The final clash of the Indian Super League’s matchday 8 saw 9th-placed Kerala Blasters take on Hyderabad FC, who were just one spot above them in the table but six points clear. Kibu Vicuña’s side were still searching for their first victory of the season, while the Nizams were looking to get back to winning ways after seeing their unbeaten run end last time out. An interesting battle was set to ensue, and here’s what we made of it:

Report

Kerala Blasters started off well, but Hyderabad thought that they should have had a penalty in the first quarter of an hour when Nishu Kumar nudged Aridane in the box as the Spanish forward looked set to head a cross, but the referee saw nothing wrong. In the 29th minute, Abdul Nediyodath climbed highest as he attacked a corner and thumped his header home, scoring in his first start of the season. However, the goal was not without controversy either, as replays showed the ball went out off a Kerala Blasters player before the referee gave them a corner.

Commondra…… pic.twitter.com/xMllH3JZaO

— Shami