In what turned out to be a competitive draw, FC Goa managed to hold Hyderabad FC goalless during the Indian Super League 2020-21 at the Fatorda Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. Goa has finished fourth and sealed its playoffs spot with this draw, while Hyderabad is placed fifth, thereby missing out.
Surprisingly, the first half turned out to be a boring one, with both sides coming up with an attack each. However, none of them could find the back of the net, as the deadlock remained in place at half-time.
The second half saw four attempts until the 82nd minute before Hyderabad's Lluis Sastre was handed a red card for brutal demeanour three minutes later. A minute later, Goa's Alberto Noguera was shown his second yellow of the game and sent off.
Five more attacks ensued thereon, including a save from Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh. Nonetheless, none of the attacks was successfully converted to goal, as the referee blew the full-time whistle for the teams to share the honours, while Goa went marching ahead into the playoffs.
As for the next game, Hyderabad has nothing left to do but prepare for the next season. Meanwhile, Goa takes on table-topper Mumbai City FC in the opening leg of the semis on Friday.
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