Toppling the opponent: Longest unbeaten Hero ISL streaks between two teams
In the history of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), a number of teams have made fascinating unbeaten runs against particular sides, and which has caught the attention of fans and football pundits alike.
In the history of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL), a number of teams have made fascinating unbeaten runs against particular sides, and which has caught the attention of fans and football pundits alike. Be it relatively newer entrants like ATK Mohun Bagan or old Hero ISL outfits like FC Goa, quite a few teams have been able to maintain their unbeaten streaks against their opponents for quite a long time.
Bengaluru FC with their debut season heroics and Jamshedpur FC against NorthEast United FC complete the list of teams with longest unbeaten runs in the Hero ISL. The latest streak to come to an end was FC Goa's defeat against a decisive Kerala Blasters FC matchweek 6 of the Hero ISL at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi.
Here, we will take a look at the top five unbeaten streaks in ISL history.
1. FC Goa – 10 matches vs Kerala Blasters FC (2017-18 to 2021-22)
The Gaurs were unbeaten for 10 consecutive matches against Kerala Blasters FC until the last match week.
A momentous accomplishment by the Gaurs, they won home and away against the Blasters in the league during the unbeaten run. The unbeaten run began on December 9th, 2017 with a massive 5-2 win over the Blasters.
It spanned over a period of five seasons, taking the tally to 10 unbeaten games against Kerala Blasters FC. However, the run came to an end as Vukomanovic's men emerged triumphant in their latest visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, as they took home all three points in an emphatic victory.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱!
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) November 13, 2022
കാലാകലങ്ങളായിട്ടുള്ള കാത്തിരിപ്പ് അവസാനിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു!#KBFCFCG #ഒന്നായിപോരാടാം #KBFC #KeralaBlasters pic.twitter.com/7xrxc0kRSP
2. Bengaluru FC – 7 matches vs FC Goa (2017-18 to 2021-22)
The 2017-18 season marked the entry of Bengaluru FC into the Hero ISL. It was a dream debut season for the outfit, as they qualified for the playoffs as the table toppers.
Being in their first season, Bengaluru FC were considered a strong side and gave competition to every opponent they faced. Especially against FC Goa, against whom they had an unbeaten streak of seven games that spanned from January 18th, 2018 to February 21st, 2021. Unfortunately, their streak ended later in the 2021-22 season with a 2-1 defeat away from home.
3. FC Goa - 7 matches vs NorthEast United FC (2017-18 to 2021-22)
FC Goa are widely known for the unbeaten streaks they have produced over the years in the Hero ISL. They are in fact the toughest to beat when on song and are among the elites of the competition.
Another such unbeaten streak was against NorthEast United FC, which began during the 2017-18 season when they drew 2-2 against The Highlanders at home in quite a fascinating contest. The Gaurs' long unbeaten run of seven games ended in the 2021-22 season with a 2-1 away defeat against NorthEast United FC.
4. Jamshedpur FC – 6 matches vs NorthEast United FC (2017-18 to 2020-21)
The 2017-18 season was the debut season of Hero ISL for Jamshedpur FC. Being the new entrants, much was expected from the team and they performed well considering the pressure of being a new team in the league. The Men of Steel ended their debut campaign with a 5th place finish.
Jamshedpur FC have always fancied playing against NorthEast United FC. They boast an amazing head-to-head record against them in the league, with an unbeaten streak alongside their name against the Highlanders. It began in the first year itself, i.e. the 2017-18 season and ended in the 2020-21 season.
Even though the streak might have ended, Jamshedpur FC have let the opposition record only a single win against them since they became a part of the Hero ISL.
5. Mumbai City FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan (2020-21 to 2022-23)
Mumbai City FC are another such team who have been consistently performing in the Hero ISL and are always right at the top while title contendership is discussed. The Islanders have brewed a recent rivalry against ATK Mohun Bagan, given the high-profile of both the teams. The side has performed marginally better most of the times in the league.
FT: MCFC 2⃣-2⃣ ATKMB
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) November 6, 2022
After a fantastic game of end to end football, the spoils are shared between the clubs at the Mumbai Football Arena. #MCFCATKMB #MumbaiCity #AamchiCity🔵 pic.twitter.com/WBgPHlz4Gs
The coastal side from the west have remained undefeated against the Mariners since the 2020-21 season and the streak is still active after 6 games between them so far.
