The game began with The Red & Golds understandably on the attack and pressing hard to take an early lead. Their first attempt to score came as early as in the 2nd minute of the game, but QEB were unable to draw first blood.

As the half progressed, however, QEB looked more under pressure to score and the hosts slowly but surely began to take charge. QEB also showcased high quality in defence and along with some stellar goalkeeping by Rakhsit Dagar ensured that the hosts did not take a lead.

Gokulam came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, with the closest chance coming in the 39th minute, but an improbable single-handed save by Dagar ensured that Trinidadian striker Marcus Joseph was foiled from close. The half-finished goalless.

QEB began the second half stronger as well and a Didika Ralte effort in the 62nd minute hit the right upright. The hosts, however, stunned the visitors when Marcus scored a wonderful goal off a slick Gokulam move.

Arjun Jayaraj passed ahead to Emmanuel just outside the top of the box and the Nigerian’s deft backheel set Marcus on his way on the left. The Trinidadian drove inside and unleashed an angled left-footer beating Dagar all ends-up.

QEB then increased the pressure and 10 minutes later Jamie Santos Colado restored parity off a penalty and Danmawia then put the Red & Golds ahead in the 85th minute with an opportunistic goal.

However, those two goals were not enough till the end as Chennai City FC romped home to their maiden league crown with the 3-1 win over former champions Minerva Punjab FC in Coimbatore.

Also Read: Bora takes center stage as Chennai City create history!

Also Read: Real Kashmir to the fore as Farooq brace sinks Neroca

Also Read: Bagan go out on a high against Shillong

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Esqueda was out of action after suffering a broken rib following a 3-1 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in December 2018. But the way the Mexican forward scored the first goal against Real Kashmir FC in a 2-1 win on February 28, 2019, indicated the prolific form that he has been in recently.

The Mexican did return and with astounding stats – 78% pass accuracy, 0.8 goal average and 0.2 assist average to help the Red and Golds in their quest. That coupled with 8 goals and 2 assists to his name in the Hero I-League has only added to his pedigree as a player. And resoundingly, Esqueda has been involved in 38% of the attacking play that resulted in a goal for East Bengal.

55% dribble accuracy this season perhaps is of little help to Enrique’s goal – the Hero I-League. As it stands, Chennai City FC lead the table with 40 points and a win for Chennai City FC will hand them the title regardless of East Bengal’s result against Gokulam Kerala FC. However, a draw or a loss for Chennai City FC and a win for the Red and Gold will lead them to the tile. Esqueda would certainly hope for the latter.

Ahead of their match against Gokulam Kerala FC, Alejandro Menedez, Head Coach of East Bengal, was asked about Esqueda’s importance to the team. He said, “He has been an important figure in our setup. However, it is also important to note that one player is important.”

“I am really happy that our foreigners are in good form and contributing to the team’s cause,” he added.

Also Read: Joseph winner helps Gokulam steer clear of relegation

Also Read: Esqueda and East Bengal take title race to final day!

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Enrique Esqueda was adjudged the Hero of the Match, after he put the Red and Golds ahead early in the first half, before setting up his Spanish teammate Jamie Santos Colado for the second, as the Kolkata Giants ran away with a win.

This result takes QEB to 36 points from 18 games, just four behind league leaders Chennai City FC, who have played the same number of matches. As it currently stands, East Bengal need to win their remaining two matches and hope that Chennai do not pick up more than a point from their last two games.

For Chennai, however, the equation is simple. A point each from their last two games would see them lift the title at the end of the season by virtue of a better head-to-head record against the side from Kolkata.

The Red and Golds got off to a swift start, keeping large bouts of possession in the opening exchanges. Their efforts paid dividends in the 20th minute itself, when Danmawia curled in a cross at the Kashmir far post from a Lalram Chullova through ball, for Mexican forward Enrique Esqueda to nod home.

Real Kashmir could not find their footing in the game at this stage and resorted to route-one football hoping that their Scottish forward Mason Robertson would hold up the ball and distribute it to the rest.

