Mumbai City FC vs Bengaluru FC: Stalemate at the Arena as both teams share the spoils

by Chittu Shetty October 3, 2024

Mumbai City FC played out a goalless draw against an in-form Bengaluru FC in their first home game of the 2024-25 season.

The Islanders, who came into this match with just one point from two away games, were eager to make a mark at the Mumbai Football Arena. However, Bengaluru FC, arriving on the back of three consecutive wins, proved to be a resilient opponent.

First Half: Opportunities But No Breakthrough

The game began with Mumbai City FC pressing high up the pitch, creating the first notable chance within the first few minutes. Brandon Fernandes took an early shot from the edge of the box, but it went straight into the hands of the Bengaluru goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Shortly after, the Islanders showed their intent with a swift attacking move as Manzorro set up Vikram Pratap Singh on the left wing, whose dangerous cutback was eventually cleared away by the Bengaluru defense.

Around the 12th-minute mark, Laldinliana Valpuia delivered a dangerous cross into the box, finding Nikolas Karelis unmarked. Karelis’ powerful header forced a strong one handed save from Gurpreet. Bengaluru FC responded quickly when Naorem Mahesh Singh sent a well-placed cross to the far post, where Mendez attempted a header from a tight angle, but Mumbai keeper Phurba Lachenpa comfortably collected it.

Following the drinks break, Bengaluru FC upped their attacking efforts. Mendez went close with a shot from a tight angle, forcing a diving save from Lachenpa. Moments later, Vinith Venkatesh took a shot from distance that narrowly missed the left post.

As the first half neared its end, the game turned frenetic, with both teams pushing for a lead before the break. Manzorro came closest for the Islanders with a long-distance strike that whizzed just over the bar. The half ended goalless, despite both sides having promising opportunities.

Second Half: Both Teams Fail to Break the Deadlock

The second half began with both teams showing attacking intent, but neither side was able to find the finishing touch required for a breakthrough. Around the hour mark, Manzorro’s free-kick deflected off the wall and fell to Noufal, who drove into the box and unleashed a low strike, forcing yet another diving save from Gurpreet.

End-to-end action followed, as Bengaluru’s Diaz came close twice with headers that required Lachenpa’s heroics to keep them out. At the other end, Mumbai City FC dominated possession and created chances that put Gurpreet to the test.

The biggest moment of the game came right after the water break, with Van Nieff delivering a sumptuous ball into the box that found Tiri, whose shot rattled off the crossbar, leaving the scoreline unchanged at 0-0.

Final Moments: A Cautious Finish

As the game moved into the final moments, both teams seemed to adopt a more cautious approach, perhaps wary of leaving themselves exposed. The intensity dropped slightly, and neither side could find the winning touch, leading to a goalless draw at full-time.

The match ended 0-0, with both Mumbai City FC and Bengaluru FC taking away a point each. While the Islanders will be disappointed not to capitalize on their home advantage, Bengaluru would be happy with the point away from home. The Islanders now have two points from three games, while Bengaluru FC maintain their unbeaten run, now with ten points from four matches.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.