East Bengal FC fall short against FC Goa

East Bengal FC suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 match played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday.

The loss leaves the Red & Gold Brigade three points behind the elusive playoff spot in the standings. Coach Carles and the boys now have their tasks cut out needing results in all of the remaining games to stay in touch with the rest of the pack vying for the playoff spot.

Away from home at the Fatorda, the boys fought valiantly against Manolo Marquez’s Goa side which had been struggling for fluency over the last few weeks but a Noah Sadoui goal a few minutes ahead of half time gave FC Goa the lead which would prove enough on the night.

Both sides went at it in the second half as the hosts tried to double their advantage whilst East Bengal looked for an equaliser. However both defences managed to keep their counterparts at bay and the night ended with the hosts snatching a narrow win.

Speaking after the match, Coach Cuadrat said, “A lot of things went wrong. They won the physical game and then it is very difficult to be competitive. We tried to make advantage by bringing more players to the centre of the pitch, playing 4-3-3 against their 4-4-2. But we were losing the ball too easily. In the first half, we didn’t take advantage and were putting us under pressure.”

“I understand the players. It has been eight games in just four weeks. Unfortunately, we have some injuries like Saul and Pardo, and the new signings are trying to understand our tactics. I am demanding a lot of effort from them and they can’t deliver every week. It happens in football,” he added.

The Red and Golds will now have to recoup quickly and prepare for the upcoming Kolkata Derby which has the potential to rejuvenate the run in for the boys in the coming weeks.

Speaking on the upcoming fixtures, Coach Cuadrat added, “We have to be optimistic. We still have 12 points to play. And now the next one is an important game, the ‘Boro Match’, and if we get a result there, maybe we will get another dynamic. We will keep working for the club.”