ISL Match Result: Cleiton Silva's Early Goal Seals East Bengal Win Over Hyderabad FC

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ISL Match Result: East Bengal struggled to a 1-0 win over bottom-placed Hyderabad FC despite taking an early lead through Cleiton Silva (10') at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday (February 17).

Second of the double-header on the day, East Bengal rekindled their hopes of getting back in the race for the sixth place, last play-off spot. The result put the Red and Gold Brigade back to the eighth spot with 15 points in 14 matches.

Playing in their rarely-wore blue and white kit, East Bengal entered this game looking for their first victory in six encounters. The three points on the evening were crucial after losing their previous two games to Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC.

Since the team's victory in the Kalinga Super Cup final in Bhubaneswar last month, head coach Carles Cuadrat has been searching for answers to a variety of issues. Regarding that, he will be happy with his players' efforts in tonight's match; the offensive strategy mainly focuses on using crosses from both ends of the field to attack Hyderabad FC's inexperienced defense.

To their credit, Nishu Kumar played a crucial part in the players' readiness for the task from the outset on the left side of the field. The former Kerala Blasters FC player ran forward with intent, beating his man to swivel in a lovely cross for Silva, who was standing just a few yards from Gurmeet Singh, the goalie for Hyderabad FC.

To take the much-needed lead, Silva leaped at the ideal moment, met the ball precisely, and nodded it home. Despite the early lead, Cuadrat stuck to the plan even after the intermission. When Victor Vazquez saw some decent open space on the right flank, he curled inside the box to throw a lateral pass to Hijazi Maher, who was closing in.

Maher reached the end of the cross but lost control of his head attempt. It may also be said that Hyderabad FC's lack of urgency in rising to the challenges posed by the Kolkata-based team was evident.

In extra time during the second half, Alex Saji and Joao Victor received their second yellow cards, causing Hyderabad FC even more problems. This will cause them to miss the upcoming match, which will worsen Hyderabad's already dire situation given their injured team and dismal record this year.

With this victory, East Bengal FC has above Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, and they will be hoping that this improves their chances of making it to the playoffs.