The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is just a matchweek old and has already thrown up some intriguing storylines. 

The season began with a blockbuster clash between the season’s top two and they delivered an enthralling 2-2 draw. The first double header of the season saw Bengaluru FC pick up a narrow yet well-deserved win over East Bengal FC before Chennaiyin FC stunned Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar. 

Kerala Blasters FC’s homecoming party was spoilt by a resilient Punjab FC side that won 2-1 before Mohammedan SC made their much-awaited ISL bow. The matchweek concluded with a typical Khalid Jamil win for Jamshedpur FC away to FC Goa. 

As we take a breather to digest what transpired and look ahead to another action-packed week of action, here’s a look at key takeaways from Matchweek 1.

Tables turned

Matchweek 1 of ISL witnessed some shocking results if last year’s standings are to be taken as reference. Every new season is a new beginning that presents a fresh opportunity for every team but the expectations are set based on the performances over the last few seasons. 

The league table after MW1 is almost a mirror image of last season’s standings. None of the top five of last season, that had built a gap between them and the rest of the teams registered a victory in the first matchweek. Four of the teams that finished in the bottom half recorded victories, three of which came away from home. Jamshedpur FC’s triumph against FC Goa was impressive especially considering the Men of Steel ended a four-game winless run against the Gaurs. The Highlanders held their nerves against a hostile Mohammedan SC home crowd to snatch all three points in the dying minutes while Punjab FC went to a buoyant Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi and snatched all three points after late drama. 

Bengaluru FC beat fellow bottom six side from last season, East Bengal FC but a clean sheet against a potent attack would please the Blues. 

It’s still early days but if the MW1 is anything to go by then expect a really competitive season ahead. 

Odisha FC’s Kalinga fortress breached

One of the results of the matchweek was Chennaiyin FC’s 3-2 win against Odisha FC at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar. The Marina Machans did qualify for the top six last season but this victory is special as it brought to an end Odisha FC’s 13-match unbeaten run at home. 

Sergio Lobera’s side were almost perfect at home last campaign but were undone in the very first game back on home patch by a strong Chennaiyin FC side that definitely mean business this season. The fact that Owen Coyle’s team fought back from a goal down makes this victory even more special.

Vinith Venkatesh’s dream day

Bengaluru FC’s 1-0 win over East Bengal FC had a rather routine feel to it but the game was highlighted by one special moment for the home side. 

19-year-old midfielder Vinith Venkatesh, making his debut for the Blues scored the only goal of the match. Vinith who joined the club at the age of 8 has come through the youth ranks to make the cut to the first team and had a dream debut at the Sree Kanteerava stadium on Saturday as fired a low shot past Prabsukhan SIngh Gill. 

The story of a youngster developed by the club helping them get off to a winning start to the season is as sweet as it gets for any club, especially Bengaluru FC who take special pride in developing local talents. 

NorthEast United FC rejoice on Mohammedan SC’s big day

The Kishore Bharati Krirangan witnessed history as Mohammedan SC played their first match in the ISL. The stands were painted black and white with Mohammedan SC fans making their presence felt and showing ISL what a credit they are for the league. 

However, on the pitch it was the Durand Cup winners who had the last laugh as they found a way past the home side deep into stoppage time. Head coach Juan Pedro Benali had urged his team to prove that the Durand Cup success was not a miracle and the Highlanders did just that, eking out a result at a very tough place especially on such a special occasion. 

Mumbai City FC’s statement performance

Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant grabbed the two major honours last season and there was precious little to separate the two sides last season. Both teams won one game apiece in Kolkata last season but the spoils were shared during the opening encounter. 

Mohun Bagan SG raced to a 2-0 lead but Mumbai City FC staged a late comeback to steal a point. The Islanders were the better team for most parts of the game as acknowledged by the Mariners head coach Jose Molina and threatened the home side’s goal on a consistent basis. The visitors forced the hosts to defend their goal for most periods and despite going 2-0 down to two mistakes at the back, Petr Kratky’s men were unmoved and continued to attack Mohun Bagan SG with same zest. Eventually they were rewarded and left the Salt Lake stadium with a point and a psychological edge over their rivals. 

While Kratly would find areas for improvement for his team, it was a statement performance from Mumbai City FC against their strongest rivals away from home. The Islanders are not going away.