Sports

ISL 2024-25: Chhetri’s Equalizer Halts East Bengal’s Playoff Hopes in 1-1 Draw with Bengaluru

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2025

On Sunday, East Bengal FC played to a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. Despite dominating possession with 67.9 percent, Bengaluru FC needed extra time in the second half to secure a point, effectively bringing an end to East Bengal FC’s playoff hopes.

Currently positioned eighth, the Red and Gold Brigade have amassed 28 points from 23 matches, with a potential maximum of 31 points remaining in one game. This would still leave them behind NorthEast United FC, who are in sixth place with 32 points.

—

East Bengal FC started strongly, putting pressure on the Bengaluru FC defense with some lively attacking moves. They particularly found success down the right flank, with Naorem Mahesh Singh making a powerful run into the penalty area before delivering a precise pass to Dimitrios Diamantakos.

—

The striker showcased his skill with a brilliant display of footwork before unleashing a powerful shot that was expertly saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Nonetheless, the East Bengal FC attack remained relentless in their pursuit of an opening goal.

The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when Saul Crespo fought to maintain his footing in the penalty area. Although he briefly lost his balance, he managed to send a short pass to Raphael Messi Bouli. Bouli made a decisive cut from the right and struck from the center of the box into the bottom left corner, leaving Sandhu unable to react in time.

However, the home side faced a setback just before halftime when Diamantakos was shown a red card for a robust challenge, forcing East Bengal FC to play with ten men. This gave Bengaluru FC an opportunity to exploit their numerical advantage by stretching East Bengal’s defense with swift runs down the flanks.

One notable chance came when Naorem Roshan Singh received the ball deep on the left wing. He delivered an accurate cross to Edgar Mendez in the center, but Mendez’s left-footed effort sailed high over the goal in the 71st minute.

Alberto Noguera was instrumental in creating scoring opportunities, sending a well-placed cross to Aleksandar Jovanovic in the 80th minute. Jovanovic’s header struck the right post, and Ryan Williams attempted to convert the rebound, but Prabhsukhan Singh Gill made a crucial save to deny him.

The turning point for Bengaluru FC came in the 90th minute when Nishu Kumar was penalized for handball while marking Sunil Chhetri in the penalty area. Chhetri calmly converted the resulting penalty, finding the bottom right corner and securing a draw for the visitors.

East Bengal FC’s next matchup is against NorthEast United FC on March 8, while Bengaluru FC will face off against Mumbai City FC on March 11.

—

Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 day ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.