NEUFC suffer 3-0 defeat against East Bengal

KOLKATA, Feb 16: NorthEast United FC suffered a 3–0 defeat against East Bengal FC in their Indian Super League (ISL 12) opener at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), Kolkata, on Monday.
East Bengal’s Youssef Ezzejjari struck twice in the second half (65’, 71’), before Miguel Ferreira added a third in stoppage time (90+2), as the hosts claimed all three points.
Playing their first competitive match since their Super Cup campaign in early November, the Highlanders began cautiously, looking to settle into the contest and build patiently. Spaniard Andy Rodriguez, making his ISL debut alongside fellow countryman Jairo Samperio, dictated play in midfield with support from Mayakkannan and Macarton Nickson.
In attack, Parthib Gogoi partnered India international Jithin MS, whose pace and direct running consistently tested East Bengal’s backline. As the half progressed, NorthEast United FC grew into the game, and both teams went into the break on level terms.
After the restart, the Highlanders started brightly, with Jithin MS once again causing problems down the right flank. However, around the hour mark, Ezzejjari opened the scoring, converting from Bipin Singh’s cross. Six minutes later, the striker doubled East Bengal’s advantage.
NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali responded by bringing on Danny Laishram and handed an ISL debut to Lalrinzuala. Soon after, Lalbiakdika also made his first ISL appearance.
NorthEast United FC will next face Bengaluru FC away on February 22.
IMAGE CAPTION: Action from the match.