East Bengal vs Hyderabad: Cleiton Silva's brace helps the Red & Gold Brigade earn three points against Hyderabad

The Kalinga Super Cup 2024 kicked off, with East Bengal FC emerging victorious against Hyderabad FC. East Bengal captain, Cleiton Silva scored a magnificent brace, leading his side to a 3-2 win in the Group A opener.

Cleiton opened the scoring with a left-foot volley right in the 33rd minute but Hyderabad made a comeback and made it 1-1 right before the end of the first half. Cleiton Silva then completed his brace with a banger of a free kick but Hyderabad however managed to score another goal. Saul Crespo scored the winner with a perfect header for East Bengal and earn the three points from the first match of the Super Cup.

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Carles Cuadrat's side's intent was evident right from the start in the East Bengal vs Hyderabad game. Nandha Kumar struck the woodwork with a thunderous strike in the 8th minute which could have been a dream start for East Bengal FC.

The East Bengal skipper then missed a golden opportunity, missing out on an open opportunity by striking the ball over the bar. However, in the 33rd minute, Silva acrobatically volleyed home a cross from the byline, handing East Bengal a deserved lead.

Ramhlunchhunga drew his side level just before the half-time whistle which was a surprising incident for Red & Gold Brigade. It was the moment, the Hyderabad players thought they could make a turn around. But Silva had other plans.

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A curled rocket from a free-kick that ended into the top corner, shocked everyone except the scorer himself, Celiton Silva. The Brazilian striker played brilliantly in the match, not because he scored a brace but also because he helped the team fulfill the defensive duties.

Hyderabad didn't lose their hopes and with just 12 minutes remaining, Ramhlunchhunga won a penalty after a brilliant run into the box. Nim Dorjee Tamang unleashed a perfect finish which brought Hyderabad back into the match.

Just a minute later, Saul Crespo pounced on a Borja corner. A perfect header from Saul and it was enough to put an end to the clash. East Bengal needed the three points from the first game to up their hopes for the next round and they earned it.

FT| A thrilling win at the end of a roller-coaster game! 🥵🤩#KalingaSuperCup #JoyEastBengal #EastBengalFC #EBHFC pic.twitter.com/phZfwtK94z

— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) January 9, 2024