Calcutta: Both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan coaches felt Edmilson Marques’s absence in the second-half was the turning point in the match.

Edmilson sustained a head injury following an aerial clash with Douglas da Silva in the 18th minute. He was taken to the hospital during the break.

Mohun Bagan coach Bernard Oparanozie said: “Edmilson’s absence helped us as their attack became weak in the second-half.”

East Bengal coach Roberto Carlos Pereira echoed the same: “His injury was a setback for us. It’s difficult (to eye championship title) from here on.”