The opening matchweek of Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-25 season threw up some surprises with heroes emerging from different quarters. 

All four goals in the 2-2 draw between Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC were scored by centre-backs before Farukh Choudhary sent a reminder of his abilities by netting a brace in Chennaiyin FC’s 3-2 win against Odisha FC. Vinith Venkatesh was then the hero for Bengaluru FC as they edged past East Bengal FC. 

Old star Luka Majcen and Filip Mrklak combined to hand Punjab FC all three points against Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi, before NorthEast United FC’s Allaeddine Ajaraei broke Mohammedan SC’s hearts. 

Jordan Murray and Javier Siverio inspired a comeback for Jamshedpur FC against FC Goa as the first matchweek drew to a close. 

As we head into a new week of ISL action, here’s the Team of Matchweek 1

Formation: 3-5-2

Goalkeeper

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

One of only two goalkeepers to keep a clean sheet in Matchweek 1, Sandhu is an automatic choice. His presence at the back acts as a guiding light for the Bengaluru FC defence and he was a key figure against East Bengal FC. He made two saves on the day. 

Defenders

Alberto Rodriguez (RCB - Mohun Bagan SG)

 

The Spaniard had a solid ISL debut for Mohun Bagan SG as he was solid at the back for most parts and also scored the team’s second goal. He also completed 26 passes in the game and the Mariners conceded the second goal after he was withdrawn. 

Tiri (CB - Mumbai City FC)

At the opposite end of the pitch, Rodriguez’s compatriot Tiri had a solid outing. While he was guilty of scoring the own goal that gave Mariners the lead, he made amends with a strong defensive display and also spared Mumbai City FC’s comeback with a goal in the second half. He completed 46 passes and made four interceptions during the game. 

Stephen Eze (LCB - Jamshedpur FC)

The Nigerian delivered a Man of the Match performance for Jamshedpur FC at centre-back. He was a rock in the defence that helped the Men of Steel survive waves of FC Goa attacks in the first hour, allowing them to stay in the game and mount a late comeback. 

Midfielders

Vinith Venkatesh (RWB - Bengaluru FC)

The 19-year-old midfielder had a dream debut for his home club as he scored the winner against East Bengal FC on his ISL debut. Having joined the club as an 8-year-old, it was a heart-warming moment for him, the club and the fans to see him make such an impact for the first team. Watch out for him in the upcoming matches. 

Connor Shields (RCM - Chennaiyin FC)

Shields ran the show in the Chennaiyin FC midfield in the second half against Odisha FC and provided an assist. He completed 16 passes in the match and was a constant threat to Odisha FC. His incessant running caused unsettled the Odisha FC midfield and also destabilised their defence. 

Farukh Choudhary (CM - Chennaiyin FC)

The Indian attacking midfielder made an excellent start to the new season scoring a brace in Chennaiyin FC’s 3-2 win at Odisha FC. Choudhary linked up well with Shields and forward Daniel Chima Chukwu to produce excellent combination play which proved to be too hot to handle for Odisha FC. 

Mohammed Bemammer (LCM - NorthEast United FC)

NorthEast United FC’s best player last season hit the ground running this season too with a commanding performance in the middle of the pitch. He completed 33 passes and ensured the Highlanders had control of proceedings for large parts against a highly motivated opponent playing in front of their fans.

Noufal PN (LWB - Mumbai City FC)

Mumbai City FC’s super sub made an impressive ISL debut as he assisted Thaer Krouma for the equaliser. He was a constant menace down the left-flank and caused constant problems for the Mariners. The pressure eventually told as Mumbai City FC were able to get back into the game. 

Forwards

Luka Majcen (LF - Punjab FC)

The Slovenian came on as a sub and changed the game for Punjab FC. He scored one and assisted the other as the Shers left Kochi with three points for the second season in a row. The forward though suffered an injury during the game and now will miss 6-8 weeks of action. 

Jordan Murray (RF - Jamshedpur FC)

Murray came on as a second-half substitute for Jamshedpur FC against FC Goa and the Men of Steel were so much better after his arrival on the pitch. His efforts were rewarded deep in stoppage time when his sharp shot from the edge of the box found the back of the net to give his team all three points.

Coach

Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC)

The Indian head coach got his tactics spot on as his team constantly troubled FC Goa with their direct approach. The Gaurs were the dominant force in the first half but their influence on the game faded as Jamshedpur FC’s physicality took over. It was another famous win away from home for Jamil in the ISL.