After weeks of frustrating near-misses, East Bengal FC finally tasted sweet victory on January 24, 2025, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win over Kerala Blasters FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The Red and Gold Brigade’s triumph marked a much-needed breath of fresh air, providing both relief and renewed hope for the remainder of the Indian Super League (ISL) season. With this victory, East Bengal moves up to 11th position with 17 points, and the focus is now on building momentum for upcoming challenges.
Key Moments of the Match
The match began with an early burst of energy from East Bengal FC, as PV Vishnu opened the scoring in the 20th minute. His calm finish from a precise cross set the tone for a gritty performance. In the second half, Hijazi Maher’s well-taken goal in the 72nd minute doubled their lead, but Kerala Blasters responded late with a Danish Farooq goal in the 84th minute, adding tension to the final stages of the match. However, despite the late pressure, East Bengal held on to secure the three points.
How Bruzon’s Strategy Led to Victory
Head coach Oscar Bruzon, whose team has faced a series of challenges this season, was visibly relieved in the post-match press conference. Reflecting on the tactical discipline that his team displayed, Bruzon credited their control of the central midfield area as the key to the victory. He said, “The most important thing is that the team was controlling the central area of the pitch. That’s where we built most of our attacks.”
Bruzon’s emphasis on midfield dominance was clear throughout the match, with Naorem Mahesh Singh standing out for his intelligent play and ability to link up the attack. “Mahesh can optimise a lot in these central positions,” Bruzon added, noting that the midfielder’s presence was pivotal in creating chances.
Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges
This victory wasn’t just about the three points; it was a testament to East Bengal’s resilience. Bruzon highlighted how injuries, defensive issues, and a string of tough results had hampered his team’s progress this season. “We’ve had a lot of suffering in the last weeks. But today, the team showed a fighting spirit. We managed to overcome the challenges,” he said.
For East Bengal FC, overcoming defensive lapses and injuries (including key players like Provat Lakra and Saúl Crespo) was crucial in securing the win. Bruzon remained cautious, however, about his squad’s future matches. “We’re not out of the woods yet. We need to keep pushing,” he said, referring to the team’s upcoming fixtures, including a tough clash against Mumbai City FC on January 31.
Vishnu’s Strong National Team Chances
One of the standout players for East Bengal FC in this match was PV Vishnu. The forward’s recent performances have been exceptional, and Bruzon did not hesitate to suggest that Vishnu is a serious contender for the national team. “He is one of the most informed players, not just in our club but in the entire ISL,” said Bruzon, following up on a conversation he had with the national team coach. The 20th-minute goal showed that Vishnu’s rise to prominence is no fluke.
What’s Next for East Bengal FC?
As East Bengal FC looks to build on this victory, Bruzon remains cautiously optimistic. The team’s next test is against high-flying Mumbai City FC, and while Bruzon faces doubts about the availability of his injured stars, he remains confident. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I believe this team has the potential to climb the standings,” he concluded.
