Indian Super League: Defending champions Hyderabad FC beat NorthEast United FC 3-0

Hyderabad FC's Bartholomew Ogbeche, Halicharan Narzary, and Borja Herrera were the proud goalscorers of the team. The defending champions closed the match with nine attempts on the target.

NEUFC only hit twice on target. In the 13th minute, the Highlanders received their first blow. Mohamed Irshad challenged Halicharan Narzary down on the left flank, which called for the referee's intervention. 

The opposition received a free kick, and Mohammad Yasir threw a brilliant stroke side-footed by Bartholomew Ogbeche. The ball rippled the back of the net to give the defending champions their opening goal. 

Hyderabad FC then increased their attack halfway into the first half, and Javier Siverio made a mighty attempt. Yasir sent a low pass to Narzary on the opposite flank. 

Narzary dropped the ball as Spaniard's ball was blocked by Arindam Bhattacharya. In the last minute of first-half stoppage time, NorthEast United almost equalised the score. 

Romain Philippoteaux at the right flank sent in a ball intercepted by Nikhil Poojari, who found Jon Gaztanaga in the opening. The Spanish midfielder hit the far post next to Parthib Gogoi. 

Arindam Bhattacharya, the saving grace for the Highlanders

Five minutes into the second half, Ogbeche and Siverio's partnership stood out, but Gaurav Bora tackled the former, and the referee penalised the Highlander.

Ogbeche shot the penalty, but Bhattacharya's smooth reflexes denied the Nigerian. When the game hit the hour mark, Bhattacharya made another good save. 

Hitesh Sharma attacked from the left flank, and the ball was almost headed into the post by Siverio, but Bhattacharya made the save. Substitute Rochharzela made the next attempt, and Matt Derbyshire sent it wide. 

In the 69th minute, NorthEast United FC squandered a significant goal-scoring chance. Hyderabad FC's Narzary found an opportunity to score after an easy tackle with Bora. 

The defending champions slotted their 100th Hero ISL goal, but Narzary was not done. He made a pass to substitute Borja Herrera on the left flank that was converted into the team's third goal of the match. 

Hyderabad FC exhibited an increased hunger to score. Four minutes from regulation time, striker Ogbeche struck the crossbar, which led to another goal kick. 

The only time a team got a clean sheet this season was during Bengaluru FC's 1-0 win against the Highlanders. Hyderabad FC will travel back to the south to host Bengaluru FC in their next game on Saturday, October 22.

The Highlanders will continue to pursue their first win this season when they host East Bengal FC on October 20.