Gameweek 2 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 was a special one, with SC East Bengal finally making their Hero ISL bow after a long wait. It was another gameweek packed with high-octane encounters. Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC played a fantastic game and it was just unfortunate that the match ended in a 0-0 draw, first goalless contest of the season. In the final match of Gameweek 2, Odisha FC staged a brilliant comeback to deny Jamshedpur FC. Let’s refresh our memory and relive some of the highlights from the gameweek gone by.

Hero ISL witnesses first ever Kolkata Derby

The much-awaited Kolkata Derby finally rolled into town on Friday when fiercest rivals ATK Mohun Bagan took on SC East Bengal. This game also marked the Hero ISL debut for SC East Bengal but the club led by Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler was unable to beat Antonio Lopez Habas’ ATK Mohun Bagan. SC East Bengal though showed glimpses of brilliance particularly in the first half but could not keep their opponents quiet for long and conceded two goals in the second half and thus all three points.

ATK Mohun Bagan already look like title contenders

Having secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over SC East Bengal, ATK Mohun Bagan are quickly establishing themselves as a force to reckon with. In addition to keeping a second successive clean sheet, Roy Krishna scored his second goal of the season while Manvir Singh scored his first in ATKMB colours, leading the Mariners to their second successive victory.

Lobera puts one over on his former club

Mumbai City FC secured a late win over a 10-man FC Goa side, with Adam le Fondre scoring from the spot in second-half injury time. This match was also the first time Sergio Lobera faced his former club FC Goa in a match that featured Mandar Rao Dessai, Hugo Boumous, Mourtada Fall and Amey Ranawade, all of whom were part of the Gaurs last season.

Bengaluru, Goa yet to win this season and NorthEast stay undefeated

Bengaluru FC were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Hyderabad FC team and it was the second successive game for the 2018-19 champions that yielded them just one point. By all means Manuel Marquez’s side were marginally better on the night and had some really good opportunities to score but things entirely didn’t go their way. This means Sunil Chhetri and Bengaluru are yet to win a match this season, having previously played a 2-2 draw against FC Goa.

Another side that are yet to secure a victory this season are FC Goa. Juan Ferrando’s side worked hard to secure a draw against Bengaluru in their first game of the season but the Gaurs succumbed to a late loss against Mumbai City, led by their former head coach Lobera. However, having shown their capabilities in both attack and defence, it won’t be long before the Gaurs get back to winning ways.

Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC came back from two goals down to hold Kerala Blasters FC to a draw thanks to goals from Kwesi Appiah and super-sub Idrissa Sylla. In their first game they had pipped Mumbai City FC 1-0.  

Jamshedpur, Odisha get first points of the season

In the large part of the game, Jamshedpur appeared in the driver’s seat having scored two goals in the first half through Nerijus Valskis. However, in a stunning comeback Odisha scored twice in the second half, first in 77th minute and then in injury time, and shared the spoils. The man behind this turnaround was none other than Diego Mauricio who came on as a substitute and changed the complexion of the game with his individual brilliance. With the 2-2 draw, both teams got their first points of the season.