ISL 2021-22: Hyderabad lifts ISL title by defeating Blasters in thrilling penalty shootout

Panaji: Hyderabad FC went on to lift their maiden Indian Super League title by defeating Kerala Blasters in penalties. Rahul KP opened up the scoring for Blasters before Sahil Tavora equalised for Hyderabad through a wonderful volley from outside the box. Unable to break the deadlock in extra time, the game went into the penalty shoot-out. Laxmikant Kattimani managed to save three penalty kicks to deny Kerala their dream of winning their maiden ISL title. 

Penalty; Kerala 0 0 1 0; Hyderabad 1 0 1 1

Earlier, Sahil Tavora scored a brilliant volley from outside the box in the 88th minute to equalise after Rahul KP's brilliant effort from outside the box opened up the score for Kerala Blasters against Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League final in Goa here on Sunday. However, the game was extended to extra time after both teams failed to break the deadlock in regular time. 

Marko Lešković, who takes the first spot-kick was denied by Laxmikant Kattimani. João Victor, who took the penalty for Hyderabad scored it past Gill. In the next kick for Blasters, Laxmikant Kattimani saves again to deny Nishu Kumar. Javier Siverio, who came on to take the next penalty, missed from the spot. Jeakson Singh misses from the spot, and Halicharan Narzary scores to help Hyderabad lifts its maiden ISL title.

Hyderabad came back from behind to find the equaliser in the final minutes of regular time. Building attack through wings, Blasters were able to dominate in possession, and build-up plays through the wings. However, Hyderabad managed to control the game in the second half. 

Building attack through wings, Blasters were able to dominate in possession, and build-up plays through the wings. Meanwhile, Hyderabad struggled to find Ogbeche and their attacks were cut short by a well-oiled defensive backline of Blasters.

Kerala dominated the first half with Hyderabad failing to keep the ball from moving forward. However, chances for Adrian Luna, Jorge Diaz, Rahul KP and Alvaro Vasquez failed to find the opener for Blasters. Vasquez's volley in the 39th minute from a tight angle came off the bar. Meanwhile, first-half substitute Javier Siverio nearly opened up a surprise goal for Hyderabad in the dying minute of the first half. However, Prabhsukhan Gill makes a stunning save to deny an unmarked Javier Siverio.

Hyderabad started the second half with more confidence as they managed to push Blasters to their defence early on. A curling effort from Joao Victor in the 48th minute from outside the box was brilliantly saved by Gill. Minutes later, Ogbeche made it nearly 1-0, after he dribbles into the box from a lovely pass from the right but fails to keep it down as he fires his effort over the bar. Blasters struggled to keep the possession as Hyderabad continued to put pressure on their opponent's defence. However, Rahul KP opened up the scoring for Blasters in the 68th minute from a brilliant dribble through the middle and a curling effort to put the ball into the box. However, Hyderabad came back from the disappointing effort through Sahil Tavora in the 88th minute. A brilliant volley from outside the box was too much for Gill to save. Blasters continued to push but failed to find the back of the net.