The first matchweek of 2025 was an eventful one as away sides dominated proceedings. Only two home teams were able to record victories as a total of 18 goals were scored across six matches.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant continued their incredible surge towards the League Shield defence as they eased past Hyderabad FC 3-0 at home. Mohammedan SC held NorthEast United FC to a goalless draw before FC Goa saw off Odisha FC in a six-goal thriller in Bhubaneswar.

Jamshedpur FC continued their pursuit of the top six spots with a 2-1 win over Bengaluru FC before Kerala Blasters FC recorded a memorable win over Punjab FC.

A five-goal humdinger between East Bengal FC and Mumbai City FC which saw the latter emerge victorious concluded the matchweek.

Here are the key takeaways from the matchweek.

Defence is the best form of attack for Mariners

Tom Aldred got on the scoresheet for Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Thursday just a week after Alberto Rodriguez had netted a brace for the Mariners.

Aldred's goal was the ninth goal by a defender for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL 2024-25, the highest for any team so far this season and five more than the next best.

While the Mariners are already blessed with an array of top-quality options in attack, their defence chipping in with goals has really made them a very difficult team to beat.

Mohammedan SC’s lack of goals

Mohammedan SC have picked up two points in their last two matches after gritty performances but despite keeping clean sheets in consecutive games, they have been unable to record victories.

Mohammedan SC have now failed to score in five consecutive ISL games, with only Chennaiyin FC (7) and Hyderabad FC (6) failing to score in more games on the bounce in the competition.

The Kolkata side need to find a route to goal if they are to reward their new-found defensive resolve with points.

Gaurs extend dominance over Odisha FC

FC Goa recorded a fine win away from home against Odisha FC, a team they have always managed to get better off in the ISL.

With the 4-2 win, FC Goa remain unbeaten against Odisha FC in the ISL (W7 D4), scoring a goal in each of the 11 clashes; in fact, the Kalinga Warriors are the only side yet to beat the Gaurs in the competition (min. 4 games played).

Manolo Marquez’s side have also been very strong on the road, a strength that is fueling their title challenge. FC Goa are now unbeaten in their last seven away games (home of opposition) in the ISL (W4 D3), their joint longest such run in competition history (also 7 games – W4 D3 between October 2023 and February 2024).

Jamshedpur FC’s home dominance

Jamshedpur FC have emerged as serious contenders for the playoffs in ISL 2024-25 and a big part of this upturn from last season is their excellent home form.

Khalid Jamil’s men beat League Shield-chasing Bengaluru FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex stadium on Saturday to record their seventh home win of the season.

They have seven out of the eight games in Jamshedpur this season.

Their form on the road has been terrible so far with the Red Miners claiming just three points on the road, but their home form if maintained might be enough to take them through to the playoffs.

A rare feat for Kerala Blasters FC

With their 1-0 win against Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters FC kept their first away clean sheet in the ISL after 14 such games in the competition. They had failed to keep an away clean sheet in the entirety of 2024.

Kerala Blasters FC also became just the third side to win an ISL game after receiving two or more red cards after Mumbai City FC (4 vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant on 20 December 2023) and Chennaiyin FC (2 vs Kerala Blasters FC on 16 December 2014 with both these bookings coming in AET).