Stunning comebacks, thrilling results, Kerala Blasters FC’s resurgence and the 100th goal lights up Matchweek 7
Matchweek 7 of the Hero Indian Super League brought more thrills, upsets and unimaginable comebacks with super-subs leading the way.
This action-packed Matchweek gave spectators a total of 18 goals, including the 100th goal of the Hero ISL this season. Let’s look back at the biggest highlights.
Well-rested super-subs make heavy impact
Matchweek 7 involved teams using the full extent of the new Hero ISL breaks of upto a week between games – many teams tested out well-prepared new talents from their squads in their starting XIs, keeping some of their stars on the bench to bring the impact if needed.
In the second game of Matchweek 7, Odisha FC put on a resilient display at the Salt Lake Stadium as they came from behind to defeat East Bengal FC. The Juggernauts were two goals down at half-time. Head coach Josep Gombau rolled the dice with four substitutes, and the right numbers came up – his side scored four second-half goals, three of which came from the substitutes, to snatch all three points. Pedro Martin stole the show after bagging a two-minute brace just two minutes after coming on.
Super-subs were the topic of discussion again when Chennaiyin FC added to the woes of injury-riddled Jamshedpur FC to earn their first win on home soil this season. A minute into the final quarter of the game, the game was tied at one-a-piece when head coach Thomas Brdaric decided to throw Vincy Baretto and Abdenasser El Khayati on. Moments later, Baretto scored with his first touch of the match, assisted by El Khayati. Not too long after that, El Khayati himself glided through the Jamshedpur defence and got on the scoresheet as Chennaiyin FC secured a 3-1 win.
Kerala Blasters surge and win ISL 2021-22 final rematch
At the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad, the stage was set for a repeat of last year’s Hero ISL final as Hyderabad FC hosted Kerala Blasters FC. The hosts were in formidable touch coming into the match, having kept 5 clean sheets in 6 games. However, Ivan Vukomanovic’s men were able to stop the defending champions in their tracks, put an end to their undefeated run this campaign and stopped them from scoring for the first time this season – all while sealing their third win on the trot after losing three in a row to end October.
Ferrando loses to his former side, and MCFC contributes again as ISL hits the century mark
From six goals in one game to ten goals in two, Mumbai City FC remained consistent on the pitch and clinical in front of goal. Following a 6-2 win in Matchweek 6, The Islanders sailed past Bengaluru FC with a commanding 4-0 victory in which all four goals came from different players, displaying the prolific attacking prowess of the men donning sky blue. This was their fourth win and third clean sheet of the season, as the deficit between first and second was cut down to one.
Matchweek 7 was wrapped up in style as FC Goa ended their winless streak against ATK Mohun Bagan FC with aplomb. The Gaurs not only scored three goals past the Mariners but also kept a clean sheet – their first goal bringing up 100 goals this season – signifying ATK Mohun Bagan’s failure to score a goal for the first time this season.
The substitutes were the talk of the table again in the final game of Matchweek 7 as Mohamed Fares Arnaout and Noah Wail Sadaoui came on in the second half to score the second and third goals of the match, giving Carlos Pena a crucial win over the former head coach of FC Goa.
As one exhilarating Matchweek ends, another one arrives this week, bringing more fast-paced encounters to stadiums that have come back to life this season. Odisha FC will host Chennaiyin FC at home to try and keep up their momentum after a comeback win, while FC Goa will face off against Bengaluru FC who have not scored in four games now. At the weekend, it will be a clash of two wounded giants as ATK Mohun Bagan take on league leaders Hyderabad FC, who will be put under pressure by Mumbai FC who are one point behind in second place.
Also Read: I-League Roundup: Kenkre starts brightly, Defending Champs Gokulam mean business
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…