In an exhilarating round of Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 action, multiple teams showcased their tactical prowess and resilience, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Chennaiyin FC pulled off a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against NorthEast United, while Bengaluru FC maintained their unbeaten streak with a narrow 1-0 win over Punjab FC, setting a new league record for minutes without conceding. Mumbai City FC clinched their first win of the season, and Mohun Bagan triumphed in the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby against East Bengal. Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters staged a stunning comeback to defeat Mohammedan SC 2-1.
Chennaiyin FC’s stage comeback win in Guwahati
Chennaiyin FC secured a dramatic 3-2 come-from-behind victory over NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, on Thursday. The match began with the hosts taking an early lead, as NorthEast United capitalized on a swift counterattack. Parthib Gogoi’s well-timed pass found Nestor Albiach in the box, and the Spanish forward made no mistake, slotting the ball past Chennaiyin’s goalkeeper to give NorthEast a 1-0 lead in the 5th minute.
However, the visitors were quick to respond and grew into the game, with sustained pressure on NorthEast’s defense. Their persistence paid off in the 25th minute when Wilmar Jordan Gil equalized, rising highest to meet Connor Shields’ corner kick with a powerful header. This goal shifted momentum in Chennaiyin’s favor, and just nine minutes later, they earned a penalty after a reckless challenge in the box. Lukas Brambilla stepped up confidently and slotted the ball into the bottom corner, turning the game around and giving Chennaiyin a 2-1 lead going into halftime.
Chennaiyin FC came out with purpose in the second half and wasted no time extending their lead. Wilmar Jordan Gil doubled his tally for the night, netting his second goal in the 47th minute after a defensive lapse by NorthEast. His clinical finish made it 3-1, putting Chennaiyin in firm control of the match. Despite NorthEast United’s attempts to get back into the game, Chennaiyin’s defense remained resilient.
In the dying minutes, NorthEast United were awarded a penalty, which Alaaeddine Ajaraie calmly converted to make it 3-2. However, Chennaiyin managed to hold on for the remainder of the game, clinching their second win of the season. This victory will boost Chennaiyin’s morale as they continue their ISL campaign, showcasing their ability to fight back from behind and maintain composure under pressure. Meanwhile, NorthEast United will be left to reflect on defensive errors that cost them crucial points.
Bengaluru FC extends record defensive feat
Bengaluru FC continued their unbeaten streak in the ISL 2024-25 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Punjab FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. A decisive goal from Naorem Roshan Singh in the 43rd minute proved to be the difference between the two sides, as Bengaluru FC maintained their grip on the top of the table.
The win also saw Bengaluru set a new league record for the longest minutes without conceding a goal at the start of an ISL season, reaching 481 minutes and surpassing Jamshedpur FC’s previous record of 456 minutes set during the 2017-18 season. Naorem Roshan Singh, a key figure in Bengaluru’s attack, netted the solitary goal after receiving a precise cross from Sunil Chhetri. Singh’s sharp movement and clinical finish gave his team the lead just before halftime.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 58th minute when Bengaluru were reduced to 10 men following a red card shown to Chinglensana Singh for a second yellow card. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Bengaluru’s defense remained resolute, led by the experienced Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. Punjab FC pushed hard for an equalizer, with their best chance coming in the 74th minute when Mushaga Bakenga’s powerful strike rattled the crossbar. However, they failed to break through Bengaluru’s organized defense, leaving them frustrated as the match ended 1-0.
Mumbai City FC win first of the season as worries increase for Manolo
Mumbai City FC finally secured their first victory of the season with a well-earned 2-1 triumph over FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium. The Islanders dominated much of the first half, scoring twice to establish a commanding lead before holding on for the win. This victory also extended Mumbai City’s impressive unbeaten streak against Goa to 13 matches.
Nikolaos Karelis opened the scoring for Mumbai in the 21st minute, expertly heading in a well-placed free-kick delivered by Yoell van Nieff. Karelis’ movement in the box and his powerful header left FC Goa’s defense scrambling, as Mumbai took control of the game. Just before halftime, Van Nieff himself got on the scoresheet, doubling Mumbai’s advantage with a composed finish after a clever buildup, showcasing his attacking prowess as well as his earlier playmaking.
FC Goa, however, fought back in the second half and found a glimmer of hope when they were awarded a penalty. Armando Sadiku stepped up and converted from the spot in the 65th minute, bringing his side back into contention. Despite Goa’s efforts to push for an equalizer, Mumbai City’s defense remained solid, denying any further chances and protecting their lead.
