East Bengal makes a mistake in the ISL 2025-26 title race, held to a goalless draw by Punjab FC

East Bengal and Punjab FC played out an enthralling but goalless draw in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-2026 match at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Monday.

Despite the lack of goals, the match was far from uneventful with both sides creating several openings with a total of 29 attempts. The result ensures that East Bengal remain at the top of the table with 22 points from eleven matches, while Punjab climbs to sixth place with 19 points from the same number of matches.

Punjab made a good start to the match and almost found an early breakthrough in the sixth minute when Dani Ramirez’s long-range strike skimmed past the near post. The visitors looked composed in possession, with Ramirez pulling the strings in midfield while Manglenthang Kipgen provided support through intelligent movement.

East Bengal gradually got into the rhythm of the game and used width effectively through midfielders Bipin Singh and PV Vishnu. However, Punjab’s defensive unit, well fielded by Bijoy V and supported by Khaiminthang Lhungdim, remained compact and disciplined to deny clear openings.

AS IT HAPPENED | EAST BENGAL VS PUNJAB FC HIGHLIGHTS

The Red and Gold Brigade came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 30th minute. Miguel Figueira’s accurate through ball freed Bipin Singh behind the defense, but Punjab keeper Arshdeep Singh reacted sharply, rushing off his line to make a crucial block and keep the scores level.

After the break the pace picked up and the Shers enjoyed a strong spell. Within minutes, Kipgen and Ramirez forced consecutive saves from Gill, who was called into action repeatedly.

The most striking moment came in the 53rd minute when Shami Singamayum’s diving header, after a well-weighted cross from Lhungdim, was brilliantly flicked away by the East Bengal custodian.

East Bengal responded with phases of controlled possession, attempting to slow the pace and patiently build attacks. The best chance came in the 75th minute when Figueira unleashed a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area, only to see it hit the far post and bounce away.

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As the match entered its final stages, both sides cautiously pushed for a winner. Substitute Anton Sojberg almost benefited from a quick substitution, but Arshdeep was again quickly off his line.

The drama intensified in the 90th minute when East Bengal’s Mohamad Rashid spotted Arshdeep off his line and made an audacious effort from almost the half-way line. The dipping shot beat the retreating goalkeeper but hit the crossbar, denying East Bengal a spectacular late winner.

Published on May 11, 2026