to replicate this form at home if they are to have any hope of salvaging their season.

What’s next for both teams?

Punjab FC will host FC Goa on February 27, hoping to recover from their latest setback. Meanwhile, East Bengal FC returns home to face Hyderabad FC on February 26 in a must-win clash to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.