Cleiton Silva’s Magic Secures East Bengal’s Win Over Hyderabad FC | Indian Super League Update
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season is off to an electrifying start, and in a thrilling encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, East Bengal FC secured their first-ever victory over Hyderabad FC. The match ended with a scoreline of 2-1 in favor of East Bengal, thanks to the striking prowess of Brazilian forward Cleiton Silva. Let’s dive into the exciting details of this encounter.
Early Fireworks
The match kicked off with a bang, as both teams found the back of the net within the opening 10 minutes. This early exchange of goals set the stage for a fiercely competitive battle between two teams known for their attacking flair and defensive resilience.
Hyderabad FC initiated the offensive action from the right flank, and it was Australian striker Joe Knowles who received a perfectly placed cross on the left side of the box. With impressive footwork, Knowles evaded three defenders before taking a shot at goal. Although his effort lacked power, the ever-alert Hitesh Sharma, the team’s attacking midfielder, was in the right place at the right time to redirect the ball into the net, giving Hyderabad FC an early lead.
However, the Red and Gold Brigade responded swiftly, leveling the score just minutes later. Former Hyderabad FC star Borja Herrera played a pivotal role in this equalizer. Carles Cuadrat’s side opted for a direct approach as Herrera received a long ball and shifted to the left to unleash a shot on goal. Cleiton Silva, showing his poaching instincts, capitalized on the loose ball, netting it to bring East Bengal level.
Cuadrat’s Set-Piece Influence
Carles Cuadrat’s influence on East Bengal was evident, not only in their attacking moves but also in their set-piece plays. In the 36th minute, they took a quick corner that caught the Hyderabad defense off guard. As anticipated, the ball was directed towards Cleiton Silva, who soared above the rest to connect with a header. Unfortunately, his attempt sailed just above the crossbar, leaving the home side tantalizingly close to taking the lead.
A Balanced Second Half
The second half maintained the equilibrium of the match, with both teams vying for control. They employed different strategies to gain the upper hand. Hyderabad’s head coach, Conor Nestor, made several strategic substitutions, including Aaren D’Silva, Anuj Kumar, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, and Oswaldo Alanis, in an attempt to secure a second goal. In contrast, Cuadrat showed confidence in his starting XI, delaying his substitutions.
However, the pivotal moment of the match came in injury time, as Cleiton Silva stepped up to take a breathtaking free-kick from a promising position. Displaying impeccable technique, Silva curled the ball into the top left corner, sealing a dramatic victory for East Bengal and ensuring they collected all three points.
Cleiton Silva: The Key Performer
Cleiton Silva’s performance was nothing short of exceptional. The Brazilian forward’s sharpshooting abilities proved decisive, as he not only scored the crucial goal but also actively participated in the build-up play. Silva completed an impressive 20 of his 28 attempted passes, intercepted once, cleared the ball twice, and won three fouls. His presence in and around the Hyderabad box was a constant threat, ultimately making the difference in this thrilling encounter.
What’s Next?
East Bengal FC will look to build on their momentum when they face Bengaluru FC in an away fixture on October 4. Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC will square off against Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on October 5, hoping to bounce back from this closely contested defeat. The ISL 2023-24 season promises more thrilling action, and if Cleiton Silva’s performance is any indication, we’re in for an exhilarating journey filled with footballing magic.
