Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC ended in a goalless draw at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Thursday, marking the first time the Juggernauts failed to score in a home game after 10 matches.
The match started positively for the Juggernauts, who immediately took the offensive to establish their style of play.
Diego Mauricio, the nimble Brazilian, received the ball with his back to the goal and displayed remarkable agility to turn and create space for a shot at the net.
Mauricio, however, found none of his teammates in a favorable position near the goal and decided to trust his instincts, unleashing a powerful shot from a distance. The shot, packed with force, missed the target but served as a warning to the Mumbai City FC defense.
Mumbai City FC responded with impressive efforts, especially in the early minutes of the second half, deploying its entire attack against the Odisha FC defense to outnumber and surprise the hosts. In the 48th minute, Vikram Partap Singh and Nikolaos Karelis worked together inside the box, but Odisha FC’s goalkeeper Amrinder Singh timely blocked Karelis’s attempt.
The offensive push continued as Jeremy Manzorro took charge, advancing and firing a fierce shot that once again demanded Amrinder’s quick reflexes to maintain a level score for Odisha FC.
Sensing the shift in momentum, Mumbai City FC intensified its attacks. Manzorro, pivotal in orchestrating these offensives, utilized his creative flair and goal-scoring ability from the attacking midfield position to create chances for the visitors.
In the 53rd minute, a stunning through ball cut through the Juggernauts’ defense, finding Jayesh Rane at the center of the 18-yard box. Rane quickly seized the opportunity and fired a powerful shot, which was once again saved by Amrinder.
Both teams continued to vie for the win with the strategic substitutions of Raynier Fernandes and PN Noufal for Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC in the 73rd and 81st minutes, respectively. Despite their efforts, they maintained their defensive responsibilities and ultimately settled for a draw.
