Kolkata: East Bengal blanked defending champions United SC 2-0 to book a semifinal berth in the 118th IFA Shield here on Tuesday.
United SC were reduced to 10 men just after half time with their star player Ranty Martins being red-carded by the referee.
After a goalless first half, Lalrindika Ralte put East Bengal ahead in the 49th minute with a long-range shot but minutes later all hell broke loose for United SC as Martins was sent off after elbowing Saumik Dey inside the box.
Down to 10 players, United had little chance to bounce back and the red and gold brigade stepped up with James Moga completing the rout in the 69th minute.
East Bengal topped Group I with seven points, while United, with three points have a group match against Geylang International FC in hand.
Geylang drew 0-0 with Busan SunMoon FC of South Korea in the other match of the day, ending the Korean team’s Shield campaign. (PTI)