I-League 2018-19: 3 reasons why East Bengal won against NEROCA FC

#1 Esqueda shows his class with his second brace

Esqueda after scoring the 2nd goal

It was December 8 last year when Enrique Esqueda broke his rib in the Gokulam Kerala FC match and returned to Spain for treatment. Much has happened since then. Rumours suggested that the Red and Golds would release the Mexican but coach Alejandro Menendez trusted his player and gave him time to recuperate.

Esqueda returned to the city before the Kolkata Derby and took the field against Mohun Bagan but did not make any contribution. However, he was needed very much against Neroca, more because Jobby Justin was tightly marked by Neroca defenders, as the visitors opted for an ultra-defensive approach.

The Mexican silenced his critics with a brace against Neroca. This is his 2nd brace against the same opposition, having scored twice in the first leg in Imphal.

Esqueda was introduced in the second half and made an impact few minutes later. In the 67th minute, Jaime Santos provided a pin-point cross into the Neroca box. Esqueda, who was standing unmarked, scored with a fine header to earn the much needed equaliser for his club.

As the match was approaching for a stalemate, Esqueda was at it again. This time, a cross was floated into the box by Samad Ali Mullick, which was slightly deflected off Ronaldo. Esqueda, who was standing at the perfect position, jumped over his marker to head the ball home.