A match between Odisha FC and SC East Bengal is always sure to be a goal-fest, the fixture previously recording 11 goals. This time as well, it did not disappoint. Odisha FC put 6 past East Bengal, with the latter registering 4 goals of their own in a fast-paced tie at Tilak Maidan, Goa.
It took just 13 minutes for the floodgates to open. Darren Sidoel (13′) was first on the scoresheet, netting credit to a long throw-in. Soon, Odisha’s Hector Rodas (33′, 40′) and Javi Hernandez (45′) flipped the game on its head.
In the second period, substitutes Aridai Cabrera (71, 90+3′) and Isak Vanlalruatfela (83′) came on to add to the scores. East Bengal would not go down easy though, with Thongkhosiem Haokip (81′) and Daniel Chima’s (90′, 90+2′ pen) late brace giving them a glimmer of hope. Nonetheless, it was too little too late as the final whistle spelled another loss for SCEB.
Odisha FC: Player Ratings
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Coach: Kiko Ramirez
Goalkeeper: K. Singh (5/10)
Defenders: H. Antonay (5.5/10), H. Rodas (8.5/10), V. Mongil (6.5/10), Lalruatthara (5/10)
Midfielders: V. Rai (7.5/10), T. S. Moirangthem (7/10)
Forwards: J. Mawihmingthanga (7/10), L. Krasniqi (7.5/10), N. Kumar (6/10), J. Hernandez (9/10)
Substitutes: I. Vanlalruatfela (7.5/10), A. Cabrera (8/10), Jonathas (7.5/10), Vanmalsawma (6/10), G. Bora (5/10)
SC East Bengal: Player Ratings
Formation: 4-4-2
Coach: Manolo Diaz
Goalkeeper: S. Sen (4.5/10)
Defenders: H. Mondal (6.5/10), F. Prce (5/10), R. Gaikwad (5/10), J. Lourenco (5.5/10)
Midfielders: B. Jairu (5/10), A. Dervisevic (5.5/10), M. Rafique (6/10), N. M. Singh (5/10)
Forwards: D. Sidoel (6.5/10), A. Perosevic (6/10)
Substitutes: S. Haokip (6.5/10), D. Chima (7.5/10)
Player of the Match
Putting up a solid display, both in defensively and in attack, center-back Hector Rodas was awarded Hero of the match. Post-match, he shared his thoughts a 6-4 thumping win: “I am very happy to get the three points. I am happy to score two goals and help the team. We want to enjoy these three points but tomorrow we start to prepare for the next match. I dedicate my two goals to my family.”
The Spaniard got in action with a brace, 2 goals of similar nature. First up, he drew level for his side from an inch-perfect freekick. Fellow countryman Hernandez swung in a pinpoint freekick to pick out an unmarked Rodas who headed home with ease.
However, the defender was not done just yet. 7 minutes later, the Spanish duo combined once more. This time from a Hernandez corner, Rodas beat his marker again in the center of the area to nod home for a second.
Odisha FC now sit in 2nd position in the ISL table while SC East Bengal hold a single point after 3 matches.
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