An eventful third matchweek of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season came to an end with an intense encounter between Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters FC on Sunday. Each match consisted of exciting and thrilling moments which captured the hearts of the spectators.

Matchweek three started with Bengaluru FC's spectacular comeback win against East Bengal FC at the Kanteerava.

Jamshedpur FC edged past Hyderabad FC with a stunning free-kick by Rei Tachikawa which helped the Red Miners get their first three points of the season.

Punjab FC drew against NorthEast United FC in the third match of this matchweek and got their first points on the board this season.

FC Goa beat Odisha FC narrowly in what proved to be a spectacular high-stakes game with plenty of chances in both ends.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant eased past Chennaiyin FC in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai with another dominating performance.

Mumbai City FC beat Kerala Blasters FC with the decisive goal by midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte.

Here are the key takeaways of matchweek three:

Javi Hernandez scored a goal for the ages

Bengaluru FC registered a spectacular comeback win against Kolkata giants East Bengal FC at the Kanteerava Stadium. East Bengal FC winger Naorem Mahesh started the game with a fantastic solo goal to take the Red and Gold into leading the match. However, a Sunil Chhetri penalty goal in the 21st minute and a Javi Hernandez overhead kick helped the Blues get the three points against the Red and Gold Brigade.

Bengaluru FC's Spanish midfielder Javi Hernandez was everywhere on the pitch during the game. He worked well with the Bengaluru FC forwards and tried to create goalscoring opportunities for his team. His understanding of space is one of the best in the league and he showed that in this match too.

He capped off his fine performance with a spectacular overhead goal in the 72nd minute of the match to complete the comeback against the Red and Golds.

Rei Tachikawa repays the Jamshedpur FC fans

Jamshedpur FC edged past Hyderabad FC with a stunning free-kick goal in the 76th minute by midfielder Rei Tachikawa.

Hyderabad FC had started the game well, creating a plethora of chances on the other end of the pitch. However, a moment of loss in concentration caused them to concede a needless free-kick on the edge of their box, from which Rei Tachikawa put the Red Miners ahead in the game.

The Japanese midfielder got himself into good areas of the pitch during the initial phases of the match. Jamshedpur FC tried to play on the counter-attack to score and Tachikawa was at the centre of their attacking play. Wrong decisions during crucial moments of the game during the first half were the main problems of Jamshedpur FC's gameplay. Tachikawa himself also made crucial mistakes in the final third a few times. However, he recovered well during the second half and scored a stunning free-kick goal to cap off his performance.

Jamshedpur FC fans also stole the limelight on the day as they created a terrific atmosphere at the Furnace and the Japanese gave the packed stadium the perfect gift by scoring the stunning winner. This will surely lift Jamshedpur FC and could be the start of something special.

Parthib Gogoi makes history

Parthib Gogoi became the first NorthEast United FC player to score in four consecutive games and the first three opening games of the season.

Punjab FC and NorthEast United FC played out a 1-1 draw in Delhi. Punjab FC looked much better in this game against the Highlanders as their defence became more solid because of the inclusion of Greek defender Dimitrios Chatziisaisas. His addition stabilised the backline and troubled the NorthEast United FC forwards. However, a brilliant goal by Parthib Gogoi stunned Punjab FC.

They came back in the second half with a goal by Melroy Assisi from a set-piece corner kick routine.

Parthib was brilliant throughout the match as he constantly troubled the Punjab FC defence with his good link-up play between the lines. He often linked up with the other NorthEast United FC forwards and caused trouble for the Punjab FC defence. What a season he is having!

A new star for FC Goa?

FC Goa and Odisha FC played out a spectacular game against each other as the Gaurs won with a 96th-minute stoppage-time goal by young left-back Jay Gupta.

Mourtada Fall scored a brace and Noah Sadaoui scored twice too, however, Gupta's goal was the difference between the two sides at the end.

Sadaoui was at the heart of every FC Goa attack throughout the match and worked tirelessly throughout the match. He constantly troubled the Odisha FC right back with his tricky runs and link-up play with the other FC Goa. He often got behind the Odisha FC defence and was one of the main men who helped FC Goa get the win.

However, the highlight of the day was Gupta's curling effort that catapulted the youngster into the limelight. The Gaurs are known for producing some of the finest young Indian talent and may have given the league a fresh prospect for the future.

Dimitri Petratos, Mohun Bagan Super Giant's X-factor

Mohun Bagan Super Giant beat Chennaiyin FC 3-1 thanks to goals from Dimi Petratos, Jason Cummings and Manvir Singh as the Mariners maintained their perfect start to their ISL 2023-24 season.

Petratos had a fantastic game as he linked up well with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant forwards to score. The Mariners played some beautiful football to beat the Chennaiyin FC press that had been trying to obstruct their attacking patterns throughout the game. Petratos found spaces to pass and also got himself into spaces to score continuously throughout the match. His efforts led to him eventually scoring the first goal in the match for the Green and Maroon Brigade.

The Australian completely disrupted Chennaiyin FC's plans to stop the Mariners' attack and his false nine role is proving to be an extremely effective tool for Juan Ferrando.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz, the fox in the box

Mumbai City FC beat Kerala Blasters in the final game of matchweek three at the Mumbai Football Arena. Goals from Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Apuia Ralte were enough to beat a strong Kerala Blasters FC side. Kerala Blasters FC had equalised with a goal by Danish Farooq in the 57th minute however Apuia scored the decisive goal for the team during the 66th minute of the game.

Diaz continued his fine goalscoring form as he instinctively got into goalscoring positions throughout the match. Mumbai City FC's attack functions well because of his positioning and clever passing in the final third. Mumbai City FC like to use the width in the pitch to create spaces in the opposition's defence and Diaz was pivotal to the way their attack functioned in the game. His goal was important for Mumbai City FC to solidify their hold in the game.

Related tags:

Bengaluru FCChennaiyin FCFC GoaJamshedpur FCKerala Blasters FCMumbai City FCNorthEast United FCOdisha FCHyderabad FCEast Bengal FCMohun Bagan Super GiantPunjab FC2023-2024