When Asmir Suljic and Ezequiel Vidal gave Punjab FC a 2-0 lead inside the first 40 minutes, East Bengal looked headed for yet another defeat.

In the first minute after the change of ends, Hijazi Maher reduced the margin for East Bengal. And thereafter, it was all East Bengal as they pumped in three more to win the contest 4-2 at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Tuesday.

Despite full points from this game, East Bengal remain third from bottom while their third win in this ISL took their points tally to double figures (10). Still, this win should go down as one of East Bengal’s best in the ISL as overturning a two-goal deficit and then scoring four in a row is never an easy task.

Besides, East Bengal’s opponents Punjab FC were much better placed in the standings going into the game. In fact, they are still at No.5 in the table.

Following Maher’s conversion off a Cleiton Silva assist, substitute Vishnu Puthiya (coming in place of Mahesh Naorem) restored parity in the 54th minute with a left-footer from the centre of the box. The visitors were feeling the pressure then as six minutes later, an own goal from Suresh Meitei gave East Bengal the lead.

Punjab FC even became a man short when Khaiminthang Lhungdim was sent off following a second yellow card in the 64th minute. Having the numerical advantage, East Bengal ensured there were no further goof-ups from them during critical moments.

Rather, their fans had every reason to cheer on this occasion as David Lalhlansanga headed home a cross off a Puthiya assist soon after, making it 4-2 for East Bengal.