Watch, highlights ISL 2023-24: East Bengal’s playoff hopes come to an end with defeat to Punjab FC

Punjab FC defeated East Bengal FC 4-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday to knock out the Red & Gold Brigade from the Indian Super League playoff race.

Chennaiyin FC have become the sixth and final team to qualify for the playoffs. Whilst Punjab FC were out of the contention to make it to the top-six already, they spoiled the hopes of East Bengal FC who round off their ISL 2023-24 campaign with 24 points to their name.

In their final game of the season, Punjab FC had their famed attacking trio getting their name on the scoresheet as Wilmar Jordan Gil’s brace was accompanied by a strike each from Madih Talal and Luka Majcen.

The Staikos Vergetis-coached attacked East Bengal down flanks and created chances for their efficient forwards. In reply, East Bengal, for whom this was a must-win encounter, could only reply with a solitary goal by Sayan Banerjee in the 25th minute of the game.

Wilmar started the onslaught as Tekcham Singh broke the left side of the East Bengal FC defence to cut back a cross for the striker that he converted with absolute ease. Sayan restored parity with a shot from distance.

Talal ensured that Punjab went into the break with...

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