Matchweek 3 of the Indian Super League (ISL) brought a wave of surprises, with three teams claiming their first victories of the season. 

Among the notable winners was Mohammedan Sporting Club, who secured their inaugural ISL win with a victory over Chennaiyin FC on the road. 

Additionally, last season's semi-finalists, Odisha FC and FC Goa, also returned to winning ways. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC defeated Mohun Bagan Super Giant, solidifying their position at the top of the table. 

The final match of the Matchweek saw NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC play out a thrilling draw in Guwahati.

As this dramatic Matchweek concludes, we present our Team of Matchweek 3, featuring a 3-4-3 formation.

Goalkeeper

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

Sandhu was instrumental in Bengaluru FC's victory and clean sheet against Mohun Bagan SG, making eight saves, the highest by any goalkeeper in a single game this season. His five saves from inside the box also set a season record.

Defenders

Nikhil Poojary (Bengaluru FC)

The standout defender of the Matchweek, Poojary not only contributed an assist for Edgar Mendez’s opening goal but also helped maintain a clean sheet, showcasing his prowess at both ends of the pitch.

Gaurav Bora (Mohammedan SC)

The Kolkata Giants kept their first clean sheet of the season and Bora played a big part in helping the team claim their first win of the season. The experienced centre-back did a fine job in keeping Daniel Chima Chukwu, one of the most lethal forwards in the league, quiet and led the defence impeccably well.

Mourtada Fall (Odisha FC)

Fall had a mixed performance, scoring a crucial winner while also conceding an own goal. Nonetheless, besides netting the winner, his defensive contribution was vital as he won all seven of his aerial duels against Jamshedpur FC, achieving a 100% success rate in this aspect.

Midfielders

Noah Sadaoui (Kerala Blasters FC)

Sadaoui was the brightest attacking player for Kerala Blasters FC, scoring a stunning long-range goal to secure a vital away point against NorthEast United FC. He also recorded 12 entries into the penalty area, the second highest for the matchweek.

Filip Mrzljak (Punjab FC)

Mrzljak displayed why he is a key player for Punjab FC, adding to his tally with a goal against Hyderabad FC. He has consistently contributed to his team’s attacks, recording either a goal or an assist in each of their games this season.

Hugo Boumous (Odisha FC)

Boumous was a creative force in midfield, providing two assists in Odisha FC’s victory over Jamshedpur FC. Like Mrzljak, he has been involved in a goal or assist in each of his side's opening matches.

Borja Herrera (FC Goa)

Herrera stepped up in the absence of striker Armando Sadiku, delivering a remarkable hat-trick against East Bengal FC. He was clinical, making the most of his chances in front of goal and his performance was instrumental in securing FC Goa's first win of the season.

Forwards

Edgar Mendez (Bengaluru FC)

The Spanish forward has made a flying start to his ISL career and scored his first goal for the Blues in the league. He also provided an assist as he has done in all games in the league so far. The forward showed his predatory skills with an instinctive finish as he continued to impress with his link-up play. 

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Mauricio opened the scoring for Odisha FC with a well-placed shot from a tight angle. He demonstrated his attacking prowess with 10 touches in the opposition box, the highest recorded in Matchweek 3.

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Chhetri was a standout performer against Mohun Bagan SG, becoming the only player to record both a goal and an assist in a single game this Matchweek. His penalty marked his 64th league goal, making him the highest goalscorer in ISL history, surpassing Bartholomew Ogbeche.

Head Coach

Gerard Zaragoza (Bengaluru FC)
Zaragoza guided Bengaluru FC to their third consecutive win, notably against the defending League Shield holders. The Blues, who are top of the table, are currently among the two unbeaten teams in the league besides Punjab FC. His team not only excelled in attack but also effectively neutralised the offensive threats posed by the Mariners, preventing them from scoring for the first time this season.

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2024-2025