Matchweek 8 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season showcased the fierce competitiveness of the league, with four of the six matches ending in draws.

The opening two matches saw winners emerge: FC Goa maintained their winning run with a 2-1 victory over Punjab FC, while Hyderabad FC staged a comeback to upset Kerala Blasters FC on their home turf.

Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC celebrated the league's historic 1,000th game with a 1-1 stalemate. In the Kolkata derby, a resilient nine-man East Bengal FC held firm to keep Mohammedan SC scoreless and register their first point on the board. Odisha FC’s clash with Mohun Bagan SG concluded in a 1-1 draw at the Kalinga Stadium.

With the international break underway, we take a moment to look back at the standout performances from an unforgettable Matchweek 8.

Goalkeeper

Prabhsukhan Singh Gill (East Bengal FC)

Gill remained resilient in goal as East Bengal FC were reduced to nine men in the first half. The goalkeeper made five vital saves, helping his team earn a crucial point and secure their first clean sheet of the season.

Defenders

Alex Saji (Hyderabad FC)

Captain Saji excelled once again in defence as his side secured their second victory of the season against Kerala Blasters FC. The centre-back played a pivotal role in neutralizing opposition attacks, making the highest number of blocks (3) in Matchweek 8.

Mourtada Fall (Odisha FC) - Captain

The entire defensive line of East Bengal FC stood to another level against rivals Mohammedan SC. Maher marshalled the backline well as he made 13 clearances, the joint-highest such tallies by any player in a single game in the ongoing ISL season.

Hijazi Maher (East Bengal FC)

The entire defensive line of East Bengal FC stepped up to another level against rivals Mohammedan SC. Maher led the backline with authority, making 13 clearances—the joint-highest tally by any player in a single game this ISL season.

Nathan Rodrigues (Mumbai City FC)

Rodrigues once again stood out with his performance for the Islanders. The youngster, in addition to fulfilling his defensive duties, found the back of the net once again, becoming the youngest Mumbai City FC player (20 years, 281 days) to score in consecutive ISL games.

Also Read: Key Takeaways from Matchweek 8

Midfielders

Andrei Alba (Hyderabad FC)

The Brazilian midfielder took his performance to the next level, netting a brace in the Blasters' backyard to secure three crucial points for his side. Alba scored the equalizer with a stunning effort in the first half, before converting a penalty in the second half to seal the win. He scored two goals from an xG of 0.9.

Connor Shields (Chennaiyin FC)

Shields was once again key to Chennaiyin FC’s attack with his powerful runs and ability to create chances. The 27-year-old provided the assist for Ryan Edwards’ goal, marking his fourth of the season.

Boris Singh (FC Goa)

Singh had a solid game against the Shers, excelling in his right-back role to strengthen his side’s defence. Besides his defensive duties, he posed a threat with his overlapping runs and effective link-up play with Mohammad Yasir.

Alberto Noguera (Bengaluru FC)

Noguera scored Bengaluru FC’s opening goal with a thunderous strike from outside the box to level the score. Beyond his goal, he delivered a consistently strong performance against NorthEast United FC, completing five dribbles in Matchweek 8—the joint-highest tally in a single game this ISL season, alongside Cy Goddard and Shields.

Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

Guarrotxena made his first start of the season against Punjab FC and was a standout performer for the Gaurs, becoming the only player to record both a goal and an assist in a single game this Matchweek. He also made five touches inside the opponent’s box and drew three fouls.

Forward

Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

Ajaraie continued his red-hot form against league leaders Bengaluru FC. The Moroccan amassed an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.31—the highest single-game xG by any player this week. Remarkably, he became the first player in ISL history to score three consecutive braces. Ajaraie took five shots, with four of them on target.

Also Read: Alaaeddine Ajaraie just can’t stop breaking records

Head Coach

Thangboi Singto (Hyderabad FC)

Hyderabad FC’s tactician finds himself in the Team of the Matchweek for the second time this season, as his team secured their second away victory. Singto got his tactics spot-on against his former side, going to the break with all three points.

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2024-2025