The third match week of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season just drew to a close and as always, it did not disappoint.
Whether you are a die-hard fan or a neutral trying to figure out what’s going on, the entertainment was top-notch, even if you found yourself screaming at the screen more than once.
And what do we have?
Drama, check. Goals, check. Controversy, absolutely.
Matchweek 3 had it all, and if you missed it, here’s a quick rundown of all the chaos that unfolded:
1. Punjab FC beat the Nizams: The “Who Needs Corporate Entry?” Chronicles
Punjab FC, fresh from their I-League graduation, seem to have cracked the code no one else has.
They are winning games left, right, and center—this time, taking down Hyderabad FC at home.
Perhaps their secret sauce is that they did not have to buy their way into the ISL from I-League?
I mean, others might be scoffing in a corner somewhere, but hey, Mohammedan would agree!
It’s like everything’s clicking for Punjab—coach, players, all fitting together like a well-oiled football machine.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad is doing their best to claw back from financial troubles, and let’s give it to them—the young Indian squad under Thangboi Singto is putting up a fight. We love to see it
2. Mohammedan Shock the Marina Machans: Chaos with a Capital ‘C’
What do you get when you mix an underdog Mohammedan team and a chaotic Chennaiyin FC home opener? Pure ISL madness!
Mohammedan, despite having a squad that looks like a budget-friendly version of Chennaiyin’s, pulled off a win.
But this game?
Oh boy, it had everything—penalties missed, penalties that shouldn’t have been awarded, fights.
Who needs Netflix when you have games like this? This was ISL in all its chaotic glory.
3. FC Goa Beat East Bengal: Send for the Astrologer
East Bengal, one of the ISL’s biggest spenders this season, with some superstars, just can’t seem to get their act together.
Seriously, do they need to hire an astrologer to realign their ‘stars’?
The midfield was so imbalanced they had to pull one of their most expensive player off the field against the Gaurs.
Borja the ex East Bengal star though, scored all three goals against them.
Herrera’s second goal made FC Goa the first team in ISL history to hit 350 goals.
The Gaurs need to slow down a bit so others can catch up.
Carles Cuadrat, the East Bengal head coach clearly had enough, because after this loss, he threw in the towel.
Looks like his stars weren’t in his favor either.
4. Odisha FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Mourtada Fall Scores for Everyone!
Mourtada Fall took the phrase “goal-scoring defender” way too literally, netting for both sides in this clash.
His powerful header put Odisha FC 2-0 up, but then he decided to spice things up with an own goal for Jamshedpur, just to keep things interesting.
Odisha FC clung on to claim their first win of the season, despite Jamshedpur throwing everything but the kitchen sink at them.
Relentless? Yes. Effective? Well, not quite.
But hey, at least we know Diego Mauricio’s still got it!
5. Bengaluru FC vs Mohun Bagan: Chhetri’s Goal-scoring Masterclass
Sunil Chhetri is now officially the ISL’s highest-ever goal scorer.
How?
Well, he scored a penalty and overtook Bart Ogbeche’s record of 63 goals.
Not only that, Bengaluru FC’s 3-0 win over Mohun Bagan puts them top of the table, and they haven’t even conceded a goal yet.
If East Bengal’s star struggles weren’t enough, their neighbors, Mohun Bagan, seem to be stuck in the same “stars-not-aligning” rut.
Despite being one of the most star-studded teams in the league, Mohun Bagan were demolished 3-0 by a flying Bengaluru FC side.
The Durand Cup final loss was bad enough, but ISL has been no kinder to them.
One win from three games with a squad that should, in theory, be walking over opponents?
Let’s just say Jose Molina might want to keep his bags packed.
6. NorthEast United vs Kerala Blasters: Referees Ruin Another Day
If there’s one thing consistent about the ISL, it’s the absolutely baffling refereeing.
NorthEast United vs Kerala Blasters was no exception, with a red card for NorthEast’s Asheer Akhtar that even their coach had to laugh off as a “maybe yellow.”
The game ended in a 1-1 draw, but the real talking point? The bizarre officiating.
Oh, and a heartwarming moment between Moroccan players Noah Sadaoui and Alaeddine Ajaraei, who kissed and made up their differences mid-game. Sportsmanship, folks!
That wraps up the ISL match week 3. From falling stars to historic goals, and refereeing blunders that just won’t quit, the drama keeps on rolling. Buckle up for next week, because who knows what’s coming next!
One thing’s for sure: the stars will either align, or they’ll continue to keep everyone guessing!