ISL: Bengaluru FC-Hyderabad FC; KBFC-NEUFC settle for draws – Talking points

Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC played out a 1-1 draw at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday.

In the other game of the evening, Kerala Blasters FC restricted NorthEast United FC to a goalless draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

Here are the key talking points from the matches:

Devendra Murgaonkar puts Hyderabad FC ahead

Though the opening phase of the game was slightly cagey as both teams struggled to create clear chances, Hyderabad FC managed to score to take the lead.

After Allan Paulista won a free-kick in the attacking half, Ramhlunchhunga served a pinpoint cross for Devendra Murgaonkar, who was positioned at the centre of the 18-yard box and headed the ball into the bottom right corner to get the lead in the 21st minute.

Chhetri scores, Bengaluru FC equalises

Bengaluru FC grabbed hold of the equaliser with a template that has yielded them high returns this season. Williams’ second-half introduction delivered just what the Blues needed, as he chipped in a precisely paced cross for Chhetri in the 78th minute in the middle of the box.

The forward met the delivery and nodded it into the bottom right corner accurately to pull the visitors back in the proceedings. This was the fourth instance this season when Williams assisted Chhetri’s goal, showing the remarkable link-up between the two players.

Missed opportunity for Jithin MS

Jithin, who scored his opening goal of the season in NorthEast United’s last match, came close to getting the Highlanders the lead against Kerala Blasters as he got to the end of a delivery by Mohammed Bemammer following a corner. His shot lacked direction though, and ended high and wide on the left as it was hit from distance in the 12th minute.

Noah Sadaoui puts the Blasters nearly ahead

Three minutes later, Kerala Blasters FC star Noah Sadaoui attempted a similar effort, again from outside of the 18-yard box. He aimed for the left corner of the net, but it ended off-target. Soon afterwards, the Kochi-based team created an offensive move in the Highlanders’ defensive third but Noah didn’t time his run appropriately, getting flagged offside.

Guillermo Fernandez wastes a chance

NorthEast United got a real chance to steal three points when Guillermo Fernández came close to scoring. He had a defining opportunity land to him in the 82nd minute, having the chance to get the ball from inside the box with his right feet, but an organised Kerala Blasters FC defence thwarted that danger collectively, earning a hard-fought point from the draw.