The Kalinga Super Cup has never been short on drama, but the 2025 edition’s Round of 16 truly set the tone with some high-profile exits and eye-catching performances.

The opening round gave us a bit of everything: upsets, individual brilliance, tactical masterclasses, and more. Defending champions East Bengal FC, previous finalists Odisha FC, as well as Hyderabad FC, Mohammedan SC, and Bengaluru FC all bowed out early, making way for some fresh storylines

But that’s what cup football is all about, isn’t it? On the day, it’s less about past glory and more about who shows up hungry. And if the opening round is anything to go by, we’re in for a thrilling ride.

With that, here are five major talking points from the opening round.

1) Catala gets off to a solid start at Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC fans had every reason to tune in with renewed hope at the Kalinga Super Cup and new head coach David Catala didn’t disappoint in his first competitive game as head coach. The Blasters looked like a well-oiled machine in their Round of 16 clash, securing a 2-0 win over East Bengal FC thanks to goals from Jesus Jimenez and Noah Sadaoui. But it wasn’t just about the goals.

The real story was how confident and composed they looked in and out of possession. There was a noticeable shift in their attacking patterns; quick combinations, swift counters, and equally sharp build-up play from the back. Catala seems to be laying down a blueprint for a side that can switch gears with ease and the players are buying into it.

While it's still early days, this was a statement performance, one that shows the Blasters are ready to move on from last season’s inconsistencies and make a deeper run this time.

2) Punjab FC pull off a giant-killing against Odisha FC

This result raised more than a few eyebrows. Odisha FC, hosts and runners-up in the last two editions, were sent packing by Punjab FC. And it wasn’t a lucky, last-minute winner or a fluke red card that paved the way for their win. Punjab FC were clinical, composed and walked away with a well-deserved victory.

The star of the night? Argentine midfielder Pulga Vidal. He orchestrated the midfield with calm authority, scored one goal, and assisted another for Asmir Suljic. Punjab FC’s approach was clear — play direct, play fast and punish any space left behind. Odisha FC, who were guilty of not converting their chances, paid the price dearly.

If this version of Punjab FC sticks around for the rest of the tournament, a few more teams could be in trouble.

3) Mumbai City FC looking like themselves again

Mumbai City FC had a disappointing ISL season. For a club that’s built a reputation around attacking flair, dominance and winning trophies, crashing out of the playoffs hurt. But their 4-0 win over Chennaiyin FC was the perfect reminder of what the Islanders are capable of when everything clicks.

Captain Lallianzuala Chhangte was in electric form, bagging a brace and assisting another. The front line played with aggression and purpose, something that had gone missing during the league season. Their midfield, which often looked disjointed earlier, hummed with cohesion.

This was vintage Mumbai City FC: ruthless, stylish and clinical. If they can carry this form forward, they’ll be among the favorites for the title.

4) Ajaraie resumes business

NorthEast United FC’s attacking show against Mohammedan SC was one of the most complete team performances of the round. And leading the charge was none other than their talisman, Alaaeddine Ajaraie.

The ISL Golden Boot winner showed exactly why he’s considered one of the league’s most dangerous forwards, netting a brilliant hat-trick and setting up another. His movement, finishing and link-up play were on point, basically a reminder to every team out there that if you don’t mark Ajaraie, he will make you pay.

But what stood out even more was how well-supported he was. Jithin MS, Guillermo Fernandez and Nestor Albiach also got on the scoresheet, showing that NorthEast aren’t a one-man army. It’s early days, but the Highlanders seem to be peaking at just the right time.

5) Guarrotxena steps into the spotlight as FC Goa’s go-to man

FC Goa may have said goodbye to Armando Sadiku ahead of the Kalinga Super Cup, but it looks like Iker Guarrotxena is more than ready to shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities on his own. The Spanish forward, who had previously shared the attacking duties with Sadiku, delivered a masterclass against Gokulam Kerala FC, scoring a clinical hat-trick.

His second goal was especially classy, a sharp run followed by a first-time finish that underlined his instincts in front of goal. With Sadiku’s departure, Guarrotxena now becomes the undisputed spearhead of FC Goa’s attack.

Backed by creative talents like Dejan Drazic, Borja Herrera and others, Guarrotxena looks well-equipped to lead the line. FC Goa have always been synonymous with fluid attacking football and with Guarrotxena in this kind of form, they’re still very much in the conversation.