Matchweek 26 of the Indian Super League (ISL) kicked off with a Saturday double-header, which saw NorthEast United FC cruise to a dominant 4-0 victory over East Bengal FC at home, before League Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant capped off their home campaign with a solid 2-0 win against second-placed FC Goa.

Chennaiyin FC wrapped up their season in style with a 5-2 triumph over Jamshedpur FC. Meanwhile, Mohammedan SC and Punjab FC played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Bengaluru FC ended their season with a 2-0 home defeat against Mumbai City FC, while the final league fixture saw Kerala Blasters FC and Hyderabad FC share the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Here is the Team of the Week in a 4-1-3-2 formation:

Goalkeeper

Samik Mitra (Chennaiyin FC)

For Matchweek 26, the coveted goalkeeper position in our team is awarded to none other than Samik Mitra of Chennaiyin FC. His stellar performance was highlighted by an impressive eight saves, showcasing his agility and reflexes. This remarkable save tally translated into an equally impressive 80% save percentage, demonstrating his consistency and reliability in preventing opposition goals.

Beyond his shot-stopping prowess, Mitra also contributed significantly to his team's overall play with his recoveries, demonstrating his alertness and ability to regain possession for Chennaiyin FC.

Defenders

Khaiminthang Lhungdim (Punjab FC)

Lhungdim of Punjab FC delivered a standout performance in their season finale against Mohammedan SC, a match that ended in a 2-2 draw. The 24-year-old Lhungdim proved to be a crucial component of the Punjab FC squad. He distinguished himself on the field with impressive tackles. Furthermore, Lhungdim demonstrated his offensive capabilities by completing multiple passes in the final third, highlighting his involvement in attacking plays.

Alberto Rodríguez (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Alberto Rodríguez, the experienced 32-year-old defender of Mohun Bagan SG, played a pivotal role in his team's solid defensive display during their 2-0 victory over FC Goa. Rodríguez expertly anchored the Mohun Bagan SG defense, ensuring a clean sheet for his team. His contributions to maintaining defensive solidity were significant, marked by crucial clearances to prevent the opposition from creating scoring opportunities. Additionally, he made recoveries, effectively winning the ball back for his team and disrupting FC Goa's attacks. His leadership earned him the captain's armband in our team.

Pachuau Laldinpuia (Chennaiyin FC)

Laldinpuia's commanding performance for Chennaiyin FC in their match against Jamshedpur FC earned him a well-deserved place in our Team of the Week. His defensive prowess was evident through his impressive clearances, which effectively dealt with aerial threats and potential dangers. Laldinpuia’s aerial ability was further highlighted by the headed clearances he executed, preventing Jamshedpur FC from gaining an advantage in the air.

Moreover, he displayed excellent anticipation and awareness by making interceptions and disrupting the opposition's passing lanes. He also contributed offensively with precise final-third passes.

Ashique Kuruniyan (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Ashique Kuruniyan played a vital role in Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s victory over FC Goa. He showcased his attacking capabilities by providing vital passes in the final third, contributing to Mohun Bagan SG's offensive opportunities.

Defensively, Kuruniyan made crucial clearances, preventing FC Goa from creating dangerous situations. Furthermore, he demonstrated his awareness and anticipation by making interceptions and disrupting the opposition’s passing lanes.

Midfielders

Mohammed Bemammer (NorthEast United FC)

Bemammer was instrumental in NorthEast United FC’s 4-0 win over East Bengal FC, scoring a crucial goal and delivering a dominant performance in the midfield. He completed 31 passes in the opposition half, with 28 played forward and 18 directed into the final third. His incisive passing and attacking influence solidified his place in the Team of the Week.

Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

Chhangte’s standout performance in Mumbai City FC’s 2-0 win over Bengaluru FC earned him the Player of the Match award. Beyond his direct attacking contributions with one goal, Chhangte was heavily involved in the team's overall play, demonstrating his vision with accurate passes in the final third. Defensively, he put in a shift by registering recoveries, regaining possession for his team, and disrupting the opponent’s rhythm, justifying his selection as Player of the Match.

Greg Stewart (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Greg Stewart delivered an exceptional performance against FC Goa, earning him the well-deserved title of Player of the Match. He capped off his outstanding display with a brilliant goal that demonstrated his skill and precision.

He effectively distributed the ball in dangerous areas, completing multiple passes in the final third. Additionally, he made crucial recoveries, winning back possession for his side. Stewart also demonstrated his physical presence by winning important duels across various parts of the field.

Irfan Yadwad (Chennaiyin FC)

Yadwad played a key role in Chennaiyin FC’s 5-2 victory over Jamshedpur FC, scoring a brace. In addition to his goal-scoring exploits, he created two chances and contributed defensively as well to showcase his ability to impact both ends of the pitch, justifying his inclusion.

Forwards

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

Ajaraie capped off his league campaign in style, delivering a Player of the Match performance against East Bengal FC. He netted a brace to take his season tally to an impressive 23 goals. His creativity was also on display as he created four scoring chances.

Daniel Chima Chukwu (Chennaiyin FC)

Chukwu rounded off our Team of the Week with a brilliant display in Chennaiyin FC’s 5-2 win over Jamshedpur FC. He bagged two goals and provided an assist—his first of the season. He registered an Expected Goal Differential of 1.38. The Nigerian finished the campaign with six goals to his name.

Head Coach

Jose Molina (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Molina, the highly regarded coach who guided his team to League Shield glory, orchestrated a resounding 2-0 triumph over FC Goa. His tactical acumen was evident throughout the match, particularly in his strategic decision-making. The clean sheet, combined with the two goals scored, allowed Mohun Bagan Super Giant to lift the coveted League Shield trophy with joy in front of their jubilant supporters, solidifying their status as champions.

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2024-2025