With a 1-0 victory over Odisha FC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday, Hyderabad FC began their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign. As Hyderabad held their first-ever clean sheet in the league, debutant Aridane Santana (35 ") scored a penalty that proved to be the difference between the two sides. In the initial minutes of the game, Hyderabad were all over Odisha's territory. In the first 10 minutes, they won a series of corners and almost established on a goal.
In the 10th minute, a smartly executed corner saw Akash Mishra force Odisha's goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh into a save. Odisha looked for their usual game to play, retaining possession and carrying their opponents through the battle. But they were a little too predictable and, without too much trouble, Hyderabad's defenders were able to deal with them. Hyderabad got their reward in the form of a penalty after persistent probing.
On the 35th minute, Adriane Santana netted a penalty paving way for Hyderabad to lead. Hyderabad keeper Subrata Paul had to wait to make his first save until the 40th minute, subverting Odisha striker Manuel Onwu. The Nizams had opportunities to extend their lead, but just before the breather, he made a couple of decent saves.
The score was almost doubled by Hyderabad, but the target of Joao Victor was rightly ruled by offside. In the 67th minute, Liston Colaco, who constantly troubled the Odisha defence, nearly created a late equaliser.
"Even in the pre-season we conceded two goals in all games barring one. But we got the first clean sheet today, and it certainly is a reason to be satisfied," said the Hyderabad coach Marquez, in a post-match press conference. This was the first clean sheet by Hyderabad, having failed to hold one last season. Next on November 28, they take on Bengaluru as Odisha faces Jamshedpur the next day.