Gameweek 8 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 came to an end with the Kerala Blasters FC-Hyderabad FC game on Sunday night. The biggest highlight of the gameweek undoubtedly was the defeat of Bengaluru FC at the hands of ATK Mohun Bagan as going into the game the Blues were the only team unbeaten this season. Kerala, meanwhile, picked up their first win this season. Then SC East Bengal came back from behind twice to steal a point against Chennaiyin FC. In another major highlight, FC Goa striker Igor Angulo burgeoned his goals tally in a high-octane encounter against Jamshedpur FC. Let’s relive all these and other moments before the next gameweek gets underway.

Carles Cuadrat’s men come short for first time this season

Bengaluru FC suffered their first defeat of the season in seven games as Kolkata giants ATK Mohun Bagan inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Carles Cuadrat’s men. With that, all 11 teams in the 2020-21 Hero ISL have now suffered a loss at least once.  David Williams’ screamer in the first half proved the difference between the two teams. The Mariners, meanwhile, registered their fifth victory of the season and found themselves level on points with table-toppers Mumbai City FC.   

Kerala register their first win of the season

Kerala Blasters FC at last registered their first win of the season. Going into the match without the seasoned trio of Costa Nhamoinesu, Bakary Kone and Gary Hooper, they beat Hyderabad FC 2-0 thanks to goals from Abdul Hakku and Jordan Murray. It was the Blasters’ first win after three draws and three losses previously. Meanwhile, Hyderabad suffered their second consecutive defeat this season having lost to Mumbai City FC last Sunday.  

Igor Angulo surges ahead in goalscoring race

FC Goa striker Igor Angulo scored two goals, including one in second half stoppage time, to help the Gaurs to a 2-1 win against Jamshedpur FC. With those goals, he took his tally to eight and opened up a two-goal lead over Nerijus Valskis who failed to score for Jamshedpur FC in the same game. It was a thrilling game pitting two of the best forwards in the league against each other. In the end, it was the Spanish striker who won the contest hands down. 

SC East Bengal come back from behind twice

Against a much-fancied Chennaiyin FC side, SC East Bengal showed great character and came back from behind twice to steal a point. Lallianzuala Chhangte put the Marina Machans ahead before Matti Steinmann found the equaliser for Robbie Fowler’s men. Rahim Ali scored his second goal of the season to put Chennaiyin back into the ascendancy, however not long after that Steinmann scored his second of the night as the match ended 2-2. It was SC East Bengal’s third draw in their last four games.

There was another 2-2 draw this gameweek featuring Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC. Diego Mauricio and Cole Alexander were on the target for Odisha, while for the Highlanders Benjamin Lambot and Kwesi Appiah wore the scoring boots. Like SC East Bengal, Odisha could not end their victory drought this season.