Hyderbad FC reach ISL finals and will face Kerala Blaster

Despite a late goal by Roy Krishna, ATK Mohun Bagan missed their chance to make history as they were eliminated from the Indian Super League last season with Hyderabad qualifying for the finals of the Indian Super League. 

Hyderabad had won the first leg of the semi-finals in a spectacular fashion. They finished the match 3-1. The goal scorers in the first leg were Bartholomew Ogbeche, Yasir Mohammad, and Javier Siverio.

Now, Hyderabad FC will clash against three-time finalists Kerala Blasters at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda, Goa on Sunday (March 20 )

Match highlights

Roy Krishna looked for an early onslaught as he marched forward with the ball into the box. However, he was unable to do at the start. 

Liston stepped up to take a free-kick for ATK Mohun Bagan on the 25th minute of the match. Goal shot, but the ball dips, and the shot goes just off-target.

Liston Colaco got another chance to create a goal as he gets the ball from Krishna in the box at the 45th minute of the match. He turned and tried to curl it with his left foot but missed it.

In the 79th minute, Roy Krishna ran down the right side into the center of the box, got a cross from Liston Colaço and buried it on the back of the net. However, it was not enough to take ATK Mohun Bagan to the finals.

In the league table, Hyderabad FC finished second with 38 points from 20 matches, while ATK Mohan Bagan finished a point behind.

ATK Mohun Bagan had a two-goal deficit to cover in the second leg and had an all out attacking frame but Coach Manolo Marquez was able to guide Hyderabad FC in the finals for the first time.

Coaching staff reaction

Hyderabad FC’s Head Coach Manolo Marquez was happy about the qualification. But he made sure that they have their foot on the ground and do better in the finals if they want to stand a chance against the Kerala Blasters on Sunday.

"Obviously you have to be happy because not every day you go to the final. But we need to do self-criticism. Today, we practically didn't play (well). It is very difficult to find 11 players of this quality (in ATK MB). We are happy, but I think, if we play like this, it is difficult to beat the Kerala Blasters," he added.

Juan Ferrando,Head Coach of ATK Mohun Bagan, also reacted to the not-so-merry-win for his side and hoped for a better future for the club.

"Sometimes we lost focus in the game, but it is normal. In some aspects, we did not have enough opportunities, we were unlucky and I hope the next time, it (the result) is decided in 90 minutes (only). We tried to do the best. Some players are working hard with the injuries. I hope in the future, we understand the methodology better.