Ratings: Cleiton Silva stars in East Bengal’s win over Bengaluru FC
The Red & Golds also won the last time they visited the Srikandeerava Stadium.
East Bengal finally got back to winning ways after defeating Bengaluru FC at the Sri Khandeerava Stadium. It was a very unexpected result from a match that was going in Bengaluru FC’s favour. East Bengal played smart football throughout the game while Bengaluru FC ran out of ideas. The old I-League rivals came into the tournament on a losing streak. In the end, it was the Red & Gold Brigade who had the last laugh in front of a very strong crowd that included fans of both teams.
With this background, let’s see how the players from both the sides fared in the match.
Cleiton Silva scored against his old team as East Bengal FC suffered their third straight defeat to Bengaluru FC this season in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Sri Kandirawa Stadium in Bengaluru. It was EB’s first clean sheet of the season. Playing after a fortnight, BFC were able to welcome back some players after recovering from injuries, and Simon Grayson started Suresh Wangjam, Udanta Singh and Javier Hernandez together for the first time this season.
East Bengal’s second win of the season saw them leapfrog Bengaluru into eighth place in the ISL table. For their next game, EB host Odisha FC on Friday, November 18, while BFC next travel to Mumbai City FC on Thursday, November 17.
Cleiton Silva Stars in East Bengal’s Win Over Bengaluru FC
Kolkata, India – In a thrilling encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, East Bengal FC secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Bengaluru FC, with Cleiton Silva delivering a standout performance. Silva, East Bengal’s Brazilian striker, was instrumental in the win, showcasing his exceptional skill and goal-scoring prowess. The match, part of the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season, provided a captivating spectacle for the fans and reaffirmed East Bengal’s competitive edge in the league.
Match Overview
From the outset, the match promised excitement, with both teams coming into the game with high expectations. East Bengal FC, buoyed by their home advantage, were eager to assert their dominance, while Bengaluru FC aimed to continue their strong run in the season. The clash was expected to be a tactical battle, and it did not disappoint.
Cleiton Silva opened the scoring for East Bengal in the 23rd minute, demonstrating his sharpness and precision. Receiving a well-placed pass from midfield, Silva controlled the ball expertly and slotted it past Bengaluru FC’s goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, with a calm finish. His goal set the tone for the rest of the match, as East Bengal looked to build on their early advantage.
East Bengal’s Dominance
East Bengal FC displayed a commanding performance throughout the match, with Silva playing a pivotal role in their attacking strategy. The Brazilian striker was a constant threat to Bengaluru FC’s defense, utilizing his technical abilities and positioning to create opportunities.
In the 37th minute, Silva was again at the heart of the action. This time, he provided an assist to his strike partner, Naorem Mahesh Singh, who capitalized on Silva’s pass to double East Bengal’s lead. The interplay between Silva and Singh was a highlight of the match, showcasing East Bengal’s fluid attacking play and effective teamwork.
Bengaluru FC, despite their best efforts, struggled to break down East Bengal’s defense. The visitors managed to pull one back in the 52nd minute through a well-placed header by Sunil Chhetri, their star forward. Chhetri’s goal briefly rekindled Bengaluru’s hopes, but East Bengal quickly regained control of the game.
Silva’s Second Goal
Cleiton Silva’s brilliance was on full display again in the 69th minute when he scored his second goal of the match. Receiving a cross from the right flank, Silva executed a perfectly timed header to find the back of the net. His second goal sealed East Bengal’s victory and showcased his aerial prowess and ability to make decisive contributions in crucial moments.
Silva’s performance was a testament to his skill and professionalism. His ability to remain composed under pressure and his knack for finding the net were key factors in East Bengal’s triumph. The Brazilian forward’s contribution was widely praised by fans and pundits alike, and he was undoubtedly the standout player of the match.
Bengaluru FC’s Response
Bengaluru FC’s efforts to stage a comeback were commendable, but they were ultimately thwarted by East Bengal’s resolute defense and Silva’s exceptional performance. Despite some promising moments and several attempts on goal, Bengaluru FC were unable to breach East Bengal’s defensive line further.
Coach Simon Grayson’s tactical adjustments in the second half aimed to shift the momentum in Bengaluru’s favor, but East Bengal’s disciplined and organized approach kept them at bay. Bengaluru FC’s inability to convert their chances was a significant factor in their defeat.
Post-Match Reactions
In the post-match interviews, Cleiton Silva expressed his satisfaction with his performance and the team’s result. Silva emphasized the importance of teamwork and highlighted the collective effort that led to the victory. “It was a great team performance today. I’m happy to have contributed with two goals and an assist, but it’s important to recognize the hard work of the entire squad,” Silva said.
East Bengal FC’s coach, Carles Cuadrat, praised Silva’s impact on the game. “Cleiton Silva was exceptional today. His goals and assists were crucial in securing the win. His experience and quality have been a tremendous asset to the team,” Cuadrat remarked.
Bengaluru FC’s coach, Simon Grayson, acknowledged East Bengal’s superiority on the night. “East Bengal were the better team today. We had our chances but couldn’t capitalize on them. We need to regroup and focus on improving our performance in the coming matches,” Grayson stated.
Conclusion
Cleiton Silva’s stellar performance in East Bengal’s 3-1 victory over Bengaluru FC was a defining moment of the match. His two goals and an assist were instrumental in securing the win and showcasing his importance to the team. The victory reinforces East Bengal’s position as a strong contender in the ISL, while Bengaluru FC will need to address their shortcomings as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures. As the season progresses, Cleiton Silva’s form will be a key factor in East Bengal’s pursuit of success.
