SC East Bengal's woeful season continued even at the closing stages of the Indian Super League 2020-21. It succumbed to a 1-2 defeat to NorthEast United FC with ten men at the Fatorda Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday. With this loss, SCEB remains at the ninth spot, while NEU rises to fourth.
The opening half saw six attacks, including a couple of saves from both the goalkeepers. Nonetheless, the chances were not promising enough to find the net, as it all remained locked at half-time.
The second half saw the first attack in the 47th minute being a goal, as Suhair Vadakkepeedika put NEU ahead with his left foot to the bottom-right from the centre, thanks to Imran Khan's assist. It was followed by four more attempts until the 54th minute, including a save from SCEB goalkeeper Mirshad Michu.
Nonetheless, the exact minute saw NEU doubling the lead as SCEB's Sarthak Golui put it into his net. A couple of more attacks ensued, but SCEB's Raju Eknath Gaikwad was handed the second yellow of the game following a harsh tackle on Deshorn Brown, resulting in being sent off in the 70th minute.There were five more attempts made since, including another save in the 84th minute from NEU keeper Subhasis Roy Chowdhury. However, the next minute saw SCEB pull one back, with Sarthak Golui putting his header to the bottom-left from the centre, as Surchandra Singh's cross from a free-kick did the job. An attack followed from both, but to no avail, as NEU walked away with the three points upon the referee's full-time whistle.