FC Goa 1-2 SC East Bengal: 3 talking points from the first win for the Red and Gold brigade

SC East Bengal have earned their first win of the ISL season, after 11 straight games without a win. They defeated FC Goa 2-1 to take away all three points for the first time in the tournament. Here are the three talking points from the game. 

Mario Rivera picks up where he left off at SC East Bengal

In his previous tenure in charge, the Spaniard was brought in to help East Bengal in the I-League, and he did just that, lifting them off the bottom of the table. In his first game back, Rivera has managed to lead the team to their first win of the season, and the Red and Gold brigade has finally moved off the bottom of the table on goal difference. 

Mahesh Singh named the hero of the game  

The 22-year-old started for SC East Bengal and scored both goals for them, punishing FC Goa for their defensive mistakes. The forward only took two shots at goal, and managed to score on both occasions. As a result, the youngster picked up the Hero of the Match award. 

FC Goa fail to break through 

Despite scoring a well-crafted first goal courtesy of Alberto Noguera, FC Goa could not find another goal to equalise. They should’ve had a penalty in the second half for a blunt challenge in the box, but the referee surprisingly gave a free kick in the other direction. 

The Gaurs had to do the hard work for the majority of the second half, as East Bengal sat deep in their area and soaked up all the pressure until the end to come away with the win.