VASCO DA GAMA: They knew they were being watched by their closest play-off rivals, NorthEast United and FC Goa. They needed a statement of intent to make their top-four ambitions clear. And Hyderabad FC did just that as they outclassed Kerala Blasters 4-0 in the Hero Indian Super League at the TilakMaidan Stadium here on Tuesday.
A brace from Fran Sandaza (58, 63') and goals from Aridane Santana (86') and Joao Victor (90') helped Hyderabad climb to third on the table. The result meant Kerala Blasters are now mathematically out of the playoff race. IANS