The Indian Super League (ISL) resumed after the international break with Matchweek 9, delivering thrilling moments for fans. From home dominance to brave displays by away sides, the week had it all. Most notably, it was a goal fest, with 21 goals scored across six matches, averaging 3.5 goals per game.

The action kicked off with ten-man NorthEast United FC showcasing a resolute defence to secure a 2-1 away win against Punjab FC. Mohun Bagan Super Giant followed up with a commanding performance against Jamshedpur FC, climbing to the top of the table.

Kerala Blasters FC snapped their losing streak in spectacular style, beating Southern rivals Chennaiyin FC 3-0. Adding to the excitement, Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC registered their first win in four games with a thumping 6-0 win over Hyderabad FC.

Punjab FC, featuring twice during the week, recovered from their earlier loss to NorthEast United FC with a 3-0 triumph over Mumbai City FC – their biggest away win. The week concluded with Bengaluru FC reclaiming the top spot at the end of the week after a dramatic late comeback, thanks to heroics from Sunil Chhetri.

Matchweek 10 is already underway, but before diving into the new action, let’s revisit the standout moments from Matchweek 9.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant assert home dominance

The Mariners picked up where they left off before the international break, with Jose Molina’s side reaffirming their superiority at home.

Against Jamshedpur FC, they scored three goals and secured another clean sheet, marking their fourth clean sheet in five games. The Mariners dominated throughout the 90 minutes, with Australian defender Tom Aldred opening the scoring. Remarkably, he became the fourth defender from the team to score this season.

Liston Colaco and Jamie Maclaren added to the tally, with Manvir Singh providing assists for both goals. The home side left no room for resistance from the opposition.

Blasters outshine Southern foes

At halftime in Kochi, the scores were level, and the game could have gone either way. But Kerala Blasters FC had a different script in mind. Mikael Stahre’s men delivered a remarkable second-half performance to break their three-game losing streak.

They scored three goals and exhibited a solid defence to keep the Chennaiyin FC attackers at bay, registering their first clean sheet of the season and their first in 20 ISL matches. The attacking trio of Noah Sadoui, Adrian Luna, and Jesus Jimenez combined brilliantly, showcasing chemistry that promises much for the games ahead.

Odisha FC rediscovere their groove

The Kalinga Warriors finally looked like themselves after a patchy run of form. Their commanding 6-0 win over Hyderabad FC should serve as a significant confidence booster as they aim to climb higher in the table.

The home side struggled to counter Odisha FC’s relentless attacks. While Hyderabad FC showed flashes of intent, it was the visitors who proved clinical. Isak Vanlalruatfela, Diego Mauricio, Mourtada Fall, Puitea, and Rahim Ali all scored one goal each for Sergio Lobera’s side, with an own goal from Parag Shrivas rounding off the tally. This marked the third instance of Odisha FC scoring six goals in an ISL game, with the previous two occasions against East Bengal FC.

The Shers roar loud

Punjab FC produced the upset of the week. After their home defeat to a ten-man NorthEast United FC side earlier in the week, Panagiotis Dilmperis’ team responded emphatically with a stunning 3-0 victory over Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena.

Ezequiel Vidal, Luka Majcen, and Mushaga Bakenga each found the net, recording Punjab FC’s joint-biggest margin of victory in the ISL and their largest away win. Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC remained in the bottom half of the table, unable to improve their position after the defeat.

Chhetri rescues Bengaluru FC again

The newly promoted Mohammedan SC were on the verge of another impressive win, but Sunil Chhetri had other plans. Mohammedan SC took an early lead through Cesar Manzoki, stunning the Blues. They stuck to their game plan, defended resolutely, and threatened on the counterattack.

However, Bengaluru FC's pressure mounted as Sunil Chhetri, coming on as a substitute, scored a late equalizer from the penalty spot after Manzoki conceded a foul in the box. Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Chhetri connected a brilliant header which took a deflection off Florent Ogier and went into the back of the net, leaving the home fans heartbroken and helping Bengaluru FC reclaim their spot at the top.