Saul Crespo & Nandakumar shine in East Bengal's defeat against Altyn Asyr in AFC Champions League 2 playoff

East Bengal’s defensive unit needs to improve a lot.

East Bengal suffered a 3-2 loss to Altyn Asyr in their 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Stage Qualifier at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Wednesday (14 August). The Red and Gold took an early lead in the seventh minute through David Lalhlansanga, but the visitors hit back hard through goals from Myrat Annayev (22′) and Selim Nurmyradov (28′) to take the lead in the first half.

Altyn Asyr forward Mihail Titov scored the third in the 52nd minute to take the game away from the Kolkata side. Saul Crespo scored an amazing goal after going past multiple players in the 58th minute, but the hosts were unable to score more after that. The loss means that Altyn Asyr will play in the ACL Two group stages, while East Bengal will play in the 2024-25 AFC Challenge Cup. Here are the player ratings from the match.

East Bengal

Prabhsukhan Gill – 5.5

Gill could have potentially done better for the first two goals, seeing the attempts squeeze past him without reacting. Unlucky to see his parried attempt fall to Titov for his goal. His distribution was a bit awkward too.

Mohamad Rakip – 5.5

Rakip was encouraging with his surging forward runs, but his final output was awry. Struggled against Selim’s movement on the right and was taken off at half-time.

Lalchungnunga – 4.5

Amid pressure for his place in the centre-back position at East Bengal after Anwar Ali’s signing, Lalchungnunga’s performance did not do him any favours.

Horribly out of position for the equalizer and caught ball-watching for the third too. Bit too aggressive with his defending, committing silly challenges.

Hijazi Maher – 5.5

Maher didn’t seem fit and struggled against the opposition striker. Forced into a couple of unnecessary challenges and caught out of position for a few goals, causing issues for his backline.

Mark Zothanpuia – 5.0

Zothanpuia was too passive with his performance, being indecisive in defending against the wingers. Couldn’t track Anayev’s run for his goal and was caught lacking for the third.

Souvik Chakrabarti – 5.0

Souvik Chakrabarti lacked influence with his work in the midfield, not being able to protect his backline from trouble or create anything. Moved to the right-back role after that, but couldn’t make an impact there either.

Saul Crespo – 7.5

The East Bengal skipper tried his best to inspire confidence in his side with his forward passes and pressing. Urged his side forward with his clever passing and then scored an amazing goal, dancing past multiple players before scoring from close range.

Madih Talal – 7.0

The Frenchman was heavily involved in carving East Bengal’s attacking moves and made a clever pass to help set up the first goal. Created a few nice chances with his lovely delivery and was a bit unlucky not to be rewarded.

Naorem Mahesh Singh – 4.5

Mahesh could not weave his creative influence against Altyn Asyr. Failed to create anything noteworthy and was a static figure in the final third.

Nandhakumar Sekar – 7.5

Nandha was sharp on the left and troubled the opposition backline with his clever movement. Helped set up a goal with a nice cross into the middle.

A tireless figure on the left, being sharp with his defensive work and constantly making charging runs and swinging in nice crosses.

David Lalhlansanga –  7.0

A surprise starter in the No. 9 role, David repaid his coach’s faith with a predator’s finish. Pounced on disruption in the box to score a tap-in. Did well with his link-up play and movement, but looked uncomfortable in the wide role in the second half.

Substitutes

Jeakson Singh – 6.0

Jeakson brought a lot of aggression and progression to East Bengal, helping move the ball forward nicely and stopping a lot of Altyn’s movement.

Dimitrios Diamantakos – 6.5

Diamantakos brought the necessary physicality to trouble the opponents, helping with his clever hold-up and link-up play. Made a nice shadow run to help Saul’s goal.

Cleiton Silva – 6.0

Cleiton scored soon after coming on but saw his effort ruled out due to a foul. He was unable to do much after that.

Aman CK –  N/R

Made a few good runs in the final bits of the game, but couldn’t cause much trouble.

PV Vishnu – N/R

Unable to do much in his late cameo.

Altyn Asyr

Batyr Babayev – 5.5

Babayev made a few nice saves, especially one big one to deny Lalchungnunga in the first half. Sloppy for the first goal and bamboozled for Saul’s wonder-strike. Lucky not to concede a third goal in the 81st when Cleiton’s attempt was ruled out due to an apparent foul on him.

Zafar Babajanov – 4.5

Babajanov was tormented by the pace and movement of the East Bengal frontline. He was caught lacking for the opening goal and bamboozled for the second too. A bit slow reacting to trouble.

Serder Annaorazov – 6.5

Serder was an adventurous figure from the Altyn Asyr backline, who held together a decent defensive line and also progressed it forward. Kept the East Bengal right wingers quiet with his sturdy work.

Soyunov Shohrat – 6.0

Shohrat did pretty compelling work in saving his side from trouble with his key defensive actions. Made a few nice clearances and read the moves well to avert trouble.

Hoshgeldi Hojovov – 5.5

The right-back was made to run the gauntlet almost throughout the game. Did well in averting some trouble after a shaky start, making some clever blocks and clearances, but was outwitted multiple times, causing pressure on his side.

Ahmet Atayev – 8.0

The Altyn Asyr captain was a commanding customer in the heart of midfield, pulling the strings with his passing.

Assisted the equalizer with a brilliant long pass. Orchestrated the majority of his side’s forward movement with his progressive passes and also shielded the backline well.

Ruslan Tajiyev – 6.0

The energetic midfielder was a chaotic figure in the midfield. He did well to press the East Bengal players and help his side defend against trouble. A bit too aggressive at times and was booked for that.

Myrat Annayev – 8.0

The right winger was a thorn with his pacy run, outwitting the East Bengal backline and producing a cheeky finish for the equalizer. Made some impressive forward runs and created chances in a sparky display.

Selim Nurmyradov – 7.5

The Turkmenistan international showcased his quality with his work on the ball and scored an amazing free-kick to help his side take the lead.

Rahman Myratberdiyev – 6.5

The No.10 did well in his free role in the East Bengal area, moving the ball forward nicely with his clever passing. Worked hard, contributed defensively and created a few nice chances.

Mihail Titov – 7.0

The Altyn Asyr No. 9 timed his runs smartly to disrupt the East Bengal shape and created space for his teammates well. Produced a smart finish in scoring his side’s third goal.

Substitutes

Rovshengeldi Halmammedov – 6.0

Halmammedov helped bring some more assurance to his side’s defensive line to help them absorb the attacking onslaught well.

Begenchmyrat Myradov – 6.0

The forward was a troubling figure with his charging runs on the counter-attack and came close to scoring a few times.

Annamyradov Abdyrahman – 5.5

Brought more energy and legs to his side’s backline to help them defend their lead until the end.

Arslan Saparov – N/R

Saparov helped to spark some counter-attacks with his clever passes but was unable to do that much.

Mirsultanov Dovletgeldi – N/R

Helped his side get the result sealed by defending their late lead.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.