Football has always thrived on its unpredictability. No matter how strong a team looks on paper or how dominant its form, the sport has a way of turning certainty into chaos. The Indian Super League (ISL) has offered plenty of examples over the years where teams have risen to the occasion and defied all expectations. These were matches where the sheer belief carried teams across the finish line.

These games captured the essence of why we watch football. They weren’t just games lost or won, but that shook the league and stayed etched in memory long after.

Here’s a look back at the biggest upsets in ISL history and the games which proved that in football, nothing is ever guaranteed.

FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC (ISL 2023-24 first leg semi-final)

FC Goa looked firmly in control with two goals through Boris Singh and Brandon Fernandes, establishing a comfortable lead for the home side.

But then the unimaginable happened. Mumbai City FC scored three late goals. Lallianzuala Chhangte pulled one back in the 90th minute. Vikram Partap Singh equalized shortly after and then Chhangte struck again at the death to complete an unbelievable turnaround as MCFC secured a 3-2 win."="">

This was the first time in ISL playoff history that a side overcame a two-goal deficit to win a match. The psychological blow for the Gaurs was enormous as they lost the second leg semi-final with a 0-2 scoreline, with MCFC advancing to the final.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Mumbai City FC (ISL final 2023-24)

Mohun Bagan Super Giant struck late in the first half through Jason Cummings, laying siege to a possible ISL Cup triumph in front of their home fans."="">

But Mumbai City FC roared back in the second half. Jorge Pereyra Díaz equalised early after the restart, followed by Bipin Singh’s goal and then substitute Jakub Vojtus sealed it in stoppage time.

Completing a comeback in one of the grandest settings in ISL’s history, the Islanders clinched their second ISL Cup, avenging prior heartbreak for the Shield decider contest in the same venue.

Hyderabad FC vs Kerala Blasters FC (ISL 2021-22 final)

Kerala Blasters FC had taken the lead through Rahul KP’s strike in the second half, seemingly steering the game toward their favour.

But out of nowhere, Hyderabad FC midfielder Sahil Tavora equalised in the 88th minute, forcing the match into extra time and eventually to a penalty shootout.

Heroics followed in the shootout. Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani denied three spot-kicks, leading Hyderabad FC to a 3-1 victory on penalties and their first-ever ISL Cup.

Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC (ISL 2017-18 final)

Bengaluru FC burst early ahead in their first ISL final via Sunil Chhetri, buoyed by home advantage. But Chennaiyin FC responded as Maílson Alves turned the tide with two headers just before halftime, followed by Raphael Augusto’s composed finish after the break.

Despite Bengaluru FC’s late consolation goal through Miku in stoppage time, the Marina Machans held on to win 3-2.

Having beaten a team that finished top of the table that season and rarely lost at home, it remains one of Chennaiyin FC’s greatest wins in the league.

FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC (ISL 2015 final)

This was the second ISL final and what a script it followed. After Bruno Pellissari converted a rebound penalty for Chennaiyin FC, hosts FC Goa responded through Semboi Haokip and then Jofre’s free-kick at the death to lead 2-1.

Then came the shock. An own goal by Kattimani in the 90th minute levelled it and Stiven Mendoza completed the turnaround almost immediately with a stunning run and finish.

Chennaiyin FC ended up silencing the home crowd with a 3-2 win while also clinching their first ISL Cup in the process.

Related tags:

Kerala Blasters FCHyderabad FCMohun Bagan Super GiantBengaluru FCFC GoaMumbai City FCChennaiyin FC