Watch, highlights ISL 2023-24: East Bengal FC beat Bengaluru FC to end their playoff hopes

East Bengal FC took a huge step towards qualifying for the Indian Super League playoffs after beating Bengaluru FC 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday.

Goals from Saul Crespo and Cleiton Silva either side of a Sunil Chhetri penalty helped the Red & Gold Brigade jump to sixth in the standings.

East Bengal have 24 points from 21 matches as a consequence of this result, helping them edge past Chennaiyin FC (7th) and NorthEast United FC (8th) in the table. Bengaluru FC, with 22 points from 21 games, are out of the contention to qualify for the playoffs.

Chennaiyin FC are set to clash with NorthEast United FC on April 9. Even if the Marina Machans draw that game, and the Blues win their last match against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the two teams will be tied on 25 points. Given that Chennaiyin FC have a better head-to-head record against Bengaluru FC, they will beat the ISL 2018-19 champions for a place in the playoffs.

The lively Naorem Mahesh Singh was brought down on the left side of the Bengaluru FC box by 19-year-old midfielder Lalremtluanga Fanai. It was a straightforward spot-kick, which Saul converted by slotting the ball on the bottom...

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