In football, goals are the ultimate display of a team's offensive prowess. A goal can come from a meticulous build-up of calm and composed passes or from a swift counter-attack. Goals, regardless of their nature, captivate audiences, keep them on the edge of their seats, and make hearts race. The excitement peaks during stoppage time, especially when a team is trailing or tied. When an equaliser or a winning goal is scored in those final moments, the stadium erupts, and fans watching on TV burst into joyous celebration.

Teams need to showcase remarkable resilience and determination to find the back of the net when it comes to scoring late goals. With that, take a look at the teams with the most injury-time goals in the ISL since its inception in 2014.

1) NorthEast United - 24 goals

Representing the football-loving region of Northeast India, NorthEast United FC, nicknamed "The Highlanders," have made a significant impact with 24 goals in second-half stoppage time. Their resilience in the latter stages of matches has often turned the tide in their favour.

That was evident in the previous season under head coach Juan Pedro Benali, where NorthEast United FC were one of the most exciting attacking sides and came close to reaching the playoffs.

Notably, their 2020-21 campaign was one of their most successful, finishing third in the points table and making it to the semi-finals. The 2023-24 season was notable for another reason, with NEUFC scoring 30 goals, their highest tally of goals in the league.

2) FC Goa - 21 Goals

FC Goa have formed a reputation as one of the most lethal attacking teams in the league and have stuck to their attacking philosophy since inception.

This trend continued even in last season under Spanish head coach Manolo Marquez, under whom FC Goa had a successful campaign in ISL 2023-24, finishing third on the table and reaching the semi-finals.

FC Goa's football culture is deeply rooted, and the club has produced legends such as Ferran Corominas and Edu Bedia. The Gaurs have consistently demonstrated their ability to score late, often securing crucial points. Their 2018-19 season was particularly remarkable as they reached the final, narrowly missing out on the ISL Cup. The 2019-20 season also saw FC Goa scoring a record number of 46 goals, their best ever in terms of goal scoring and ending the season as Shield winners.

3) Chennaiyin FC - 18 Goals

Chennaiyin FC have won the ISL Cup two times and have been regulars in the playoffs since inception. And a big reason for that has been their attacking prowess which has seen them score goals in stoppage time.

The most memorable one was Stiven Mendonza’s title-winning goal in the ISL 2015 final against FC Goa in Goa. While Chennaiyin FC made the 2023-24 playoffs after a three-season hiatus, their attack has been sharpest in the league.

The 2022-23 season was their best in terms of goals scored as the Marina Machans netted 36 goals. Under Owen Coyle last season, Chennaiyin FC netted just 26 league goals but there were plenty of decisive ones in extra time which played a crucial role in them qualifying for the playoffs.

4) Bengaluru FC - 16 Goals

Bengaluru FC have been part of the league since the 2017-18 season and have achieved success, winning the ISL Cup once. Despite having not won any silverware since then, their ability to strike late has been a hallmark of their fighting spirit.

Their most successful campaign came in the 2018-19 season when they clinched the ISL title, boasting the second-best goal tally that campaign. The 2017-18 season was also notable, with the team scoring 35 goals and making a strong push in the league.

5) Mumbai City FC - 16 Goals

Mumbai City FC have been one of the most successful ISL clubs in recent times, winning two League Shields and as many ISL Cups in the last four seasons.

The Islanders' late goals in stoppage time have often been the difference between victory and defeat, highlighting their tenacity and never-give-up attitude. That was evident in the 2023-24 season and also in the final where Jakub Voltus sealed the deal for the team against Mohun Bagan Super Giant to secure the Cup.

Their 2020-21 season was particularly outstanding, as they won both the League Shield and the ISL Cup and became the first club to do so. The 2022-23 season also saw them score a league historic record of 54 goals, making them one of the most feared attacking teams in the league.