East Bengal FC Secure Third Consecutive ISL Win With 2-0 Triumph Over Hyderabad FC, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

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East Bengal FC secured their third consecutive victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 with a 2-0 win over Hyderabad FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata. This marks the first time the Red and Gold Brigade have won three matches in a row in the ISL, keeping their playoff aspirations alive.

Despite having only 46.5% possession and a pass completion rate of 76%, East Bengal FC made the most of their limited chances, converting both their shots on target into goals in the dying moments of the game. The win propels them to eighth place in the standings with 27 points from 22 matches.

The hosts endured early pressure from Hyderabad FC before breaking free through a swift counter-attack in the 10th minute. Nishu Kumar set up Raphael Messi Bouli on the left flank with a well-timed pass, but the forward missed the target while attempting a powerful shot instead of squaring the ball to Dimitrios Diamantakos.

Hyderabad FC responded in the 20th minute through Ayush Adhikari's precise aerial ball that found Edmilson Correia inside the box. However, Anwar Ali forced Correia into a tight angle, limiting his shot's effectiveness, and goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill made a crucial save to keep the scores level.

The disconnect between Messi Bouli and Diamantakos surfaced again in the 54th minute when Gill's long ball caught the Hyderabad FC defense off-guard. Messi Bouli opted to go solo instead of passing to the unmarked Greek striker, and his shot struck the woodwork, missing another opportunity.

As the match neared its conclusion, East Bengal FC capitalized on Hyderabad FC's defensive lapses. In the 86th minute, a corner led to an own goal by Manoj Mohammed, as Hyderabad's defense failed to deal with East Bengal's attacking pressure.

In stoppage time, Saul Crespo played a pivotal role in sealing the win. He set up Messi Bouli inside the box, allowing the forward to slot the ball into the bottom left corner, securing all three points for the Red and Gold Brigade.

With this crucial win, East Bengal FC continue their push for a playoff spot, showcasing resilience and efficiency despite limited opportunities in front of goal.