Bengaluru FC extended its unbeaten run in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season with a 0-0 draw against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Wednesday. The result keeps Bengaluru atop the league standings with 10 points from four matches, maintaining a one-point lead over second-placed Punjab FC.
The draw also marked Bengaluru’s fourth consecutive clean sheet to start the season, making them the first team in ISL history to achieve this defensive feat. Bengaluru’s solid backline has been a cornerstone of their early success, with goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu playing a key role in their defensive resilience.
Under the guidance of stand-in head coach Renedy Singh, Bengaluru named an unchanged starting lineup from the side that had comfortably beaten Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-0 in their previous match. However, it was Mumbai City that started the brighter of the two teams, testing Gurpreet early with crosses from Brandon Fernandes and Vikram Partap Singh. The Bengaluru shot-stopper was forced into the first save of the game, expertly denying a header from Greek striker Nikos Karelis.
Bengaluru soon responded with chances of their own, as Edgar Mendez, who was played through by Alberto Noguera, saw his shot saved by Mumbai’s goalkeeper, Phurba Lachenpa. Lachenpa remained alert throughout the match, thwarting further attempts from Mendez and Vinith Venkatesh.
The best opportunity for the home side came from a set-piece. Dutch midfielder Yoell van Nieff delivered a dangerous free-kick into the box, finding Spanish defender Tiri, whose close-range effort rattled the crossbar, much to the relief of Bengaluru’s defense.
As the match wore on, Bengaluru pushed for a late winner. Substitute N. Sivasakthi found space in the dying moments, but his shot veered off target, leaving both teams to settle for a point.
Bengaluru’s next challenge will be against Punjab FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on October 18, where they will look to maintain their unbeaten run and extend their lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC will hope to regain their form and return to winning ways in their upcoming fixtures.
