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Apart from the six boring goalless draws – five of which happened very recently – the fifth season of the Indian Super League (ISL) has been an exciting affair. Some breath-taking goals and nail-biting finishes have ensured the tournament lives up to its reputation.
The tournament saw defending champions Chennaiyin FC’s performance go from bad to worse with every match. Also, two-time finalists Kerala Blasters’ suffered a series of defeats after the opening day ATK win, leading to a dip in attendance for their home matches from the Manjappada.
ATK, after a forgettable season last time around, are slowly making their progress along with Jamshedpur FC, who just missed their play-off berth last time.
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There’s been no stopping of Bengaluru FC as they have maintained their hold over the top spot on the ISL table. But the surprising team this season is definitely the NorthEast United FC, sitting at the third position of the league table. The Highlanders have never finished within the top-four but with some exciting talents this time around, they are surely the team to beat.
With some exciting talent in every team, the matches have been a treat to watch. We've picked out five of the most exciting matches of this season:
#5 FC Goa 3-2 Delhi Dynamos
Delhi Dynamos are often being criticised for their lack of fighting spirit on the pitch. Delhi would either drew or lose a match despite being in a favourable position. But against FC Goa, the real Delhi emerged, something the supporters were waiting for.
Against a dominant side like Goa, it was thought Delhi would have a tough time on the field. Surprisingly, Delhi had the upper hand for most of the match.
They went ahead through a brilliant goal from Bikramjit Singh. Though Edu Bedia got the equaliser, there was no stopping Delhi. They got the lead again thanks to superb effort from Lallianzuala Chhangte.
It was 75 minutes on the clock and supporters were waiting for an upset. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Delhi lost their concentration in the final quarter of the match and allowed opposition to score two goals.
It was a traditional display from Goa but the way Delhi put up an inspiring performance was an example for all the other teams.
#4 Bengaluru FC 2-1 Pune City
After the sudden departure of Miguel Angel Portugal due to poor results, it took some time from interim coach Pradyum Reddy to set the house in order at FC Pune City. Portugal failed to identify the strengths of his players as the results went from bad to worst.
Though Pune lost the match against Bengaluru, credit should be given to them for showing the grit throughout the match. Pune, with some resolute defending, kept Bengaluru attackers at bay for 88 minutes, until Harmanjot Khabra and Rahul Bheke’s combined heroics ensured there were no slip-ups for the table toppers.
Pune City started attacking right from the word go, keeping the Bengaluru defenders on their toes. The complexion of the game could’ve changed with a superb goal from winger Udanta Singh. The Manipuri shot from the edge of the box to beat Kamaljit Singh.
But it was not be as Rahul Bheke slipped the ball into his own net during a clearance. Bengaluru kept attacking the opposition but Adil Khan and Matt Mills were superb in the back. Martin Diaz and Ashutosh Mehta also kept Sunil Chhetri under check.
A momentarily lapse in concentration in 88th minute saw Bengaluru score the winning goal. It was the 15th goal after 75 minutes for Bengaluru this season.
#3 Jamshedpur FC 4-1 FC Goa
Perhaps the most disgraceful result for FC Goa this season. Against a resilient Jamshedpur, they not conceded four goals in the match, but also dealt with a blow in their campaign.
Goa missed the services of Ferran Corominas badly in the match as the Spaniard was suspended. Without Coro, there was less number of attacks inside Jamshedpur’s half and the Red Miners used the opportunity to pile more pressure on their opponents.
Michael Soosairaj opened the scoring for Jamshedpur but Mourtada Fall equalised soon after. The first half was stalemate but Jamshedpur came out with all guns blazing in the second half.
Goals from Soosairaj, Memo and Sumeet Passi ensured a demotion for Goa and Jamshedpur could’ve scored more if chances were not missed.
The match exposed Goan defence, which has been vulnerable since the beginning of the season. Moreover, the Goan attackers also didn’t found their rhythm. The match brought an opportunity to Goa coach Sergio Lobera to work more with his defence.
#2 NorthEast United 2-1 Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters continued their tradition of conceding late goals in a crucial match. The visitors were playing well and took the lead in the 73rd minute through Matej Poplatnik. Just keeping the momentum could have earned them the second win of the campaign.
On the contrary, they allowed opponents to take control of the match. The match saw a brilliant fight-back from NorthEast United FC in front of their home fans as they scored not one, but two goals in the injury time to take all the three points.
NorthEast coach Eelco Schattorie also deserved to get the credit. Immediately after conceding the goal, he introduced Juan Mascia, sacrificing a defender. Also Nikhil Kadam was brought in place of Redeem Tlang to push for more attack on the wing. His intent was clear with these decisions – to earn at least a point.
NorthEast players did one better. After Barthalomew Ogbeche got the equaliser at the 92nd minute from the spot, super-sub Mascia scored the winner seconds before the final whistle to find joy among the home fans.
#1 Chennaiyin FC 3-4 NorthEast United
The highest scoring affair of this season’s ISL as the spectators of Marina Arena witnessed as many as seven goals in 90 minutes. However, they had to return with grim faces as the home team suffered another defeat.
The match witnessed the first hat-trick of the season, scored by NorthEast United's Barthalomew Ogbeche in the space of 10 minutes. After Rowling Borges’s own goal gave Chennaiyin FC an early lead, Thoi Singh piled more pressure on the opponents by scoring another in the 15th minute.
Ogbeche though reduced the margin in 29th minute, Thoi scored again three minutes later to put Chennaiyin in a commanding position. But there was no stopping of Ogbeche. The former Paris Saint-Germain players scored two more goals in the first half to complete his hat-trick.
The scoreline looked 3-3 at the end of the first half, something the fans will remember for the rest of the season. NorthEast got an early goal in the second half as Borges made amends to his mistake.
Despite the best efforts by Chennaiyin, the home side couldn’t find an equaliser.
Honourable mentions -
Delhi Dynamos 2-4 Mumbai City FC
FC Pune City 2-0 FC Goa;
FC Goa 4-2 FC Pune City;
FC Goa 5-0 Mumbai City FC;
Bengaluru FC 1-1 Mumbai City FC
