East Bengal proved too strong for Punjab FC as the Red and Gold brigade booked their place in the Super Cup final with a commanding 3-1 win.
The 2024 Super Cup champions delivered a dominant display, exposing Punjab’s decision to field only three foreign players in the starting XI. However, East Bengal will walk into the final without their head coach Oscar Bruzon, who was sent off at halftime following heated exchanges with the referee.
East Bengal wasted no time in asserting control. Punjab set up with three centre-backs and two wing-backs in an attempt to restrict space for East Bengal’s potent attack, but the plan was undone early. In the 12th minute, a corner led to chaos in the box, and Mohammed Rashid reacted quickest, drilling the rebound into the bottom-left corner to hand East Bengal the lead.
Punjab responded by increasing their tempo in search of an equaliser. Samir Zeljkovic came close from another rebound off a corner, but his effort was blocked by the East Bengal defence. Their persistence finally paid off. A long diagonal pass found Pramveer Singh at the far post, whose header into the danger area struck Bipin Singh’s raised hand. The referee pointed straight to the spot, and Daniel Ramirez calmly converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity.
But the drama was far from over before halftime.
Once again, East Bengal capitalised from a set piece. Miguel Ferreira sent in a precise delivery from a corner, and Kevin Sibille rose highest inside the six-yard box to head home and restore the lead. The goal triggered heated scenes as Oscar Bruzon, already booked moments earlier for dissent, received a second yellow after forcefully striking the dugout wall in celebration, resulting in his dismissal.
Despite the absence of their coach on the touchline, East Bengal remained composed and in control after the break. Punjab struggled to string passes together under pressure, while East Bengal continued to dominate possession and territory.
The final blow arrived before the last quarter of the match. Miguel Ferreira laid the ball off to Saul Crespo outside the box, and the Spaniard unleashed a thunderous strike that flew into the net, effectively sealing the contest. With confidence high and momentum firmly on their side, East Bengal now gear up for the final, though all eyes will be on how they cope without Bruzon on the sidelines.
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