Hero Indian Super League 2020-21

Margao: Bengaluru FC were held to a goalless draw by Hyderabad FC in Match 9 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 at the Fatorda Stadium here yesterday. 

Hyderabad were the better side on the night but were unable to break the Blues’ defence in what was a frustrating game for attackers at both ends. 

Both sides showed attacking intent in the opening minutes but failed to threaten the opposition defence. Eventually, it was Hyderabad FC who had the first chance of the game in the 24th minute. Aridane Santana’s point-blank header from a free-kick by Lluis Sastre was brilliantly saved by Bengaluru custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Three minutes later, Hyderabad’s Aussie attacker Joel Chianese broke into the opponent’s box but his cross was intercepted by Suresh Wangjam.

Hyderabad’s Halicharan Narzary came close to opening the scoring in the 38th minute after he cut into the opposition box and tried a shot from the edge of the box. His effort, however, was blocked by Erik Paartalu.

Hyderabad continued to create chances but were unable to convert them. Adding to their frustration, they entered the first half with injuries to two of their foreigners, Chianese and Sastre, who were replaced by Mohammed Yasir and Hitesh Sharma respectively. Hyderabad continued their intensity in the second half as well, and it was Santana again who had the first chance of the second half in the 48th minute which forced Gurpreet into a full-stretch save.

In one of Bengaluru’s rare attacks, Silva demonstrated his skills to leave Asish Rai on floor before firing a shot towards the goal in 79th minute. Hyderabad defender Odei Onaindia however was quick to make the block.

Both sides eventually settled for a point. While Bengaluru are yet to win a game this season, Hyderabad will be buoyed by their 2nd consecutive clean sheet.

Hero of the Match: Chinglensana Singh; DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Lluis Sastre.