Bengaluru FC Edges Past East Bengal FC 1-0 in a Tight ISL 2024-25 Clash: Vinith Venkatesh Scores the Decisive Goal – Match 3

Bengaluru FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over East Bengal FC in their opening match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The game, held on September 14, was marked by a tense and physical battle between the two teams, ultimately decided by a first-half goal from 19-year-old Vinith Venkatesh, who made an impactful ISL debut.

First Half: Bengaluru takes the lead

The match started with both teams showing caution, leading to a cagey opening with numerous fouls disrupting the flow of play. East Bengal’s Nandha Kumar received an early yellow card for a reckless tackle on Bengaluru’s Suresh Wangjam, setting the tone for a match characterized by aggressive play. Both sides struggled to create clear chances initially, with defenses holding strong against sporadic attacking threats.

The first real chance of the game fell to East Bengal when Jeakson Singh unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, forcing Bengaluru’s goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu into a crucial save. Bengaluru responded quickly, with Roshan Singh stealing possession and setting up Edgar Mendez, whose long-range effort narrowly missed the target.

Bengaluru FC broke the deadlock in the 25th minute through a well-crafted move involving Mendez, who found Vinith Venkatesh in space on the right wing. The youngster demonstrated excellent control and composure, cutting inside before slotting the ball into the bottom corner to give his team the lead. This goal not only marked Venkatesh’s first ISL goal but also made him the youngest scorer in Bengaluru FC’s history.

Second Half: East Bengal’s Struggle

The second half continued in the same aggressive fashion, with both teams pushing hard in the midfield. East Bengal had a golden opportunity to level the score when substitute Hijazi Maher played Nandha Kumar through on goal, but Gurpreet Singh Sandhu once again came to Bengaluru’s rescue with a fine save.

East Bengal’s manager Carles Cuadrat made tactical adjustments by introducing star signing Madih Talal and forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz in an attempt to inject more attacking impetus. The changes nearly paid off when Diaz found the back of the net, only for his effort to be ruled offside. Despite creating several chances, East Bengal could not find the finishing touch they needed.

As the match progressed, tensions continued to rise, culminating in East Bengal’s Lalchungnunga receiving a second yellow card in the 87th minute for a rash challenge, reducing his team to ten men. This setback effectively ended East Bengal’s hopes of salvaging a point from the match, allowing Bengaluru FC to see out the game and secure all three points.

Key Performances

Vinith Venkatesh was the standout performer for Bengaluru FC, not just for his match-winning goal but also for his overall play, which included maintaining a 77% passing accuracy. His performance was a continuation of the promise he showed during the Durand Cup, signaling a bright future for the academy graduate.

For East Bengal, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s solid goalkeeping was a critical factor in maintaining Bengaluru’s lead. His saves, especially against Nandha Kumar and Jeakson Singh, were vital in keeping East Bengal at bay.

Tactical Insights

Bengaluru FC’s approach was characterized by solid defensive organization and quick counter-attacks, leveraging the pace and technical ability of their forwards. The team’s compact shape made it difficult for East Bengal to penetrate through the middle, forcing them to rely on long-range shots and crosses, which were effectively dealt with by Bengaluru’s defense and goalkeeper.

East Bengal, despite having more possession in the second half, struggled to break down Bengaluru’s disciplined defensive line. The lack of composure in the final third and the inability to convert chances ultimately cost them the match. The red card further compounded their difficulties, leaving them vulnerable and unable to mount a late comeback.

Looking Ahead

Following this result, Bengaluru FC will look to build on their positive start when they host Hyderabad FC on September 19. The team will aim to continue their strong defensive performances while hoping that young talents like Venkatesh can continue to deliver in front of goal.

East Bengal FC, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Kerala Blasters on September 22 in Kochi. Carles Cuadrat’s side will focus on improving their discipline and finding better solutions in the attacking phase to convert their possession into goals.

This opening match highlighted both teams’ potential and areas needing improvement as they navigate the early stages of the ISL 2024-25 season. For Bengaluru FC, it was a promising start driven by a blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership, while East Bengal will seek to refine their approach to avoid similar setbacks in their upcoming fixtures.

Bengaluru FC vs East Bengal FC Match Highlights