However, they soon received a massive blow to their endeavors, when Kofi Tetteh was sent off for dissent after he was already shown a yellow card for a foul on QEB defender Johnny Acosta.

That gave QEB the momentum for the rest of the half, and they managed to double their lead minutes before the referee blew his whistle for the half-time breather.

QEB’s Spanish playmaker Jamie Santos Colado played Esqueda through inside the Kashmir area before the latter crossed it back to the Spaniard, who volleyed it home with great aplomb.

Despite being down to 10 men, Kashmir came out with a lot of initiative in the second half. However, it was East Bengal, who had the clearer chance on the hour mark, when Danmawia made a decoy run off a Colado ball, to find himself one-on-one with Real Kashmir keeper Bilal Khan. However, the Danmawia’s shot was parried away by the custodian.

Minutes later, the Snow Leopards got the perfect chance to get back in the game when QEB goalkeeper Rakshit Daggar brought Bazzie Armand down inside his own area. The referee had no choice but to point to the spot, and Aaron Katebe made no mistake as he slotted it home from the spot.

Real Kashmir gaffer David Robertson brought on striker Gnohere Krizo in the last 10 minutes, hoping to draw level with a two-pronged attack. However, QEB managed to hold on to their slender lead, bringing the Snow Leopards’ Hero I-League title hopes to an end.

Also Read: ISL title will make consistent Goa complete

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Although both the teams have recently fallen behind leaders Chennai City FC in the title race, all options are still open to both teams if they win all their last three games, and if Chennai drop points.

The match, which will be the first for this edition of the country’s top flight football league to be played in the National Capital, will kick off at 2 pm IST.

The decision to host the game in Delhi was taken at the AIFF League Committee Meeting at Football House in Delhi on Monday, February 25, after Real Kashmir informed in writing that they wanted to play their tie against East Bengal on February 28 at a neutral venue.

Both teams are coming off a draw in their respective previous games and need to up their game significantly, given the important nature of the clash.

The ‘home team’ Real Kashmir now have 33 points from 17 games and maintained their unbeaten record on the road as they stole a crucial point against Indian Arrows following the 2-2 draw at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar three days back.

Visitors QEB are placed second from the same number of games and with the same number of points as Real Kashmir (33) but are ahead on goal difference.

David Robertson, the Real Kashmir coach, has been very effective and has strategically used his players, seeking creative solutions. Striker Krizo and the likes of Kofi Tetteh and Mason Robertson have proved effective. Robertson, who started off in deep defence, has shown a keen eye for goal and scored four goals so far.

With a different ambiance in Delhi, Kashmir might be able to affect the confidence of QEB players, compounded with the fact that they are one of the best defensive sides in the tournament.

Real Kashmir coach, David Robertson said, ” We are in a good momentum, getting the results, playing well. Both the teams want to play and win. Fantastic journey, unbeaten away from home, we are happy. No better way to keep the benchmark by playing against East Bengal, particularly at JLN Stadium.”

In the process, the two sides go back to where it all began for them in this season’s league campaign. In the first game between the two, both teams played out a draw.

On the other hand, the ‘visiting’ side under Spanish coach Alejandro Garcia has played some good percentage, professional football, with each player executing his given role to the best of his ability. The coach has displayed sound tactical knowledge and seems to be getting the best out of his squad of players.

East Bengal head coach Alejandro said, “When you play again in a short span of time less than 72 hours, it is not enough to get high quality from our players, but we are fully motivated and almost recovered from the last match and ready to play tomorrow.”

QEB have slipped in the league title race of late, following back-to-back stalemates at home, and would also miss the league’s most prolific Indian striker Jobby Justin for Thursday’s game.

Enrique Esqueda, the Mexican striker, is in good form, however, and QEB will depend a lot on him on Thursday.

The match is as good as a semi-final clash as it could decide whether Quess East Bengal will ensure title contention or Real Kashmir would once again look to topple Chennai City FC on the points table.

Also Read: ISL title will make consistent Goa complete

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While the Kolkata giants would like to reduce the gap with table-toppers Chennai City FC in their run for the title, Aizawl FC who are currently placed 9th in the points table would aim to bring some consistency to their campaign this season.

