The opening 20 minutes of the first half were intense, with Mumbai City FC coming closest to breaking the deadlock. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu produced a crucial save after a cross from the left flank found Valpuia at the far post.
In the 38th minute, Bengaluru FC came close through Ryan Williams, who guided a deep cross from Ashique just wide of the target. With both teams locked in a tense battle, the game headed into the break level at 0-0.
At the start of the second half, Lallinzuala Chhangte missed a golden opportunity for Mumbai City FC. Finding himself one-on-one with Gurpreet, he did well to round him but fired into the side netting, sparing the Blues’ blushes.
In the 52nd minute, Bengaluru FC were forced into a change as Nikhil Poojary limped off after a heavy landing and was replaced by the returning Namgyal Bhutia. It proved to be a difficult day for the Blues on the right flank, as Ryan Williams also had to walk off with a knock, with Soham Varshneya coming on in his place in the 60th minute.
Between the 60th and 70th minutes, Bengaluru FC created a flurry of chances, with Soham and Braian combining well in midfield. First, Rahul Bheke played a precise diagonal ball to Ashique on the left flank, who cut inside and made a driving run, but fired wide of the far post with his left foot. Moments later, Soham found Braian in space with a clever backheel. The Blues’ No. 10 made a dazzling run into the box but saw his low effort hit the side netting. Soon after, Braian turned provider for Soham, but a timely block from a Mumbai City FC defender kept the scores level.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but neither could find the breakthrough as the match ended in a goalless draw.