Tilak Maidan witnessed another thrilling goal-fest, SC East Bengal just edged 3-4 by FC Goa. A late goal by Alberto Noguera handed FC Goa their first win and first 3 points of the season. But it spelt further misery for East Bengal, who remain winless.
Alberto Noguera opened the scoring just 14 minutes with a rocket of a hit. East Bengal were swift to reply with their own spectacular goal – an Antonio Perosevic (26′) screamer. Jorge Ortiz Mendoza converted from a penalty 6 minutes later for 2-1. This lead still was short-lived, as Amir Dervisevic (37′) slotted home a free-kick a minute or so later.
Just as things seemed to have simmered a notch, FC Goa were ahead once again. This time, it was an own goal from SCEB forward Antonio Perosevic. However, he redeemed himself by bringing his side level once again, scoring his second and EB’s 3rd in the 59th minute.
In the end, it was FC Goa who had the final say. Alberto Noguera netted in the 79th minute and rounded off the scores to 3-4, allowing Goa to edge the Kolkata-based side.
SC East Bengal: Player Ratings
Formation: 4-4-2
Coach: Manolo Díaz
Goalkeeper: S. Sen (5/10)
Defenders: F. Prce (6/10), R. Gaikwad (5.5/10), T. Mrcela (6/10), H. Mondal (5.5/10)
Midfielders: S. Das (6/10), A. Dervisevic (7/10), B. Jairu (5.5/10), N. M. Singh (7/10)
Forwards: A. S. Kiyam (6.5/10), A. Perosevic (8.5/10)
Substitutes: A. Khan (6/10), D. C. Chukwu (6.5/10)
FC Goa: Player Ratings
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Coach: Juan Ferrando
Goalkeeper: D. S. Moirangthem (5.5/10)
Defenders: A. Dohling (6.5/10), I. Gonzalez (7/10), Md. Ali (6.5/10), S. Gama (6/10)
Midfielders: G. Martins (6.5/10), E. Bedia (7/10)
Forwards: A. Noguera (8.5/10), S. Fernandes (6/10), D. Murgaonkar (5.5/10), J. Ortiz Mendoza (8/10)
Substitutes: N. Naorem (5.5/10), S. Pereira (6/10), Md. Nemil (6.5/10), P. Rebello (6/10), D. Fox (6/10)
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
An impressive showing tonight gifted Alberto Noguera the Hero of the Match award. Noguera: “Right now I feel very tired but I am very happy because it was a win for the team and we needed it. It was a very important match for us and we got the three points. We need to look (ahead) for the next game now, we have a chance tomorrow to train harder than before. We just have to keep looking forward“.
The midfielder pulled the strings for Goa in the midfield. Aiding his team in most areas, he covered a lot of the field. It was Noguera’s opener that set the ball rolling, scoring an absolute pile-driver of an effort. The Spaniard bagged the winner as well, sealing 3 points for Goa.
Playing provider, he engineered an opportunity for Ortiz, whose effort went wide from close range. Assister at the other end too, Perosevic netted an own-goal from a Noguera corner.
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