KOLKATA: East Bengal drew 1-1 against Bengaluru FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

The Blues held an overwhelming 67.9% of the possession but needed the added time of the second half to grab a point from the fixture, ending East Bengal FC’s playoff charge.

The Red and Gold Brigade, placed eighth, have 28 points from 23 games now, and could get to a maximum of 31 with one game remaining, which would still fall short of the currently sixth-placed NorthEast United FC (32).

East Bengal’s moment came through Saul Crespo, who was determined to find his footing within the penalty area. Saul momentarily lost balance though but laid a short pass for Raphael Messi Bouli still. Messi Bouli cut in from the right and shot from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner in the 11th minute, as Sandhu could not get his hands to the end of the shot.

The home side were however reduced to 10 men at the brink of the half-time whistle as Dimitrios Diamantakos was shown a red card following a feisty challenge.

Momentum finally swayed in Bengaluru FC’s favour at the 90th minute mark as Nishu Kumar ended up handling the ball while marking Sunil Chhetri inside the 18-yard zone. Chhetri assumed spot-kick duties, dispatching the ball into the bottom right corner with thorough composure, earning the draw for the visitors.

East Bengal FC will play their next game against NorthEast United FC on March 8, whereas Bengaluru FC are set to meet Mumbai City FC on March 11.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)