The Indian Super League (ISL) season resumed with a bang as Matchweek 13 saw plenty of nail-biting action.

A total of 20 goals were scored across six matches by 17 different goalscorers with only one team managing to keep a clean sheet. 

The Matchweek got underway with Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC sharing the spoils after a 1-1 draw before FC Goa maintained their unbeaten record with a 2-0 win away to Hyderabad FC. 

Also Read: ISL 2023-24: What to look forward to in Matchweek 14

Odisha FC kept up their incredible recent form as they defeated Kerala Blasters FC in Bhubaneshwar. Saturday’s doubleheader kicked off with a big win for Punjab FC against Bengaluru FC before a cracking Kolkata derby ended level-pegging at 2-2. 

Matchweek 13 concluded with Jamshedpur FC’s stunning 3-2 comeback win at Mumbai City FC. 

As the dust settles on Matchweek 13, here is a look at the key takeaways from the week gone by.

Khalid Jamil makes instant impact at Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC acquired four points from their two matches after the restart to sit in the sixth position in the table. A draw against NorthEast United FC and a famous win away at Mumbai City FC mean that Khalid Jamil has reignited the Jamshedpur FC squad and the Red Miners are likely to mount a serious challenge for the playoffs spots.

Jamil has helped Jamshedpur FC gain 35% of their total points this season despite managing just 15% of their matches. His ability to motivate his players stood out in the 3-2 win against Mumbai City FC. 

After a good Kalinga Super Cup campaign, Jamshedpur FC have carried the form into the ISL and the Khalid Jamil era is off to a superb start. 

Marquez’s happy Hyderabad return

Manolo Marquez made a happy return to Hyderabad FC, a team he led to ISL Cup glory in 2021-22 and spent three fruitful seasons at. 

Managing his FC Goa side who are unbeaten in the ISL this season, the Spaniard was able to keep his emotions aside as he masterminded a 2-0 win over his former team. 

The Yellow and Blacks have been a shadow of their former self since the departure of Marquez and FC Goa’s rise that coincides with his arrival goes to suggest the calibre of the Spaniard. 

Roy Krishna reaches landmark in statement win for Odisha FC

Odisha FC’s League Shield credentials were expected to be put to a serious test when leaders Kerala Blasters FC came to town. It seemed that Sergio Lobera’s team may find it too big a hurdle to overcome when Dimitri Diamantakos gave the Blasters the lead on the night. 

But Roy Krishna helped Odisha FC turn the game on its head with a brace that helped the Kalinga Warriors leapfrog the Blasters and go level on points with leaders FC Goa. 

In the process, Krishna became just the third player in ISL history after Bartholomew Ogbeche and Sunil Chhetri to register 50 goals. A true legend of the league. 

Will we see a different Punjab FC in the second half of the season?

Punjab FC produced an inspiring second-half display as they came from behind to beat Bengaluru FC 3-1 in New Delhi to pick up just their second victory of the season. The victory leaves them just two points adrift of the playoff places and their performance on Saturday was an encouraging one for their supporters. 

Strengthened by their winter signings and the return to fitness of Wilmar Jordan Gil, Punjab FC have a lot more quality at their disposal at their disposal than in the first half of the season. 

With their spirit and new-found quality, expect Punjab FC to have a much bigger say in the second half of the season.

Carles Cuadrat’s East Bengal FC are here to stay

East Bengal FC have been on a high since winning the Kalinga Super Cup but Carles Cuadrat’s side proved that the win in Bhubaneswar wasn't just a flash in the pan when they got their first-ever Kolkata derby point in the ISL. 

The Red and Gold brigade were minutes away from securing their first-ever win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ISL only for Dimitri Petratos to spoil their party. 

But East Bengal FC have shown that they can compete with the very best on a consistent basis in the last two months and the second half of the season could see a coming of age for Cuadrat’s team. 

Mumbai City FC in transition

Mumbai City FC have done a good job of digesting changes on multiple fronts this season and still remaining in the race for the League Shield. However, they faced the first real setback of this transition period as they threw away a 2-0 lead to lose to Jamshedpur FC. 

The Islanders were excellent in the first half but couldn't maintain their levels in the second as Jamshedpur FC stormed to victory. The Islanders have lost key players like Greg Stewart, Abdenasser El Khayati and Rostyn Griffiths but have signed Iker Guarrotxena and Thaer Krouma as replacements. However, the new signings will need time to settle down as head coach Petr Kratky who is also pretty new at the helm tries to find a winning formula for the Islanders.