The game is scheduled for a 5 PM Kick-Off.

A win for the visitors would only strengthen their confidence as a team as they have largely failed to impress all throughout their campaign. Quess East Bengal who have been in a pristine form this season, however, would be wary about the former champions, whom they had suffered a 2-3 loss against in the first leg in November 2018.

The hosts have shown immense strength in their defence having only conceded 17 goals this season. With the likes of Costa Rican world-cupper Johnny Acosta, Borja Gomez and Chullova in the defence line, it wouldn’t be an easy task for Aizawl FC to breach the deadlock.

Aizawl FC’s forward line comprising of Zikahi Dodoz, Kromah and Jaryan can also be equally threatening. Meanwhile, they can draw motivation from their exploits in the first meeting.

East Bengal’s Spanish Coach Alejandro Menendez must be given credit for his tactical improvisations in their midfield, where it has been crucial, and should pose difficulty for the opponents. With the likes of Mexican Esqueda and Joby Justin in the forward line, the hosts have a lethal attack force up their sleeves who have been creating trouble for all the opponents this season. Incidentally, Joby is the highest Indian and third highest goal scorer this season with 9 goals to his kitty.

Alejandro Menendez said, “It is an important match for us. Mostly everything is good with the team till now. Aizwal will impost a tough competition although they are fighting for relegation now. At this moment, the focus is on working hard for the next match and the next opponent. The team is focusing on the next match.”

“We always work to win and we are looking to win all the three matches which are left. If we practice hard and give our best we can win the title”, Menendez sounded confident.

Aizawl FC, on the other hand, would have major defensive worries, having leaked as many as 24 goals in sixteen games so far. They haven’t been able to score many as well, managing only 17 goals from 18 games so far.

Speaking ahead of the game tomorrow, Aizawl FC coach Stanley Rozario, “Tomorrow’s match is very important because it is a tough match for us. East Bengal is a good team and it is their home match. We are ready for the match. East Bengal is playing for the championship so they will be giving their best.”

“Every match is different as every team has its own style which changes according to the game. Football is a game where anything can happen. We will be giving our best to play well tomorrow”, Rozario added further.

Also Read: Another step towards title as Chennai sink Mariners

Also Read: Real Kashmir maintain unbeaten streak against Arrows

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The Red & Golds will keep an eye on league leaders Chennai City FC, who are just three points ahead of them. Chennai has played a game more.

The game is crucial for Churchill who is at fourth. A win on Sunday would catapult them to second as the league enters a crucial phase.

The hosts eked out an impressive odd-goal win against the Goan outfit in the first leg game the previous year. Given how QEB beat Shillong Lajong 5-0 in the previous game, Churchill will be wary of the home team’s form.

Spanish coach Alejandro Menendez Garcia got the best out of QEB’s Indian and foreign players. He has used the squad judiciously throughout the campaign.

Garcia’s team is the only in the 11-team league to have an Indian player as top-scorer. Jobby Justin’s nine goals make him numero uno in the goal scorer’s list. Laldanmawia Ralte scored seven goals and is second best in QEB’s scoring charts.

Garcia said this at the pre-game press conference: “Churchill Brothers is a difficult team. This team has always been close to the top of the table and they score very easily which is very dangerous for our team. I prepare to win matches and if I prepare something for defence, then it will not be for one player. It will be for defending against the team and to avoid the opponent getting chances. We have our plan to win against Churchill Brothers and not against Plaza or anyone individually.”

Churchill endured a shock-loss to bottom-placed Shillong Lajong at home. It may come to haunt them as the league reaches its business end.

They have had two standout contributors this season. Trinidadian striker Willis Deon Plaza has notched up a phenomenal 17 goals in as many games. He was scoring at will at one stage of the campaign!

Skipper Dawda Cessay has been the other standout player. His nine assists are the most by any player in the league. As revealed by their coach, his absence will be a big blow for Churchill.

