East Bengal FC, Punjab FC Share Points In Thrilling ISL Encounter

Bengal FC and Punjab FC drew 0–0 in a high-intensity ISL clash in Kolkata, featuring 29 attempts, 7 saves , and strong performances from both goalkeepers, but no breakthrough despite late chances and pressure.

Despite the lack of goals, the result kept East Bengal top of the table with 22 points from 11 matches , while Punjab FC moved up to sixth place with 19 points from the same number of games . East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill was named Player of the Match for his crucial interventions.

Punjab FC began strongly, with captain Dani Ramírez nearly breaking the deadlock in the 6th minute through a long-range effort that skimmed past the near post. The visitors dominated possession early, with Ramírez dictating play and Manglenthang Kipgen making intelligent forward runs.

East Bengal gradually grew into the game, using width effectively through Bipin Singh and PV Vishnu , but found it difficult to break through a disciplined Punjab defence led by Bijoy V and Khaiminthang Lhungdim .

The hosts came closest in the 30th minute when Miguel Figueira’s through ball released Bipin Singh , only for goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh to rush out and make a vital block.Punjab responded with repeated efforts from Kipgen and Ramírez, but Gill remained solid, producing key saves to keep the match level at half-time.

The tempo increased after the break as Punjab surged forward. In the 53rd minute, Shami Singamayum’s diving header was brilliantly tipped away by Gill following a well-delivered cross from Lhungdim. Punjab continued to press, but East Bengal’s defence, marshalled by Kevin Sibille and Anwar Ali , held firm under sustained pressure.

East Bengal then created a big chance in the 75th minute when Figueira’s curling strike hit the far post and bounced away. In the closing stages, substitute Anton Søjberg was denied by Arshdeep Singh , while Pablo Renan dos Santos produced a crucial clearance for Punjab.

The drama peaked in the 90th minute when Mohamad Basim Rashid attempted a sensational long-range effort from near the halfway line , beating the goalkeeper but crashing off the crossbar. Moments later, Figueira headed narrowly wide from a scramble.

Despite late pressure from both sides, the match ended 0–0 , with both teams forced to share the spoils after a fiercely contested encounter.