Hyderabad qualifies for their first-ever final on aggregate despite losing 1-0 against ATK Mohun Bagan
ATK Mohun Bagan handed Hyderabad a 1-0 defeat in the second leg of ‘Semi-Final 2’ of the 2021-22 Indian Super League season, courtesy of a goal from Roy Krishna. However, thanks to their 3-1 triumph in the first leg tie, the Nizams have qualified for their first-ever final on aggregate.
Hyderabad head coach Manolo Marquez fielded the same team that won the first leg clash by a convincing margin.
On the other hand, ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando opted for an ultra-attacking lineup, making four changes to his starting XI. Prabir Das replaced Tiri in defense and slotted in as a right wing-back whereas David Williams was replaced by Kiyan Nassiri. This allowed Ferrando to field two extra overseas players in the middle, with Hugo Boumous and Carl McHugh replacing Lenny Rodrigues and Deepak Tangri respectively.
Given that they had nothing to lose from this match, the Mariners went all guns blazing from the first minute and got their first chance in the 7th minute of the match when Prabir made a darting run down the right flank. The attack-minded defender found Joni Kauko with a pass but the Finnish midfielder’s shot was blocked by Hyderabad custodian Laxmikant Kattimani.
Seven minutes later, Prabir made another such run and found Krishna with a perfectly weighted cross, but the Fiji international could not keep his header on target. Ferrando’s team kept on creating chances and came close to breaking the deadlock once again in the 22nd minute when Boumous’ corner fell for Liston Colaco in the box. However, the winger dragged his shot wide.
Liston again had the opportunity of getting his name on the scoresheet nine minutes later when he found himself at the end of another delivery from Boumous. The youngster did well to outsmart his marker Nim Dorjee Tamang with silky footwork, but combined efforts of Juanan and Kattimani kept his shot out.
The Nizams got their first major chance in the 34th minute when a precise corner from Mohammad Yasir found Aniket Jadhav completely unmarked inside the box. However, Jadhav failed to get a proper connection on his header.
Following that glorious miss, it was ATK Mohun Bagan’s turn to squander a gilt-edged opportunity only three minutes later. Prabir, who had an outstanding game down the right flank, delivered a great ball for Boumous who somehow failed to tuck it home despite being handshaking distance away from the goal.
The Mariners started the second half on the front foot as well and received their biggest opportunity barely five minutes after the resumption. Prabir was involved yet again as he delivered a delectable cross for Krishna who had only Kattimani to beat but instead ended up hitting his shot straight at the Nizams’ keeper.
Roy Krishna’s goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation for ATK Mohun Bagan
The Mariners eventually broke the deadlock in the 79th minute of the match. Liston put on the afterburners and darted down the left flank before beating his marker Asish Rai and delivering a perfect cross for Krishna, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net this time around.
The last chance for Ferrando’s team came in the 91st minute when substitute Manvir Singh played a ball into the box from the right flank. Juanan intercepted it but could not clear it away to safety and the ball eventually fell for Kauko, whose backheel effort was saved by Kattimani.
With this win, Hyderabad has qualified for the final for the first time in the history of the club. They will be competing for the ultimate crown against Kerala Blasters, another team that has never won the title, at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday.