Hyderabad FC reclaimed the position at the peak of the league table, defeating FC Goa 3-2 at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Saturday in Match 95 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season, in a contest that ebbed and flowed.

Bartholomew Ogbeche (25’ and 41’) continued to score goals for Hyderabad FC as his brace took him past the 50-goal mark in the Hero ISL. While FC Goa rebounded with a goal from Jorge Ortiz (35’), Hyderabad FC skipper Joao Victor’s (70’) sublime goal buried the game for the home side as Devendra Murgaonkar's consolation goal (73') wasn't enough for a comeback in the game.

The match commenced with Hyderabad FC goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani getting off the line quickly to defend against fast-approaching Jorge Ortiz.

During the first quarter of the match, both sides vying for the ball, fought tightly for possession. It was Bartholomew Ogbeche who delt the first blow. Against the run of play, Asish Rai put in a delightful cross inside the box and Ogbeche leapt to head the ball to the back of the net.

FC Goa’s leading man Ortiz brought the game back in balance with an assist from Alberto Noguera to place it past Kattimani this time around.

Then, Ogbeche restored Hyderabad FC’s lead to become Hero ISL’s all-time leading goal-scorer to take his tally to 51 goals with a powerful strike on the left of the keeper.

The entertaining first half ended with Hyderabad FC in a 2-1 lead with both sides showcasing attacking football.

Hyderabad resumed the second half with a compact defence in place while FC Goa too put up walls tough to breach.

In the 69th minute, Joel Chianese got the ball just outside the box with some space on offer, however, his shot went over.

Then, Joao Victor arrived at scoring ways with a superb goal from a distance to extend Hyderabad FC’s lead to two goals. The Gaurs looked determined to mount a comeback. The glimpses of resilience were shown when Devendra Murgaonkar leapt high to score his first goal of the season after Brandon Fernandes provided an important cross.

With five minutes added in onto the 90, FC Goa were desperately looking for the equaliser. The Gaurs tried their best to break Hyderabad’s defence but the latter stood strong.

The final whistle blew and Hyderabad FC managed to cling to their 3-2 lead, taking home three important points to regain their position as league leaders. As for FC Goa, they take the ninth place in the league standings.

Hero ISL 2021-22 standings

Hyderabad will lock horns next with Kerala Blasters FC on 23rd February and FC Goa will face Mumbai City FC on 26th February.

Hero ISL 2021-22 fixtures

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Hyderabad FCFC Goa 2021-2022Match ReportMatch 95, Hyderabad FC vs FC Goa - 2021