ATKMB breakthroughs to the HERO Indian Super League finals after going goalless for 120 minutes. ATK Mohun Bagan beat Hyderabad FC 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Indian Super League 2024 finals against Bengaluru FC which will be played in Goa this Saturday.
ATKMB’s penalties were scored by Dimitri Petratos, Federico Gallego, Manvir Singh, and Pritam Kotal, while Hyderabad FC’s penalties were scored by Joao Victor, Rohit Danu, and Reagan Singh.  Siverio’s shot was saved by ATKMB goalie Vishal Kaith, and Bartholomew Ogbeche did miss it for Hyderabad FC. Brendan Hamill missed ATKMB’s only shot.
Match Report :
The two teams have the greatest defensive archives in the Hero ISL season 2022-23, and they didn’t give up a single inch during the first half. ATKMB seemed to have the best chances of the first quarter, aided by a lively home crowd, but Gurmeet Singh Sandhu escaped unscathed.
ATK Mohun Bagan got off to a fast start, but Hyderabad FC immediately took possession and control of the midfield. However, the hosts unexpectedly increased their pace just after the 15th minute and had their best offensive stretch of the quarter.
ATK Mohun Bagan applied the most pressure. This was totally expected from the home team at the Saltlake Stadium, which was determined not to repeat last year’s debacle. ATK Mohun Bagan got most of the opportunities.
ATK Mohun Bagan demonstrated more resilience, whether it was Glan Martin’s long-ranger attempt that went wide or Manvir Singh’s pile-driver that brushed the crossbar. Hyderabad FC had several chances, the best of which did fall to Mohammad Yasir in the 26th minute.
The change of ends and a few replacements in both teams had no effect on the scoreline, as both teams relied on their defensive system to keep the campaign goalless. Hugo Boumous, who made a desperate effort with a side-footed volley from an Asish Rai cross, could have given the home team the lead in the 57th minute, but Gurmeet made a heroic save to deny him.
Carl McHugh had a golden chance from a corner in the final minute, but he couldn’t keep his header on goal. The resulting additional time failed to break the tie as the hosts continued to attack despite great defending by Hyderabad FC defenders.
The penalty shootout after the end of 120 minutes itself was an indication of Hyderabad’s struggle to challenge their opponents with any shots throughout the game.
In the penalty shootout, Vishal Kaith saved Siverio’s penalty attempt before Ogbeche struck the post on his following chance.
Brendan Hamill of ATKMB, who joined the match as a substitute in the 114th minute, failed to score but as the team had maintained an adequate lead to earn the victory from the shootout and also from the game they entirely controlled.
Juan Ferrando’s statement after ATKMB’s Victory
ATK Mohun Bagan’s leader Juan Ferrando at the post-match press conference said, “Our mentality was the same all the time, to win and attack, “We’re very happy because I know when we play at home the supporters are very close to the players and the support is amazing. I hope the fans are traveling to Goa for the final and the atmosphere for ATK Mohun Bagan is going to be fantastic,“
What’s next for ATKMB :
ATK Mohun Bagan will now face Bengaluru FC in the Hero ISL Final for the ultimate trophy at the PNJ Stadium, Fatorda, Goa.
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