Chennai City FC consolidated its position at the top, downing East Bengal 2-1 at the latter’s home at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday. It was sweet revenge for the visitors who had suffered the ignominy of losing 1-7 against the Kolkata giant in their last meeting in the city. Chennai City has 10 points from four matches and East Bengal six from three.
Spaniards Sandro Rodriguez and Nestor Gordillo found the target on either side of the break, the former converting a free-kick and the latter a penalty. Spanish striker Enrique Tirado reduced the margin for East Bengal early on in the second half.
Creative spark
Playing creatively in the first half, Chennai City dominated proceedings with its Spanish foursome — Sandro, Roberto Eslava, Nestor and Pedro Manzi — in the thick of things. Gordillo could have scored in the fifth minute but could not reach the floater before East Bengal goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar.
The hosts had their best chance in the 13th minute when a Lalrindika Ralte free kick found Borja Perez in the Chennai City box, but the alert defender Gaurav Bora thwarted the attempt. Six minutes later, Chennai City’s Manzi missed a big opportunity, sent the ball wide with an open goal in front of him.
It was a foul on Rodriguez in the injury-time of the first half that resulted in a goal for Chennai City. Taking the free kick from around 25 yards, Rodriguez curled the ball beautifully beyond the reach of a diving Dagar.
After the break, East Bengal found the equaliser after a series of passes involving Jobby Justi, Surabuddin Mallick and Johnny Acosta before the latter set up Enrique.
Despite the goal, Chennai City went in search of a goal which came off a late penalty (87th minute) when Dagar brought down Pravitto Raju inside the box. Gordillo, who made no mistake.
The result: East Bengal 1 (Enrique Tirado 52) lost to Chennai City FC 2 (Sandro Rodriguez 45+2, Nestor Gordillo 87).