5 Of The Best Matches in ISL History
Football
9 years. 1000+ goals. Some amazing matches. Here are a few, to get you in the mood for ISL 2023-24!
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Chennaiyin FC 3-2 FC Goa ISL 2015 Final
The Indian Super League 2015 final. The biggest stage of all. The high pressure and stakes sometimes make games like these attritional and cautious, but not this one. A goal from either team just before the hour mark set things up nicely. With 3 minutes to go, it looked like the Fatorda stadium had their first ISL title with Jofre Matheu’s fine goal. Chennaiyin FC though, had other ideas. An unfortunate own goal right on 90 mins from the FC Goa keeper as a result of unrelenting pressure from the home side made it 2-2. With penalties on everyone’s minds, Stiven Mendoza snuck in to slot home the winner in stoppage time to break Goan hearts and secure Chennaiyin’s first ever trophy to pin drop silence. It was a heart stopping, magical end to a fantastic season and FC Goa who had finished top of the league table and came within a minute of winning the league truly understood the meaning of ‘it’s not over until the fat lady sings’. Surreal!
FC Goa 5-4 Chennaiyin FC 2016
Sometimes a dead rubber can turn into one of the most exciting games in football. Nothing evidences that more than FC Goa’s almost ludicrous 5-4 win over Chennaiyin FC in the 2016 Indian Super League. Two goals in the first 5 minutes, and 5 goals in the first half hour saw Chennaiyin up 3-2 at half-time. With 20 minutes to play, FC Goa’s Sahil Tavora levelled things up. The last 15 minutes didn’t let up either. First, FC Goa nudged ahead thanks to Rafael Coelho before an 88th minute penalty from Liverpool legend John Arne Riise looked to have settled things. Up popped that man Sahil Tavora again, deep into stoppage time, to send his team, the Fatorda stadium and the whole of Goa into raptures! The 9 goals scored remains an ISL record for the most goals in a single game.
Delhi Dynamos 4-3 ATK Mohun Bagan 2017
Interim ATK manager Ashley Westwood welcomed marquee signing Robbie Keane back from injury and the Republic of Ireland striker duly repaid his faith with a stunning brace. For ATK fans though, it was overshadowed by a brilliant Delhi Dynamos comeback in the last half-hour that saw them pick up all 3 points in an important fixture. Keane’s goals came close to each other just before the hour mark with the teams locked at 1-1. With 20 minutes to go, Delhi Dynamos turned it on. Kalu Uche’s 10th goal of the season reduced the deficit to one. A minute or so later Seityasen Singh scored the equalizer to add to his earlier assist and it was suddenly 3-3. Both sides went hell for leather in the last 15 minutes, but it was substitute Matias Mirabaje who completed a phenomenal comeback for the home side in the dying embers of the game. A magical result for the Dynamos against the two-time champions and a game their fans won’t forget soon!
ATK Mohun Bagan 3-1 Bengaluru FC 2019-20 (Semi-final second leg)
Bengaluru FC headed to Kolkata with a 1-0 lead from the first leg against ATK. They quickly added to their advantage, scoring in the 5th minute of the away match.
With a 2-0 aggregate lead and an away goal, Sunil Chhetri and his team seemed poised for the final. Possessing the league's strongest defense, the Blues were expected to fend off ATK, who had shifted from their usual counter-attacking style to a more aggressive approach.
However, the eventual champions found a way to turn the tide. Roy Krishna netted a goal around the 30-minute mark, followed by David Williams, his strike partner, who secured a penalty and converted it in the 63rd minute. Williams sealed a 3-1 victory with an impressive header at the 80-minute mark.
Watch it here.
Odisha FC 6-4 SC East Bengal 2021-22
Odisha FC sent shockwaves through the league with their surprise victory over Bengaluru FC in their opening match. In their second game of the 2021-22 season, the Juggernauts faced off against Kolkata giants SC East Bengal. The Red and Gold Brigade were eager to rebound from their loss to ATK Mohun Bagan in the initial Kolkata Derby, seeking a chance to make their mark. The opening goal came from Darren Sidoel, only to be quickly matched by Juggernauts' captain Hector Rodas.
As the game progressed, SC East Bengal struggled to maintain control, while Odisha FC remained on the lookout for scoring opportunities. Despite the Kolkata team's efforts to turn the tide, the Juggernauts displayed an aggressive stance, amassing a total of five goals by the end of the match.
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ISL 2023-24 IS ALMOST HERE!
The 2023-24 ISL season, celebrating a decade of excellence, is set to ignite football passion with its 10th installment. Expect remarkable goals, attacking brilliance, and tactical innovations, alongside strong defensive setups.
Bengaluru FC, fresh from a season of multiple final appearances, has revamped their squad. Noteworthy additions include Indian wingers Rohit Danu and Halicharan Narzary, along with the experienced duo of Curtis Main and Slavko Damjanovic. FC Goa and Odisha FC are making waves in the transfer market. Both clubs have secured ISL-winning coaches - Manolo Marquez for FC Goa and Sergio Lobera for Odisha FC. Odisha FC has further strengthened their ranks with the acquisitions of Jahouh, Roy Krishna, and Mourtada Fall. These moves set the stage for a thrilling season ahead, brimming with competitiveness and talent.
Stay tuned to Paytm Insider, as tickets and more info on the teams will be out soon.
