The opening week of the ISL 2024-25 season delivered high drama, late goals, and thrilling comebacks. Jamshedpur FC clinched a 2-1 win over FC Goa with Jordan Murray’s last-minute strike, while NorthEast United stunned Mohammedan with a stoppage-time goal. Punjab FC edged Kerala Blasters 2-1 in a game decided in the dying moments, and Bengaluru FC secured a gritty 1-0 victory over East Bengal. Chennaiyin FC pulled off a second-half comeback to beat Odisha 3-2, and Mohun Bagan shared the spoils in an action-packed 2-2 draw with Mumbai City.
The ISL season has kicked off in electrifying fashion and is expected to have even more exciting matches in the coming weeks.
Goa stunned by late Murray goal and penalty call
In an intense match at Fatorda in the ISL, Jamshedpur FC secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over FC Goa with a spectacular last-minute goal from Jordan Murray. Goa started on the front foot, creating several clear-cut chances, but their efforts were stifled by Jamshedpur’s sturdy defense, led by Stephen Eze. FC Goa’s persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time, when Armando Sadiku slotted home a low-driven shot that beat Albino Gomes, who had kept Goa at bay for most of the half until his mistake allowed the goal.
Jamshedpur came back rejuvenated in the second half and began to exert pressure on Goa’s defense. A controversial moment arrived when Javi Siverio was awarded a penalty for an off-the-ball incident in the 74th minute, a decision that FC Goa fans hotly contested. However, Siverio kept his composure to convert the spot-kick, leveling the score and breathing new life into Jamshedpur’s attack. Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Jordan Murray produced a moment of magic in the dying minutes, curling in a stunning strike from a tight angle to give Jamshedpur the lead in the 94th minute.
Mohammedan off to losing start with Ajaraie’s late strike
NorthEast United FC began their ISL campaign on a high with a dramatic 1-0 win over debutants Mohammedan Sporting Club. The match, played at the Kishore Bharati Kirangan, was largely a tactical affair, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities in the first half. Mohammedan SC, despite being new to the league, showed they were no pushovers, putting up a resilient defensive display and frustrating NorthEast United’s attempts to find an opening.
It wasn’t until the 90th minute that the game sparked to life, with Thoi Singh delivering a pinpoint assist to Alaeddine Ajaraie, who calmly slotted the ball home past the goalkeeper to break the deadlock. Despite Mohammedan Sporting’s best efforts, they couldn’t muster a late equalizer, and the match ended in heartbreak for the home side.
Punjab hand Blasters defeat in dramatic late-game flurry
The match between Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters in the ISL took a while to come to life, but when it did, it delivered some thrilling moments. The first 85 minutes saw both teams cancel each other out, with neither side able to take control. It was not until Leon Augustine’s jinking run earned Punjab FC a penalty in the 86th minute that the game swung in their favor. Luka Majcen stepped up confidently and smashed the ball into the back of the net, giving Punjab a crucial lead.
However, Kerala Blasters responded almost immediately. Just minutes later, Jesus Jimenez scored a debut goal for the Blasters, equalizing with a clinical header from a Pritam Kotal cross. The atmosphere in the stadium shifted, with Kerala fans sensing a comeback. But just as quickly as Kerala found hope, it was dashed. In stoppage time, Filip Mrzljak poked home a scrappy goal after a defensive lapse from Milos Drincic, sealing a dramatic 2-1 win for Punjab.
The final moments were marred by a heated confrontation following a foul by Rahul KP on Majcen, but Punjab FC held on to claim an important victory.
Cuadrat under pressure after losing start to ISL campaign
Bengaluru FC opened their campaign with a gritty 1-0 victory over East Bengal FC in the ISL, thanks to a well-taken goal by Vinith Venkatesh in the 25th minute. Playing in front of their home crowd, Bengaluru were quick off the blocks, with Venkatesh, a product of their youth academy, showcasing why he’s being touted as a future star. His goal came after a well-worked team move, with Venkatesh finishing off a cross with precision to give his side the lead.
East Bengal, under the tutelage of Carles Cuadrat, struggled to find their rhythm and break down Bengaluru’s organized defense. Although they pushed forward in search of an equalizer, particularly in the second half, their lack of cutting-edge in the final third was evident. Madih Talal and Dimitrios Diamantakos tried to link up but couldn’t find the breakthrough that their team desperately needed.
For Bengaluru FC, this result is a promising start to the season. Their defense, which looked shaky at times last year, appears more solid, while Venkatesh’s emergence is an exciting development. East Bengal, on the other hand, have some work to do, particularly in finding the right balance between attack and defense.
Chennaiyin shock Odisha with second-half comeback
In what turned out to be one of the most thrilling matches of the opening week, Chennaiyin FC came from behind to defeat Odisha FC 3-2 in the ISL. The game started with Odisha on the front foot, as Diego Mauricio converted an early penalty after Hugo Boumous was fouled in the box. Chennaiyin seemed rattled as Odisha controlled possession, creating numerous chances to extend their lead, but a lack of clinical finishing kept the scoreline at 1-0 going into halftime.
Chennaiyin came out firing in the second half, with Farukh Chaudhary scoring twice in quick succession (48th and 51st minute) to turn the game on its head. The first came after a well-timed run into the box, where he tapped in a Connor Shields cross. His second goal was a gift, capitalizing on a howler from Odisha goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who failed to clear the ball properly, allowing Chaudhary to score with ease.
Daniel Chima Chukwu added a third for Chennaiyin with a stunning half-volley from the edge of the box, effectively sealing the win. Although Roy Krishna pulled one back for Odisha in stoppage time, it was too little, too late. Odisha, unbeaten at home last season, were left shell-shocked.
Mohun Bagan squander two-goal lead
The highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City ended in a 2-2 draw, with both teams showing why they are considered title contenders this season. The first half was dominated by Mohun Bagan, who took the lead early when Tiri turned a low cross from Liston Colaco into his own net. Greg Stewart, instrumental in Mohun Bagan’s attacking play, set up the second goal with a header that Alberto Rodriguez scrambled home, giving the Mariners a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the break.
Mumbai City, however, responded brilliantly in the second half, with Tiri redeeming himself by scoring at the other end in the 70th minute. The Islanders continued to press for an equalizer, and in the 90th minute, Thaer Krouma fired a stunning shot from just outside the box, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and leveling the score at 2-2.
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