Churchill’s Romanian coach Petre Gigui had this to say: “Tomorrow’s match is not a do or die match for us. We will be fighting like every other game but it will be difficult. It is not the same atmosphere because we have lost many points in the last three games. Maybe the pressure was too much and at the same time we don’t have the complete first 11 players – Eldor, Ceesay, Mohanraj, Richard Costa – they are all injured and won’t be playing tomorrow. Tomorrow we will be playing against a very good team. They have good players and very good foreigners too. Plus their spectators’ support will be there because the people in Kolkata love their football.”

Expect a cracker at the VYBK on Sunday!

Also Read: Gokulam and Arrows share honors in dour contest

Also Read: Late Singh goal helps Bagan beat Aizawl

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Laldanmawia’s hat-trick and a goal apiece from Jobby Justin and Enrique Esqueda made all the difference for the Red and Gold outfit.

The win keeps QEB on track for a first-ever Hero I-League title triumph, pushing them up to third on the points table, just one behind second-placed Real Kashmir and three shy of leaders Chennai City FC. QEB has played one game less than the mentioned teams.

Shillong recorded their 12th defeat in 16 games and has conceded 44 goals to remain at the bottom of the league.

Relegation looms for them now!

QEB displayed a master class and it sent warning signs to their closest rivals. Each of their five goals was wonderfully constructed — the result of the efforts put in training. They have been ably led by Spanish coach Alejandro Menendez Garcia.

QEB and Shillong went into the game with relatively conservative formations keeping in mind their respective attacking prowess.

Garcia who is making a reputation as one of the shrewdest brains to have operated in domestic football benched Kamalpreet for a more traditional left wing-back in Manoj Mohammad. He clearly left the attacking line open, starting a fit-again Esqueda to partner Jobby Justin with a four-man midfield behind them.

Shillong gaffer Allison Kharsyntiew fielded an unchanged side from their win against Churchill Brothers. He played a 4-5-1.

QEB was on fire from the start and it was clear that Garcia had instructed them to sew up the game as early as possible given Shillong’s attacking prowess. QEB as per statistics had 67% possession!

After Justin hashed a free header in the 4th minute off a Danmawia cross, the Mizo winger decided to take things into his own hands four minutes later. Following Lalrindika ‘Didika’ Ralte’s delivery from a corner, he rose to head the ball home from close range. Garcia’s strategy had worked!

Shillong got two chances in two minutes. The first was a free-kick by Samuel Lyngdoh which sailed over. The second came a minute later as a QEB defensive lapse allowed Buam to go clear inside the box only for his first touch to let him down.

Shillong had only a few of such moments as the Red & Golds took over. Danmawia Ralte, in the 27th minute, was set up by centre back Borja Gomez, who displayed great vision in playing a long ball from just outside the QEB box.

Ralte made a perfectly-timed run and brought the ball down with an exquisite first touch. He saw goalkeeper Purbha Lachempa out of his line and unleashed a left-footed curler on the second touch to put the ball into the Shillong net for the second time in the game.  It happened so quickly that it left the home fans in awe!

There was more from QEB. A minute later, a ball from Tony Dovale found Esqueda and the Mexican lobbed over an onrushing Lachempa into the centre of the box.  Jobby Justin rose above two Shillong defenders to nod home for his ninth goal of the league campaign.

Esqueda also got on the scoresheet at the end of the first half thanks to superb skills and judgment.

Didika once again delivered from the right as he directed a ball at the Mexican who tapped in a volley past a stunned Lachempa. QEB was 4-0 ahead with half the game still left to play!

There was no respite for Shillong as Danmawia sealed his hat-trick in the 61st minute thanks to a brilliant team effort by QEB.

Kassim Aidara, who had a great game in central midfield, found substitute Jamie Colado on the right flank. The young Spaniard turned his marker in and drove towards goal, cutting in for Justin who had made a run on his inside.

The Keralite striker showed selflessness and vision for the second time in the game, stepping over for Danmawia further inside and in the clear. The Mizo had a weak first touch but recovered in time to slot the ball home.

The game was done and dusted and such was QEB’s dominance that Shillong could not muster a single corner kick in the game.

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