Action, drama, nerve-wracking moments, edge of the seat encounters - the Hero ISL 2021-22 had it all as the curtains were drawn on the group stages with a rivettling clash between Jamshedpur FC and ATK Mohun Bagan. The Men of Steel clinched the League Winners’ Shield in stunning fashion and recorded the highest-ever points tally in the history of the Hero ISL.

We have seen some remarkable goals in the annual tournament that have often changed the complexion of the game. However, we often tend to overlook the extraordinary saves that have also been influential in changing the fate of a game.

As we await for a couple of exciting semi-final fixtures a few days from now, let us have a look at the top saves from the Hero ISL 2021-22 league stage.

Here are the top saves from Hero ISL 2021-22:

Mohammad Nawaz (Mumbai City FC) vs Kerala Blasters FC

Taking advantage of a slip-up from Apuia in the 11th minute of the match, Alvaro Vazquez unleashed a shot from close to the half-way line. The ball was travelling like a rocket towards the target, but Mohammad Nawaz made a full stretch to his right and got a fingertip to it, as the ball was diverted away.

TP Rehenesh (Jamshedpur FC) vs Mumbai City FC

Already leading 4-2 and into the stoppage time, the Islanders were still trying to extend the margin further. Ahmed Jahouh, their midfield general was unchallenged as he struck a powerful shot from distance, only to see TP Rehenesh make a brilliant save by diving to right and help his team not concede a fifth of the game.

Mirshad Michu (NorthEast United FC) vs FC Goa

With the game in the balance, the Gaurs were pushing for the winner in the 66th minute of the game, with their star striker Jorge Ortiz set up perfectly for the kill on the edge of the box. The Spaniard produced a powerful shot which was destined to breach the left corner of the net, yet Mirshad Michu stretched as far as he could to get a faint touch and keep the ball out.

Prabhsukhan Gill (Kerala Blasters FC) vs Odisha FC

An inch-perfect ball from the midfield was fed to Jonathas de Cristian on the left flank, who managed to outrun his marker Ruivah Hormipam and positioned himself for an assault with only the custodian to beat. His cheeky chip was sailing towards the right corner of the net, as Prabhsukhan Gill leaped and threw his body to intercept at the perfect time.

Also Read: From Coyle’s Jamshedpur FC to Cuadrat’s Bengaluru FC: Longest winning streaks in Hero ISL

Mohammad Nawaz (Mumbai City FC) vs Kerala Blasters FC

Leading by three goals, coupled with the numerical advantage, Kerala Blasters FC were looking to pounce on the opportunity to improve their goal difference. Alvaro Vazquez received a long ball on the left, inside the box. A left-footed half-volley was enforced which was on its way home, only if Nawaz had not made a full-stretch dive towards his left to put the ball away.

Amrinder Singh (ATK Mohun Bagan) vs NorthEast United FC

Down by a goal against heavyweights ATK Mohun Bagan, the Highlanders needed something special to get back into the contest. Rochharzela struck a half-volley from long distance, as the ball was dipping en-route the target. Amrinder timed his dive with perfection as he managed to change the direction of the ball and help the Mariners maintain the slender lead.

Laxmikant Kattimani (Hyderabad FC) vs FC Goa

In the dying minutes of the game, FC Goa and Hyderabad FC were both aiming for the winner. Seriton Fernandes, who was close to the byline on the right, hurled in a cross to the other side as Alberto Noguera somehow managed to get a touch. Despite the miscued attempt, the ball was travelling towards the target and was kept out by an acrobatic save by Laxmikant Kattimani.