Bengaluru FC Dominates Hyderabad FC 3-0 in ISL 2024-25 Clash – Match 7

In the ISL 2024-25 clash between Bengaluru FC and Hyderabad FC on September 19, 2024, Bengaluru secured a dominant 3-0 victory at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The home team, led by coach Gerard Zaragoza, continued their winning momentum after their opening victory, propelling them to the top of the ISL table.

First Half: Bheke’s Early Impact

The match started with Bengaluru asserting early dominance, and they took the lead in the 5th minute. Captain Rahul Bheke found the back of the net with a well-executed volley, following a pinpoint corner from Vinith Venkatesh. Hyderabad struggled to respond, as Bengaluru controlled possession and pushed forward, creating multiple opportunities to extend their lead. Despite several missed chances, including a crucial one from Edgar Mendez, the first half ended with Bengaluru holding onto their 1-0 advantage.

Second Half: Chhetri’s Brilliance

In the second half, Bengaluru maintained their pressure on Hyderabad. Sunil Chhetri, who came off the bench, made an immediate impact. He doubled Bengaluru’s lead in the 65th minute, converting from the penalty spot after a Hyderabad defender handled the ball in the box. Chhetri wasn’t done yet, as he netted his second goal of the night in the 73rd minute with a diving header, effectively sealing the match for the Blues.

Despite Hyderabad’s efforts to get back into the game, they couldn’t break through Bengaluru’s solid defense, marshaled by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who earned his first clean sheet of the season. Hyderabad’s attack, led by Abdul Rabeeh and Nikhil Poojary, failed to find the target, with their best chances coming in the first half but being well-handled by Bengaluru’s backline.

Key Performers:

• Sunil Chhetri: The Bengaluru talisman once again showed why he’s considered one of the best in Indian football. His brace in the second half secured the win for his team, proving his value as a game-changer even off the bench.
• Rahul Bheke: The captain’s early goal set the tone for Bengaluru’s dominance, and his defensive leadership helped the team maintain control throughout the match.
• Vinith Venkatesh: The youngster impressed with his playmaking ability, delivering a perfect corner for Bheke’s opener and consistently troubling Hyderabad’s defense.

Hyderabad’s Struggles

For Hyderabad FC, this match marked a disappointing start to their ISL campaign. While Alex Saji was solid defensively and tried to lead his team, Hyderabad couldn’t cope with Bengaluru’s intensity. Arshdeep Singh, Hyderabad’s goalkeeper, had a tough night, conceding three goals and struggling to keep his side in the match. Hyderabad’s midfield lacked the creativity to break down Bengaluru’s defense, and their forwards missed key opportunities to change the momentum of the game.

Conclusion:

This comprehensive 3-0 victory places Bengaluru FC in a strong position early in the season, with Sunil Chhetri and Rahul Bheke shining as key players. Bengaluru will aim to continue this form as they push for the top spot in the league, while Hyderabad FC will need to regroup quickly after this defeat to avoid falling behind in the early stages of the ISL 2024-25 campaign.

Read all other match reviews from Indian Super League 2024-25 here.

Bengaluru FC dominates Hyderabad FC Match 7 Highlights