The second matchweek of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season was very much in tune with the first one as late goals, comebacks and close games were the theme again. 

Bengaluru FC kicked off the matchweek with a 3-0 win over Hyderabad FC before Punjab FC continued their dream start to the campaign with a 2-1 victory against Odisha FC. Jamshedpur FC too preserved their 100% record with an impressive 3-2 triumph against Mumbai City FC before the double-header Saturday concluded with a thrilling draw between Mohammedan SC and FC Goa. 

Sunday saw Kerala Blasters FC pick up their first win of the season at East Bengal FC’s expense with the matchweek concluding with Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s comeback victory against NorthEast United FC. 

As the league swiftly moved into another matchweek, here’s a look at the team of Matchweek 2. 

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper

Laxmikanth Kattimani (FC Goa)

Kattimani had a strong game in goal for the Gaurs as he made seven saves to thwart several Mohammedan SC attacks and keep the hosts at bay. He was also key in helping Manolo Marquez’s side build up play as he completed 19 passes. 

Defenders

Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak (RB - Mohammedan SC)

Vanlalzuidika had a solid game at right back for Mohammedan SC as they picked up their first point in the ISL. He was up against Brison Fernandes and he kept the Goan quiet for most parts of the match. He was a threat going forward and created two chances for his team. 

Rahul Bheke (CB - Bengaluru FC)

The Bengaluru FC captain was once again a rock at the back for the Blues who were tested by a young Hyderabad FC side. But Bheke marshalled the backline well as Bengaluru FC slowly grinded down the visitors to claim a comfortable win in the end. He opened the scoring for the Blues with a well-taken goal from a corner. With 17 points he was the highest-scoring player in ISL Fantasy in MW2. 

Dippendu Biswas (CB - Mohun Bagan SG)

The youngster had another good outing for the Mariners as he was excellent at the heart of their defence. He also scored his first goal for the club while completing 39 passes. He also made four clearances and one interception. 

Subhasish Bose (LB - Mohun Bagan SG)

The left-back who personifies consistency for the Mariners had another game to remember. He netted their second goal to get them back into the game. He played a hand in the build-up completing 39 out of the 47 passes he attempted and made two clearances and interceptions each. 

Midfielders 

Nihal Sudheesh (RW - Punjab FC)

Nihal Sudheesh was a constant threat to Odisha FC as his nagging runs caused Sergio Lobera’s team all sorts of problems. He was on the scoresheet and also created one chance for his teammates. This was another impactful performance from the winger after a man-of-the-match performance against Kerala Blasters FC in Matchweek 1. 

Javi Hernandez (CM - Jamshedpur FC)

The Spaniard announced himself to the Jamshedpur FC crowd with a stunning brace in the 3-2 win over defending ISL Cup winners Mumbai City FC. The midfielder ghosted past the Islanders midfield twice to score two big goals and was constantly getting between the lines and wreaking havoc in the Mumbai City FC camp. 

Alexis Gomez (CM - Mohammedan SC)

Gomez ran the show in the middle of the park for Mohammedan SC and had the biggest influence on the game among the 22 players. He made 38 successful passes and created three chances for his teammates. The Gaurs struggled to contain the midfielder all game and paid for it in the form of two points. 

Noah Sadaoui (LW - Kerala Blasters FC)

The Moroccan scored a stunning solo goal to rally his team back into the game against East Bengal FC as they went on to win the match. He was a menace to the Red and Gold brigade on the flanks and also created one chance for his teammates. 

Forwards

Alaeddine Ajaraie (CF - NorthEast United FC)

The Moroccan continued his sublime form against Mohun Bagan SG as he scored one and assisted another for his team. The Highlanders led the game 2-1 at half-time but fell to a loss but Ajaraie’s contribution to the team can’t be unnoticed. He has been a livewire inside the box and caused the Mariners all sorts of problems. 

Sunil Chhetri (CF - Bengaluru FC)(Captain)

Ageing like fine wine, Sunil Chhetri equaled Bartholomew Ogbeche as the all-time leading goalscorer in the ISL. He scored a brace after coming on as a substitute to take his tally to 63 in the ISL. He is just a goal away from being the standalone leading goalscorer in the league’s history.