As the league stage of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 edges closer to its completion, a positive result has become imperative for most teams. In keeping with the requirement, Gameweek 18 saw last-ditch attempts to earn points from the likes of FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC. Meanwhile. ATK Mohun Bagan piled the pressure on leaders Mumbai City with a 2-0 victory over Bengaluru FC. In other results, Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United FC played out a goalless draw and in the last match of the gameweek between Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC both sides shared the spoils after a 2-2 scoreline. Here, we look at some of the highlights from the gameweek gone by.

FC Goa steal a late point but Mumbai City qualify

FC Goa held league leaders Mumbai City to a thrilling 3-3 draw when the two sides met on Monday. Goals from Hugo Boumous and Adam le Fondre gave the Islanders the lead. However, new signing Glan Martins, who scored the 200^th goal of the season, and Igor Angulo struck in either half to restore parity between the two sides. After Rowllin Borges bagged what he thought was the winning goal in injury time, super-sub Ishan Pandita bagged his third goal of the season from the bench shortly after to earn the Gaurs a crucial point from a hard-fought game. For the Islanders though, one point was enough to take them to the semis, first team this season to do so this season.

ATK Mohun Bagan hot on Mumbai City’s heels

ATK Mohun Bagan did the double over Bengaluru FC with a comfortable 2-0 win when the two teams faced off in Gameweek 18 on Tuesday. Roy Krishna scored from the spot to give his team the lead before Marcelo Pereira’s stunning freekick doubled their advantage over the Blues. The Mariners also profited from leaders Mumbai City’s draw the day before and further reduced their deficit on the Islanders to just one point.

Jamshedpur FC secure late win after David Grande goal

Jamshedpur FC kept their hopes of a top-four finish alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Chennaiyin FC on Wednesday. The Marina Machans were made to regret their missed chances earlier in the game when a goal in the final minute of regulation time gifted Jamshedpur FC the three points. Spanish striker David Grande scored for Jamshedpur. This win means Owen Coyle’s side are now just two points behind the top-four spots.

Mauricio scores a brace in entertaining draw

Odisha FC forward Diego Mauricio scored a brace against Kerala Blasters FC and took his goals tally for the season to nine. He put the team ahead in the first half but then second-half goals from Jordan Murray and Gary Hooper turned the tables big time on Gerald Peyton’s men. However, Mauricio wasn’t to take all this as a mute spectator and a few minutes later – in the 74^th minute -- he got the equaliser. It proved the last goal of the game.

In another draw of the gameweek, Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United FC shared the points after neither side could break the deadlock. It was Hyderabad’s fifth draw in their last eight matches. The other three ended in outright wins for them.