Match 86 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 saw Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United FC play out a 0-0 draw at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Sunday. The result meant both teams will end the night in the top four.

  • Both teams struggled to create any openings and couldn’t break the deadlock in the first half.
  • NorthEast’s Benjamin Lambot came closest to scoring in the second half but failed to hit the target.

The first half saw neither team causing problems for the defences as they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Asish Rai cut in from the right and registered a shot on goal for Hyderabad with his left foot in the opening stages of the contest, while Lalengmawia tried to make the most of a loose ball in the 24th minute when he rushed into the box and headed it on target.

A Ninthoinganba Meetei shot from range in the 36th minute was also on target but made for an easy save for the Hyderabad goalkeeper. Manuel Marquez’s men did enjoy most of the possession in the opening period, however, they did very little with it as the teams went into the break with the game goalless.

The second half saw the match continue in the same pattern as the first with Hyderabad enjoying the lion’s share of possession without creating any big goal-scoring chances. Both teams toiled hard in midfield but their attacks seemed to break down every time they reached the final third.

Both head coaches also introduced fresh legs into the match in search of some inspiration from the bench. However, the teams were showing great defensive resilience and made it difficult for the attackers by denying them any space or time.

Benjamin Lambot though had a huge chance of putting the Highlanders ahead from a freekick in the 85th minute. The in-swinging freekick from the right was met by Lambot’s head but the Belgian’s attempt went fractions above the crossbar to the disappointment of NorthEast.

Liston Colaco then tested the NorthEast goalkeeper in the 90th minute with an effort from distance that Subhasish Roy dealt with. Aridane Santana also headed an effort on target for Hyderabad in injury time but Subhasish made the save once again.

NorthEast’s last opportunity came deep into stoppage time when Federico Gallego put Luis Machado in on goal only for the goalkeeper to rush off his line and thwart the danger as the teams shared the spoils after a goalless draw.

Hero of the Match – Lalengmawia

Lalengmawia produced another controlled and matured performance at the center of the park for NorthEast. He finished the match with an impressive passing accuracy of 85% and was involved in both ends of the pitch. The youngster registered a shot on target besides also having one successful interception and a block to his name.

Other Match Awards:

Club Award – Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United FC

DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Federico Gallego (NorthEast United FC)

Watch the Match Highlights here: