Fans are the lifeblood of any sport and it’s no different in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) either. They watch from the stands and on television, follow updates and share their emotions every step of the way. The electric atmosphere, the glittering lights and rousing cheers elevate the league’s games from a competition between footballers to a living, breathing event that encompasses fans across the country.

With the match schedule announced for ISL 2017-18, we decided to listen in to what the fans felt, and from what we saw, the excitement for a brand new season was palpable.

FIXTURES ARE OUT!The #HeroISL 2017-18 season begins on November 17th! Full schedule & timings: https:/t.co/cR64Nrwyc1 #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/ZqtskVbFty

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) September 22, 2017

Each of the ISL clubs, including the two debutants this season, had their supporters chiming in with their views.

Looking forward to @ChennaiyinFC kick off the new #HeroISL season. The #Supermachans will be keen to get their hands back on the trophy!!

— Kushal Naik (@kush21naik) September 22, 2017

Scheduled to kick off on November 17 in Kolkata, two-time champions and current title holders ATK will face their fellow finalists from last year, Kerala Blasters FC, in what is touted to be a thrilling opening encounter.

And there’s no surprise who this big inaugural match-up will shine its spotlight on. Iain Hume, the ISL’s all-time highest goal-scorer, took to Twitter himself to express his delight on the fixture being announced. He dons his Kerala colours once again and we can’t wait to see how it will all unfold for him in this edition.

What a way to start the @IndSuperLeague ! @KeralaBlasters v @atkworld_ #OpeningCeremonies Can’t wait to get started! 🇮🇳⚽️👌🏼 https:/t.co/hN2VlX55OF

— Iain Hume (@Humey_7) September 22, 2017

It has all the makings of a blockbuster and passions will run high – on both sides. Understandably, the football-crazy ATK fans, like an impatient Debolin Sen, are all set for action to unveil in their backyard.

Cmon @atkworld_ ! Can't wait to see my fav team in action.

— Debolin Sen (@deb_sene) September 22, 2017

Not to be outdone, the Yellow Army joined in the conversation as well. Raring to get started, Sarath Mohan lay bare that his heart was firmly ensconced with his favourite team, Kerala Blasters FC.

we are always ready! if you say the match is today evening still you can expect a full house! #YellowMeinKhelo Excited😍😍

— Sarath Mohan (@drsrt7) September 22, 2017

Up next was NorthEast United FC with defender Nirmal Chettri raising the battle standard. Their opponents in their first home match are newcomers Jamshedpur FC who already seem to have a devoted fanbase that is raring to see their team in action.

Highlanders mark your date of @NEUtdFC Home & Away @IndSuperLeague matches.Looking forward to the season's opener home game in Guwahati✌️ https:/t.co/dCqvpOxbrt

— Nirmal Chettri (@nirmalchettri03) September 22, 2017

All the best @JamshedpurFC . Go and grab this moment this must be going to the most memorable one for all #HeroISL #LetsFootball .

— Sunil Kumar (@iamsunil44) September 22, 2017

Meanwhile, the other ISL debutant Bengaluru FC have much to look forward to, especially after the club put out a cheeky tweet that stirred the pot for Kerala Blasters fans!

Now that the #ISL schedule is out, tell us which fixture you're looking forward to the most, @WestBlockBlues? 😉

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) September 22, 2017

@WestBlockBlues March 1st! Mark the date, west block flukes. We're gonna paint kanteerava yellow @kbfc_manjappada

— Tubelight (@YehTuneKyaKiya) September 22, 2017

The fans from Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC were also eager to see their teams play on their respective home grounds.

Looking forward to seeing ex-Mumbai City FC captain Chhetri on the field again even if its against us!!!!#HeroISL

— babasish nanda (@babasish03) September 22, 2017

ALL Chennai games!

— AS (@JuzSci) September 22, 2017

And of course, there were the unbiased fans of the ISL, the sporting spectacle that sets every Indian football fan’s heart racing.

More teams, more action, more entertainment, more fun. #HeroIsl #Isl #letsfootball

— Abinash Martin (@Abinash_24) September 22, 2017

Wowww😎😍😍😍😍 waiting 😘😘😘😘for Indian super league 😁😚😚😚😚😚

— Pradeep Chipra (@PradeepChipra) September 22, 2017

If you missed the big announcement about the ISL 2017-18 season fixtures, click here to get the complete lowdown on what is about to transpire, come November 17. Have a match that you’re most looking forward to? Who will you be rooting for? Tell us in the comments below.