In a match that was predicted to be more exciting than what the outcome produced, neither Odisha FC nor Mumbai City FC were able to put a single goal past each other, resulting in the match ending in a draw as the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) knockout rounds commenced. The fixture orchestrated at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar saw a tussle between a team that preferred attacking mindset and a robust defense to round the game with both the teams sharing the spoils after an hour and a half of competitive clash.
Odisha FC, who managed to score 21 goals last season and were referred to as a quite literally attacking side, had expectations to earn three points infront of their home crowd. The top side Mumbai City FC were determined to keep up their impressive form as well and aimed to climb up the ranks. However, the enthusiasm of the fans and the blazing performance from both teams bore no fruit as the match stood at a 0-0 deadlock at the end of the match.
The first stage was a position fight as both units first and foremost focus on keeping shape and minimizing the likelihood of making mistakes early on. Odisha FC began the game with the ball being in their half for a majority of the time as they tried to dismantle Mumbais defense through quick circulations of the ball along with overlapping runs. However, the Islanders showed great composure, especially Mourtada Fall as he denied Odisha’s attempts to breach the Islanders defense.
Mumbai City FC went into the first half of the game whilst attempting to control the pace of the match and laying in a counter-style attack.
They looked threatening on the counter-attack, with Lallianzuala Chhangte and Bipin Singh sprinting to fill the space behind Odisha’s attackers. But there was a problem for Mumbai who had to get past the cuts from Amrinder Singh, the Odisha goalie, who made some big saves to keep the competitive scoreline in his team’s favor.
The scoreline was still 0-0 when, in the 28th minute, Diego Maurico created a great opportunity for himself inside the box and took a fierce shot. The Mumbai keeper, Phurba Lachenpa, was quick on his foot and made some invaluable saves, this time denying the Brazilian striker. Mumbai City had chances but Odisha’s defense headed by the experienced Carlos Delgado soaked up any notable danger.
Second half: Draw remains the Same
The second half continued from where the first half left off, with the game tightly contested as both teams looked for gaps. Odisha FC kept possession of the ball well enough through the midfield but struggled to get into the final third where there was danger for Mumbai FC. Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, tried to look for quick space. Yet, they were not steady at the right times.
Odisha had a good chance in the 67th minute as Nandhakumar Sekar’s cross found Diego Mauricio’s head inside the penalty area.
He should have scored; that header should’ve found the back of the net. Instead, he hit the post, to the dismay of thousands of home supporters.
Mumbai City FC stole the ball and blew away numerous opportunities but the defenders of Odisha were a tough nut to crack. In the 75th minute, a Chhangte shot just outside the box was even further away from the far post. With the time moving on, both teams were playing rather safe, cognizant of the fact that one boo boo could turn into an absolute disaster for the entire team.
Key Moments
Diego Mauricio attempt (28th minute): Mauricio had every reason to feel disappointed and rather verging on angry as he made the most close shot to give OD his second goal of the match which will surely seal the deal for him. Chhangte’s shot was well saved by Mumbai’s goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa at a critical point in the game, giving us yet another chance for Diego in the game.
Nandhakumar Sekar Assist (67th Minute): Nandhu’s cross was accurate and opened the way for Diego to score, but he was probably a tad bit rusty as he failed to hit the ball accurately and again, the ball went off target.
Chhangte Miss (75th minute): He should’ve scored that. Chhangte missed an open chance as he took a shot from an ideal position, but ended sending the ball sailing above the bar.
Discipline of the defences
The match saw differing styles of defence with both teams putting in a strong disciplined display. Odisha FC’s seasoned general at the back, Carlos Delgado, did a great job along with Amrinder Singh to keep Mumbai at arms length and deny them a clear sight of the goal. On the other hand Mourtada Fall and Tondonba Singh were in charge of the Mumbai defence and stood strong throughout the game and in fact was able to cope with most of the Indian Super League woes.
Conclusion
Neither of the teams deserves to win because of lack of effort in creating chances in what seemed to be a boring match that took place on the football field.
Odisha FC will be disappointed with the result, as they would have expected to make their home advantage work in their favour, while Mumbai City FC will feel they were careful in not taking their chances on the break. As both these clubs move on in their 2024-25 ISL season, they will look to bounce back in their subsequent games.
Even though the match was dull when it came to goals, it was thrilling in terms of tactical discipline and defensive work rate. Both Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC are looking to improve their efficiency in the final third in their pursuit of league medals and opportunities in their next encounters.
If you are interested for more: “Odisha FC vs Mumbai City FC Highlights, ISL 2024-25: Goalless Draw as Juggernauts and Islanders Share the Spoils” “Southampton vs Chelsea: Score, Goals, Stats, and Highlights | Premier League 2024/25”