While FC Goa had a few moments of promise in the second half, Mumbai’s control and discipline in the first half proved too much to overcome. The Islanders’ first win of the season marked a turning point, while their unbeaten run against Goa continues to be a psychological advantage in their head-to-head battles.
Mohun Bagan yet again dominates East Bengal in Kolkata Derby
Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a commanding 2-0 victory over arch-rivals East Bengal FC in the Kolkata Derby during Matchweek 5 of the ISL 2024-25 season at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday. Goals from Jamie Maclaren and Dimitrios Petratos sealed the win in front of 60,000 electrifying fans.
The game started evenly, with both teams battling for control in midfield. Mohun Bagan had their first big chance in the 18th minute when Greg Stewart found Maclaren, but East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill made a brilliant point-blank save. The Mariners continued pressing and finally broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Manvir Singh’s sensational cross found Maclaren, who calmly slotted it past Gill.
In the second half, Mohun Bagan maintained control, dictating the tempo with superior possession. They almost doubled their lead in the 59th minute, but Liston Colaco’s long-range effort lacked power to beat Gill. East Bengal made attacking changes, bringing on Dimitrios Diamantakos, Jesin TK, and others, but struggled to break down Mohun Bagan’s defense. In the 89th minute, a reckless tackle by Gill led to a penalty, which Dimitrios Petratos converted to secure the victory.
Greg Stewart, who was named Player of the Match, orchestrated Mohun Bagan’s midfield with three chances created, eight crosses, and an impressive 31 completed passes out of 35 attempts. This win marked Mohun Bagan’s eighth derby victory against East Bengal in the ISL, continuing their dominance in the historic rivalry.
Kerala Blasters stage thrilling comeback to secure 2-1 win over Mohammedan
In an intense ISL clash at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kerala Blasters FC came from behind to defeat Mohammedan SC 2-1, marking a away win after conceding first for the first time in 27 games. Mohammedan SC’s Mirjalol Kasimov opened the scoring with a 27th-minute penalty after debutant Kerala Blasters goalkeeper Som Kumar brought down Franca in the box.
Kerala Blasters, however, showed resilience and came back stronger in the second half. The introduction of Kwame Peprah in the 64th minute proved to be the game-changer, as he quickly equalized within three minutes of his arrival. Peprah latched onto a cross from Noah Sadaoui, leaving Mohammedan’s defense in disarray before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper.
Riding the momentum, Kerala Blasters pressed hard, and their efforts paid off when Jesus Jimenez netted the winning goal in the 75th minute. A beautifully weighted cross from Naocha Singh found Jimenez in the box, where he out-jumped his marker to head the ball home.
Mohammedan SC’s last-minute attempt to level the score was denied by a brilliant save from Som Kumar, who kept Lalremsanga Fanai’s effort at bay, ensuring a second win of the season for Kerala Blasters.
Jamshedpur FC beat Hyderabad FC 2-1 comfortably
Jamshedpur FC secured a 2-1 victory over Hyderabad FC in a well-executed tactical display at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. The win propelled Jamshedpur to second place in the Indian Super League table, further showcasing their formidable home form under coach Khalid Jamil.
The match started with Jamshedpur taking a measured approach, and they were rewarded in the 29th minute when Rei Tachikawa capitalized on a rebound from Imran Khan’s shot that hit the post. Tachikawa pounced on the loose ball to score, catching the Hyderabad defense off guard.
Just before halftime, Jamshedpur doubled their lead. Jordan Murray made the most of a precise pass from Mohammed Sanan, chipping the ball over Hyderabad’s goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh to give the home side a commanding 2-0 advantage. Murray’s goal highlighted the Red Miners’ ability to take advantage of defensive lapses, as Hyderabad struggled to cope with Jamshedpur’s clinical finishing.
Hyderabad, however, came out strong in the second half. Cy Goddard pulled one back for the visitors in the 50th minute, taking advantage of a defensive miscommunication from Jamshedpur. Despite dominating possession with 58% and attempting 18 shots, Hyderabad couldn’t find the equalizer, as Jamshedpur’s defense, marshaled by Stephen Eze, stood firm.
Jamshedpur’s goalkeeper Albino Gomes also made crucial saves to maintain their lead, helping his side secure all three points. Hyderabad’s creative efforts, particularly through Goddard and their wingers, were neutralized by Jamshedpur’s excellent defensive structure and game management.
This victory keeps Jamshedpur in the race for the top spots, while Hyderabad FC continues to struggle near the bottom of the league standings.
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