KOCHI: Kerala Blasters FC edged past Hyderabad FC 1-0 in a pulsating Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Saturday. The solitary goal was scored by Milos Drincic in the 32nd minute, as the Blasters registered their fourth consecutive victory to climb to the top of the ISL table.
The match started at a brisk pace, with both teams looking to take an early lead. Kerala Blasters were the more aggressive side in the opening exchanges, creating a few chances but failing to find the back of the net. Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, were content to sit back and defend, hoping to catch the Blasters on the counter-attack.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 32nd minute when Milos Drincic found himself in the right place at the right time to tap home a loose ball following a goalmouth scramble. The Blasters continued to press for a second goal in the second half, but Hyderabad FC defended resolutely and managed to keep the scoreline down.
In the end, the Blasters held on to their slender lead to secure a valuable three points. The victory took them to the top of the ISL table with 12 points from four matches. Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, remained in fifth position with six points from three matches.
Match Summary
Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 Hyderabad FC
Goal Scorer: Milos Drincic (32′)
Man of the Match: Milos Drincic
Kerala Blasters Tactical Analysis
Kerala Blasters FC’s tactical approach was evident from the start of the match as they employed a high-pressing strategy to stifle Hyderabad FC’s build-up play. This forced the Nizams to play long balls, which were easily dealt with by the Blasters’ defenders. The Blasters also looked to exploit Hyderabad FC’s weakness in central midfield by creating overloads in that area. This tactic paid off as it led to the Blasters’ goal in the 32nd minute.
Hyderabad FC’s Tactical Analysis
Hyderabad FC’s tactical approach was more conservative as they opted to sit back and defend, hoping to catch the Blasters on the counter-attack. This strategy initially worked well as the Blasters found it difficult to break down the Nizams’ defense. However, the Blasters eventually managed to find a breakthrough in the 32nd minute. After conceding the goal, Hyderabad FC showed more attacking intent, but they were unable to find an equalizer.
Key Moments
32nd minute: Milos Drincic scores the opening goal for Kerala Blasters FC.
58th minute: Hyderabad FC has a penalty appeal waved away.
72nd minute: Hyderabad FC’s Borja Herrera misses a gilt-edged opportunity to equalize.
Managers Comments
Kerala Blasters FC coach Ivan Vukomanovic
“I am very happy with the performance of the team. We played with a lot of heart and determination, and we were rewarded with a victory. We have a good squad, and I am confident we can continue improving.”
Hyderabad FC coach Manuel Márquez
“We are disappointed with the result, but we can take some positives from the game. We defended well for most of the match, but we were punished for a few mistakes. We will learn from our mistakes and come back stronger in the next match.”
Overall, it was a well-deserved victory for Kerala Blasters FC, who were the better team on the day. Hyderabad FC will need to improve their attacking play if they want to challenge for the ISL title this season.
Highlights of the ISL match: Kerala Blasters vs Hyderabad
- Kerala Blasters FC took an early lead in the 32nd minute when Milos Drincic scored from close range.
- Hyderabad FC had a number of chances to equalize in the second half, but they were unable to convert any of them.
- Kerala Blasters FC defended resolutely to keep a clean sheet and secure a valuable three points.
The match was a closely contested one, with both teams having chances to win. Kerala Blasters FC were the more attacking team throughout the match, and they created a number of chances. However, Hyderabad FC defended well, and they kept the Blasters at bay for most of the game.
The turning point in the match came in the 32nd minute when Milos Drincic scored the only goal of the game. Drincic scored from close range after a scramble in the box. The goal was a soft one to concede, and it gave Kerala Blasters FC a much-needed lead.
Hyderabad FC tried to get back into the game in the second half, but they were unable to find a way past the Kerala Blasters FC defense. The Blasters defended resolutely, and they were able to hold on to their lead to secure a valuable three points.
The victory was a big one for Kerala Blasters FC, as it moved them to the top of the ISL table. Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, remained in fifth position.
Conclusion: Kerala Blasters vs Hyderabad
Kerala Blasters FC emerged victorious in their ISL match against Hyderabad FC with a score of 1-0. The match was held on November 25, 2023, at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi.
The solitary goal of the match was scored by Milos Drincic in the 32nd minute. Drincic found himself in the right place at the right time to tap home a loose ball following a goalmouth scramble.
Kerala Blasters FC continued to press for a second goal in the second half, but Hyderabad FC defended resolutely and managed to keep the scoreline down.
In the end, the Blasters held on to their slender lead to secure a valuable three points. The victory took them to the top of the ISL table with 12 points from four matches. Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, remained in fifth position with six points from three matches.
