Matchweek 18 of the Indian Super League (ISL) spanned seven days, during which all teams participated except Mohun Bagan SG. This matchweek saw Punjab FC, Mumbai City FC, and NorthEast United FC playing twice, while Hyderabad FC earned their first point after going eight matches without one.

Notably, Mumbai City FC secured a playoff spot by defeating Punjab FC this week, becoming the second team to do so after Odisha FC.

With 17 goals scored and three clean sheets kept throughout the matchweek, the match between Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC ended in a 1-1 draw at the Furnace.

With the conclusion of matchweek 18, we have selected the best eleven players of the week using a 3-4-3 formation.

Goalkeeper

Debjit Majumder (Chennaiyin FC)

 

Debjit Majumder played a significant role in Chennaiyin FC’s 2-1 win against Odisha FC, putting an end to their 13-match unbeaten streak. The Kolkata-born goalkeeper made a couple of crucial saves to thwart numerous Odisha FC attacks, securing three important points for his team at home.

Defenders

Ankit Mukherjee (Chennaiyin FC)

 

Ankit Mukherjee broke the deadlock from a Rafael Crivellaro corner against Odisha FC in the sixth minute of the game. The Bengali full-back initiated numerous attacking moves down the right flank with his quick overlapping runs, forming effective partnerships with Connor Shields and Vincy Barretto.

Aleksander Jovanovic (Bengaluru FC)

 

Bengaluru FC’s Australian defender stood firm in the defensive line, guiding his side to a narrow 1-0 win against Kerala Blasters FC. Jovanovic led his team from the back, thwarting the opponent’s goal-bound movements and helping secure their fourth clean sheet of the ISL 2023–24 season.

Mohammed Uvais (Jamshedpur FC)

 

Mohammed Uvais was instrumental through the left flank, showcasing his quick overlapping runs and delivering inch-perfect crosses into the box for his forwards. He also made several crucial interceptions against the Islanders, effectively denying them space on the down-left flank.

Midfielders

Javi Hernandez (Bengaluru FC)

 

Javi Hernandez's solitary goal served as inspiration for Bengaluru FC to extend their six-match unbeaten run against Kerala Blasters FC at home. The Spanish attacking midfielder played a pivotal role for his team, orchestrating offensive moves. Notably, he won the second-highest number of fouls (7) in a single match against the Blasters.

Joao Victor (Hyderabad FC) (c) 

 

Joao Victor's crucial equalizer against NorthEast United FC earned his team a share of the points after enduring eight consecutive defeats in the ISL 2023–24 season. Alongside Mark Zothanpuia and Lalchhanhima Sailo, the Brazilian midfielder showcased a commanding performance at the centre of the pitch, enabling his team to gain control of the game.

Rafael Crivellaro (Chennaiyin FC)

 

Rafael Crivellaro notched his first goal contribution against Odisha FC by providing the assist for Ankit Mukherjee’s early goal. With this contribution, the Brazilian attacking midfielder has now accumulated six assists in the ongoing season.

Madih Talal (Punjab FC)

 

Madih Talal demonstrated his sublime technique by scoring the opening goal for the Shers from the edge of the box. The French creative midfielder played a pivotal role for Punjab FC, forming a dynamic partnership with Luka Majcen and Wilmar Jordan Gil up front to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities.

Forwards

Makan Chothe (Hyderabad FC)

 

Despite being trailed by a 2-0 scoreline, Hyderabad FC made a second-half comeback to level the scoreline thanks to Makan Chothe, who notched the opener with his brilliant-headed goal in the 70^th minute. The 24-year-old winger has been playing a decisive role for his team with his quick feet and mature understanding of the game. 

Iker Gurrotxena (Mumbai City FC)

 

Iker Gurrotxena's brace propelled Mumbai City FC to achieve a league double against a resurgent Punjab FC team, securing a 3-2 victory in an away fixture. However, Gurrotxena suffered a knee injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the season.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

 

Lallianzuala Chhangte found the net twice in this matchweek, once against Punjab FC and another against Jamshedpur FC. Notably, with his goal against the Men of Steel, the Indian forward has now tallied a goal or an assist in each of his last four games against the same opponent.

Head Coach: Gerard Zaragoza (Bengaluru FC)