Matchweek 14 of the Indian Super League (ISL) was very significant for mid-table teams looking to secure their places in the playoffs.

Across six matches, 15 goals were scored, and we saw two foreigners, Tomi Juric and Felicio Brown, register their maiden ISL goals for their respective clubs. Only two games ended on level terms, while Hyderabad FC failed to hit the net despite playing twice in the matchweek.

The action kicked off with Odisha FC's convincing win over Hyderabad FC. Resilient Bengaluru FC edged past the Marina Machans in their first game of the week but could not double their tally as they played out a 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur FC. This matchweek also saw Sergio Lobera's men reach the top spot in the league table, while they also held unbeaten FC Goa to remain in the position.

Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC edged past East Bengal FC, and Mohun Bagan SG overcame Hyderabad FC's challenge in Saturday's doubleheader.

Also Read: ISL 2023-24: What to look forward to in Matchweek 15

As we head into Matchweek 15, here's a look at the key takeaways of just-ended Matchweek 14.

Odisha FC reach the top of the table



Brazilian forward Diego Mauricio's brace and Fijian striker Roy Krishna's strike inspired Odisha FC to top the table, beating Thangboi Singto's young Hyderabad FC squad.

For the first time in tournament history, the Kalinga Warriors were at the top of the table after matchweek 14.

Delighted with his team's performance, Sergio Lobera shared, “I am very happy. I think we got three important points. Today we are going to sleep at the top of the table. Let's wake up, maybe in some days, but now we are in this situation, and I'm happy."

Bengaluru FC continue their winning habit against Chennaiyin FC



Ryan Williams's solitary goal led Bengaluru FC to secure their eighth victory against Chemmaiyin FC in the ISL.

Bengaluru FC had the upper hand from the offset, creating numerous goalscoring opportunities, but failed to covert their chances as Williams's second half ended up being the difference in the southern rivalry.

The Blues were superior in terms of ball possession, successful passes, and shots on target, but couldn't extend their lead as the Marina Machans stood strong, fighting till the end for the equaliser.

FC Goa hold off Odisha FC to continue their unbeaten streak



In the top-of-the-table clash between heavyweight sides, FC Goa drew against Odisha FC, missing out on their opportunity to regain their top spot.

Lobera's men took an early lead thanks to Roy Krishna's clinical finishing, displaying his positioning sense inside the box. However, the Gaurs responded instantly with Jay Gupta's phenomenal strike to make a quick comeback in the game.

“Our team played with a lot of order. Maybe the first goal was hard for our team, but we reacted well by scoring one ourselves. Jay Gupta had very good action. And in my opinion, the second half was very close — a 50-50 situation. Then, for me, the score is a fair score," FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez reacted after sharing points against the Kalinga Warriors.

NorthEast United FC end their winless run against East Bengal FC



NorthEast United FC registered their first victory against East Bengal FC, where they put a curtain on Carles Cuadrat and his men's 12-match unbeaten streak across competitions.

The Highlanders dominated most of the game with their quick-footed wingers and speedy counterattacks.

Australian striker Juric opened his goalscoring account with a brace, while Spanish forward Nestor Albiach doubled their lead, which helped his side beat resurgent East Bengal FC.

“Well, it's gone exactly how we thought it would go. We stopped East Bengal FC’s way of playing. We changed the game plan for them, and they found it hard. It's a great team with very good players, a great coach also, and well, I'm very happy. This is the game our fans have been waiting for since the Durand Cup. And we give it to them, that’s for them. You know it's important for us, all the players are very happy, proud that our fans can sleep very well. But well, don't sleep tonight, just dream about this game. Could have been more goals, but well, this is how it is,” the Highlanders' head coach Juan Pedro Benali commented on his team's gritty performance.

Mohun Bagan SG complete league double over Hyderabad FC



Mohun Bagan SG found themselves on the winning track again as they got the better of Hyderabad FC after going four matches without a win.

The Mainers took an early lead in the game when Anirudh Thapa scored his first goal for his new team. Australian striker Jason Cummings also found his name on the scoresheet after going goalless for the last couple of matches.

Singto's all-Indian squad went toe-to-toe with the Mariners, showing their potential and quality, but fell short of breaking the deadlock as Habas's men clinched their seventh victory of the season.

Bengaluru FC's away drought continues

Bengaluru FC failed to make it a perfect week as they played out a 1-1 draw against Jamshedpur FC.

Suresh Singh Wangjam scored with a fantastic left-footed strike in the first half, but the hosts came back with Javier Siverio's inch-perfect header that made both teams share the points.

“Of course, Jamshedpur wanted to win; that's normal. They (were) playing at home, they wanted to (get the three points). After 1-0, we did not score the second goal, and then they began to send in crosses repeatedly finally they scored. But we can be happy. One point outside home is always good. And the fight (for the top six) continues," Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza asserted after the match.