East Bengal are back, and the resurgence is impossible to miss. With three consecutive clean sheets, including two victories, the Red-and-Gold brigade have clawed their way to 11th spot in the ISL 2024-25 league standings. Their latest triumph, a commanding 2-0 away win against Chennaiyin FC, sets the stage for an enticing home clash against Odisha FC on December 12. This turnaround is a testament to their reinvigorated fitness regime and the tactical acumen of their Spanish coach, Oscar Bruzon. Every player has played a pivotal role.
Saul Crespo, Bruzon’s fellow Spaniard, has emerged as East Bengal’s midfield general, dictating play with his vision, skill, and composure. Beyond his technical ability, his leadership has been crucial in stabilising the team during tense moments. Against Chennaiyin FC, Crespo shone brightly, delivering a moment of brilliance with a low, precise cross from the right-hand corner of the box, setting up PV Vishnu for a clinical finish to open the scoring. However, drama soon followed. Crespo, in a bid to advance the ball, felt discomfort in his left hamstring and had to be stretchered off, raising concerns about his fitness. According to ISL reports, he might be sidelined for two weeks.
One can debate endlessly, and whispers could be heard of a calculated masterstroke. Deep into the second half, during the drinks break, Crespo was seen arguing heatedly with the fourth official on the sidelines. At first glance, the altercation seemed unnecessary, given East Bengal’s firm grip on the game. However, a deeper analysis hinted at tactical chicanery. Crespo was already on three yellow cards this season, and a fourth would rule him out of the Odisha match – a game he was likely to miss due to the injury. By intentionally drawing a booking, Crespo ensured that when he returns to the field, his disciplinary slate would be wiped clean, giving him a fresh start for the rest of the season.
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This ingenious ploy brought to mind a similar incident from the 2010-11 season, orchestrated by none other than José Mourinho during his tenure at Real Madrid. In a Champions League group-stage encounter against Ajax, with Madrid cruising to a 4-0 lead and guaranteed top spot, Mourinho devised a cunning plan. Star players Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos, both at risk of suspension due to accumulated yellow cards, were instructed to earn deliberate red cards. This ensured they missed the inconsequential final group match against Auxerre, but entered the knockout rounds without any disciplinary concerns.
The execution was as audacious as it was effective. Alonso wasted time blatantly to earn his dismissal, while Ramos, taking a goal kick for no apparent reason, delayed play to an absurd degree until the referee showed him a second yellow. He even shook hands with the officials on his way off, an ironic gesture in the face of calculated mischief. While UEFA penalised Madrid for these antics, it remains one of the most infamous examples of Mourinho’s tactical genius, prioritising the team’s long-term success over immediate optics.
Fast forward to December 7, 2024, at the Marina Arena, and one couldn’t help but draw parallels between Mourinho’s ploy and Crespo’s actions. Both involved Spanish players under Iberian tacticians, demonstrating a willingness to push boundaries to secure a competitive edge. Whether Crespo’s actions were a calculated move or pure coincidence, they underline East Bengal’s commitment to smart, results-driven football under Bruzon.
The parallels with Mourinho’s legacy are fascinating, and Crespo’s antics will undoubtedly fuel discussions among fans and pundits. Whatever the truth, one thing is certain: East Bengal’s rise in the league is no fluke. They are playing clever, determined football, and if this level of ingenuity continues, they could be set for much more than just survival in the ISL.