Mumbai City FC were held to a goalless draw by table toppers Bengaluru FC  at their home base Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) in their latest Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 fixture. Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu outstanding efforts under the post denied the host team from converting multiple goal-scoring chances (14 shots on goal), thereby enabling the visitors to maintain an unbeaten record in the tourney in a fiercely competitive game. The pulsating contest saw the Islanders play out their first-ever goalless draw against the Blues in 16 matches.

With 10 points in four matches, Bengaluru FC led by former Mumbai City skipper Rahul Bheke continue to hold on to their top spot. Lallianzuala Chhangte led Mumbai City FC on the other hand which played out its second draw, the first at home, languishing in 11th position in their three games so far. 

The first half came alive early with both teams mounting dangerous attacks. Mumbai City FC's first opportunity came just two minutes in when Brandon Fernandes attempted to pick out towering Nikolaos Karelis near goal, only for Bengaluru’s goalkeeper Gurpreet to swiftly thwart the move.

Valpuia created another chance, threading a pass to Karelis in the 12th minute, but the striker's sharp header was denied. As the half progressed, Petr Kratky’s men continued to press on both flanks. In the 25th minute, Yoëll Van Nieff whipped in a pinpoint cross to Tiri, whose shot was deflected for a corner.

Despite Bengaluru FC dominating possession, Mumbai remained steadfast in defence, with goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa producing a crucial save to deny Edgar Mendez in the 32nd minute. Just before half-time, Brandon Fernandes released to Manzorro, but the latter's deft shot sailed just over the crossbar.

The second half saw intent from both teams, but it was Mumbai that relentlessly pursued the opening goal. Noufal was brought in for the second half and he had an instant impact, asking questions of Bengaluru’s defence on the wings. In the 59th minute, Noufal unleashed a powerful strike, rebounding Van Nieff’sfree-kick, but he could not find the back of the net.

Phurba Lachenpa’s services were sought again in the 68th minute, when he saved ISL leading scorer Sunil Chhetri’s header from inside the box. Mumbai were agonisingly close when another curling free-kick from Van Nieff was deployed to find an outstretched Tiri, but his acrobatic effort only rattled the crossbar and it fell back into play, in the 78th minute.

In Mumbai’s last chance of the night, Nikolaos Karelis attempted to net the ball from a distance, but the shot was wayward, and it was full-time soon after. The Islanders now sit with two points in three matches as they gear up to take on former ISL champions FC Goa on 19^th October, in an away fixture.

Key Performer of the Match: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC). The current Indian custodian , completed 24 out of his 39 attempted passes. In addition he made four good saves and two clearances to ensure yet another clean sheet which enabled his team secure a point.

Result

Mumbai City FC 0 drew Bengaluru FC 0