ISL 2024-25: Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC played to a scoreless draw, marking Bengaluru's fourth consecutive clean sheet to start the season.

Oct. 2, 2024, 5:49 p.m.

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Bengaluru FC held Mumbai City FC to a goalless draw at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 clash on Tuesday. Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made several crucial saves to deny the home team from finding the back of the net, helping his team maintain their undefeated run in the competition. This result solidified Bengaluru's position at the top of the table with 10 points from four matches. Mumbai City, on the other hand, dropped to 11th place with two draws and a loss in their first three outings.

The home team exhibited an aggressive approach from the start, launching attacks and outnumbering the Blues in their own box. Hmingthanmawia Ralte's curling cross from the right flank found the head of Nikolaos Karelis inside the penalty area. However, Karelis' header was anticipated and blocked by Sandhu in the 13th minute.

Mumbai City FC continued to pressurize Sandhu with several close attempts. Yoell van Nieff's cross from a set-piece in the 25th minute was headed by Tiri from the far post towards the goal. Sandhu reacted quickly, closing the gap between himself and the defender, getting a hand to the header and preventing Petr Kratky's team from taking the lead.

Bengaluru FC responded with a well-executed move by Edgar Mendez, who received a pass from former Mumbai City FC midfielder Alberto Noguera and directed it towards the goal in the 32nd minute. However, a vigilant Phurba Lachenpa displayed quick reflexes to deny the Islanders from scoring. Midfielder Jeremy Manzorro made a strong impact as the first half drew to a close, showcasing impressive footwork near the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful shot towards Sandhu. Brandon Fernandes' precise delivery found Manzorro, but his effort narrowly missed the post.

🏆𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 🔝 𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗼 𝗯𝘆 @WCBMumbai 🤩#MCFCBFC #ISL #AamchiCity 🔵 pic.twitter.com/93HGLeNGXp

— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) October 2, 2024 Advertisement Eleven minutes into the second half, Naorem Roshan Singh’s cross to Mendez was headed off target by the striker. The final half-hour of the match was fairly more balanced, with both teams eventually resorting to settling for a point each after five minutes of added time. The late substitutions of Sivasakthi Narayanan and Bipin Singh didn’t yield the required result for either team, though the former did make a hopeful effort at goal from a difficult angle in the 94th minute.

Key Performer of the Match

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Sandhu, the visitor's goalkeeper, displayed impressive performance by completing 24 of his 39 attempted passes, along with registering four saves and two clearances, securing a point for his team.

What’s next for both teams?

Bengaluru FC will face Punjab FC on October 18, while Mumbai City FC will resume their campaign against FC Goa the following day, October 19.

Brief Scores

Mumbai City FC 0 – 0 Bengaluru FC