Matchweek 12 was going to be a crucial week in the Indian Super League (ISL) in shaping the top half of the table before the year-end.

As the final Matchweek before the international break, this was the last opportunity for teams to end the year on a sweet note. Teams such as Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters FC, and Mumbai City FC capitalised on this chance.

Odisha FC featured twice in Matchweek 12 and secured wins over Punjab FC and Jamshedpur FC.

Kerala Blasters FC shocked Mohun Bagan SG away from home, inflicting the third straight defeat of the season on the Mariners.

Mumbai City FC, who lost to the Blasters in the previous Matchweek, bounced back in style, beating Chennaiyin FC.

NorthEast United FC and FC Goa locked horns in the final game of the Matchweek, where the spoils were shared in Guwahati.

As we head into the international break, here's a look at the key takeaways from Matchweek 12.

End of FC Goa's stellar defensive record from open play

FC Goa had gone over 600 minutes without conceding from open play, but that record came to an end against NorthEast United FC.

A rare lapse in concentration from the FC Goa backline resulted in a goal from Jithin MS. This was just the fifth goal that the Gaurs conceded this season, and Manolo Marquez’s side had not conceded from open play for 615 minutes.

Despite shipping goals in their previous two games, the Gaurs have kept six clean sheets in the 10 games they have played so far this season.

Their defence was once again solid in the draw against NorthEast United FC, restricting the Highlanders to just one goal, but it was their attack that let them down. However, the Gaurs continue to boast the meanest defence in the league.

No stopping Roy Krishna

Roy Krishna continued his red-hot form this season, guiding Odisha FC to wins in both their matches in Matchweek 12. His goal was the difference in the game against Punjab FC. Krishna then ran the show against Jamshedpur FC, contributing two goals and an assist, rallying his side to a comeback win.

His goal against Punjab FC meant that he has scored against every club in the ISL. His brilliance against Jamshedpur FC also saw him set a new record for the player with the most goal contributions (73) in ISL history.

With seven goals and an assist from 12 games, Krishna is Odisha FC’s top scorer this season and is stealing the limelight from fellow teammate and last season’s top scorer Diego Mauricio.

Kerala Blasters FC's defence leads the way in win over Mohun Bagan SG

Kerala Blasters FC's clash against Mohun Bagan SG in Kolkata was arguably the most anticipated fixture of Matchweek 12, and it was the Blasters who came out on top in this cagey battle thanks to a well-taken goal by Dimitrios Diamantakos.

It was a crucial three points for Ivan Vukomanovic’s side as they finally ended their winless streak against the Mariners.

The Blasters’ defence once again laid the foundation for the win. KBFC have now recorded three straight clean sheets, their second joint-longest streak and the first since the 2014 season.

This was the second straight clean sheet away from home for Vukomanovic’s men this season. They have conceded 10 goals so far this season, ranking fourth in the list among the sides with the least conceded goals.

Fortress Mumbai Football Arena

Mumbai City FC have been solid in their home games this season and this was evident in Matchweek 12 too. Their 3-0 win against Chennaiyin FC continued their unbeaten run at the Mumbai Football Arena this campaign. In six games played at home, the Islanders have notched four wins and two draws.

Mumbai City FC fans have been in full voice in all of their home games this season, and their support was once again constant as Petr Kraty’s side returned to winning ways. Mumbai City FC has lost just one league game at home since the start of last season, making the Mumbai Football Arena an intimidating and tough venue for opposition teams.