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 on Saturday. 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.

• Hyderabad FC lost Joel Chianese and Lluis Sastre to injuries in the first half
• Bengaluru FC failed to get a shot on target against Hyderabad FC

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.

The Spanish striker attempted another shot on goal in the 55th minute but his long-range shot went over the crossbar. Manuel Marquez’s side had the upper hand for most part of the game. Even in defence, they managed to keep Sunil Chhetri and Cleiton Silva at bay.

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

Bengaluru upped the ante towards the end of the match, but failed to break the deadlock as Silva’s cross was intercepted by Subrata Paul. Meanwhile, at the other end, Yasir fired one in the final minutes of the game but Juanan got in the way of the shot.

Both sides eventually settled for a point. While Bengaluru are yet to win a game this season, Hyderabad FC will be buoyed by their second consecutive clean sheet in the league.

Hero Of The Match - Chinglensana Singh

The defender was the best player for Hyderabad FC against Bengaluru FC in his first start for the club. He had a strong passing accuracy of 91% and made seven clearances as well, helping his side to a second consecutive clean sheet.

OTHER MATCH AWARDS

Club Award – Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC

DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Lluis Sastre (Hyderabad FC)

Watch the Match Highlights here: